Are you craving the ultimate comfort food experience? Look no further! Our Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is the perfect combination of two all-time favorites: pizza and burger. This deliciously rich and indulgent recipe takes all the best parts of your favorite pizza and burger dishes and combines them into one gooey, savory pie.
This dish is easy to prepare and sure to please the entire family. Whether it’s a game night, casual get-together, or just a cozy night at home, this Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie will be the star of the meal. With its melty layers of cheese, flavorful ground beef, and crispy crust, it offers everything you love in a single bite. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe!
Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
For a hearty and delicious pie that serves six, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef 🍔
- 1 small onion, diced 🧅
- 1 cup pizza sauce 🍅
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade) 🍕
- 20 slices pepperoni (optional) 🍖
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
- Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, mushrooms, bell peppers 🌶️🍄
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
1. Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your pie to perfection.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. This process usually takes about 7-10 minutes, depending on your stove. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until no pink remains. Once done, drain any excess fat.
Next, add the diced onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together, allowing the onions to soften and the spices to infuse their flavors into the beef. This should take an additional 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Pizza Sauce
After the beef and onions are cooked, stir in 1 cup of pizza sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the beef mixture evenly. This step adds a delightful tangy flavor to your pie.
4. Assemble the Pie
While the beef mixture simmers, roll out your pizza dough. You can use either store-bought dough or make it from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. Gently press the dough into a 9-inch pie dish or baking pan, allowing some of the dough to hang over the edges.
Once the dough is evenly spread in the dish, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the dough. This layer will help the beef mixture adhere to the crust while adding a gooey, cheesy foundation.
Next, spoon the cooked beef mixture on top of the cheese layer, spreading it evenly across the dough. Afterward, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, ensuring a rich and flavorful cheesy topping.
5. Add Toppings
If you love extra toppings on your pizza, now is the time to add them! For a classic touch, layer pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like black olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture of the pie. These toppings not only add extra taste but also a pop of color to the finished dish.
6. Fold the Dough
Now, gently fold the edges of the dough over the top of the filling. You don’t have to cover the entire pie; leave some filling exposed in the middle for a rustic look. This folded edge will become golden and crispy during baking, adding a delightful crunch to each slice.
7. Bake the Pie
Place your assembled pizza burger pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles and melts into delicious perfection. Keep an eye on the pie as it nears the end of baking to avoid overcooking.
8. Let It Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese and sauce to settle, making it easier to slice.
Cut the pie into wedges and serve it warm. If desired, you can pair it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—perfect for those who enjoy an extra touch of flavor!
Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
- Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the pie with your favorite pizza toppings. Add jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
- Crispy Crust Hack: For an extra crispy finish, brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle on a bit of extra garlic powder before baking. This will give the crust a golden, flavorful finish.
- Make It Vegetarian: If you prefer a meat-free version, simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms make excellent substitutes for the beef mixture.
- Extra Cheesy Delight: Want more cheese? You can never have too much! Try adding a third layer of cheese on top of your toppings for an extra gooey and indulgent finish.
- Storage and Reheating: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until warm and crispy.
Why Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
At its core, the Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie combines two of the most beloved comfort foods into one. The juicy, savory flavor of ground beef and pepperoni, mixed with gooey cheese, perfectly complements the crispy and chewy pizza crust. It’s a fusion dish that brings together the best elements of pizza night and burger night into a single meal.
With its endless customization options and straightforward preparation, this pie is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a hearty, satisfying dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, the Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.