The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
Combining two of the most loved comfort foods—pizza and burgers—this Pizza Burger Pie is an epic culinary masterpiece. This dish features a flaky crust, a juicy burger filling, rich pizza sauce, and melty cheese. It’s baked to perfection in a pie dish and ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. With bold flavors and a satisfying texture, this recipe is destined to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Best of Both Worlds: Merges the bold flavors of a cheeseburger with the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings or burger add-ons for a personalized twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps with readily available ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and gently fit it into the pie dish. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges.
- Use a fork to poke small holes in the base to prevent bubbling.
- Brush the crust lightly with olive oil and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Burger Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula.
- Season the beef with garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef mixture aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- First Layer: Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the base of the crust.
- Second Layer: Add the cooked ground beef mixture, spreading it out to form an even layer.
- Third Layer: Pour the remaining pizza sauce over the beef and spread evenly.
- Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses generously over the sauce. Add sliced pepperoni, diced bell peppers, and olives on top.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza Burger Pie
- Place the pie dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil during baking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top for added flavor.
- Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
Variations
Meat Lovers’ Pizza Burger Pie
- Add cooked bacon, sausage crumbles, or diced ham for an ultra-meaty version.
Veggie Pizza Burger Pie
- Replace ground beef with a plant-based alternative and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes.
BBQ Burger Pie
- Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add caramelized onions and smoked Gouda cheese for a smoky twist.
Tips for Success
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the crust for 5–7 minutes before adding the filling to ensure it stays crisp.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred fresh cheese for best results.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Don’t Skip Resting Time: Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before slicing to help the layers set.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the pie with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside garlic knots or breadsticks for a carb-lover’s feast.
- Offer dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the pie and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the pie?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Why This Recipe Works
The Pizza Burger Pie combines the savory, juicy elements of a burger with the irresistible flavors of pizza in a flaky pie crust. The layers of seasoned beef, tangy pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings make this dish a showstopper. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that brings comfort food to a whole new level.
The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
Combining two of the most loved comfort foods—pizza and burgers—this Pizza Burger Pie is an epic culinary masterpiece. This dish features a flaky crust, a juicy burger filling, rich pizza sauce, and melty cheese. It’s baked to perfection in a pie dish and ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. With bold flavors and a satisfying texture, this recipe is destined to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (8 oz) can pizza sauce
- 1 (13.8 oz) tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 20 pepperoni slices
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup diced green bell peppers (optional)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the Beef Mixture:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pizza sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. - Assemble the Pizza Burger Pie:
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish. Roll out the pizza dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough.
Add the beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, pepperoni slices, black olives, and green bell peppers (if using). Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. - Bake:
Brush the exposed edges of the dough with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the pizza burger pie to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Custom Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, jalapeños, or cooked sausage.
- Dough Options: Swap the pizza dough for crescent roll dough or homemade pizza dough for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: Cook the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake.