There’s a certain joy that comes from merging two of our all-time favorites: pizza and burgers. Picture this: the moment you cut into a slice of Pizza Burger Pie, the cheese stretches, and the savory aroma fills the room, instantly making your mouth water. This delightful dish effortlessly brings the best of both worlds together, creating a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinner or casual gatherings with friends.
I discovered this gem on a particularly busy weeknight when the thought of cooking felt overwhelming. I wanted to impress my family without spending hours in the kitchen, and that’s when inspiration struck. With a few simple ingredients and just 45 minutes, you can whip up this hearty dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef bored of takeout, this Pizza Burger Pie is bound to become a staple in your home-cooked repertoire. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is Pizza Burger Pie a Must-Try?
Delicious fusion: This recipe perfectly combines the flavors of pizza and burgers, creating an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
Quick prep: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending the entire evening in the kitchen.
Crowd-pleaser: It’s a dish that appeals to everyone, making it ideal for family dinners and friendly gatherings.
Easy ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, making it a convenient choice for a weeknight meal.
Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or other meats to suit your cravings. For more flavor inspiration, check out my guide on pizza variations.
Pizza Burger Pie Ingredients
• Discover the simple components for a delicious Pizza Burger Pie!
For the Filling
- Ground beef – a hearty base that gives this pie its satisfying texture.
- Garlic powder – enhances flavor; try fresh garlic for an extra punch!
- Onion powder – adds depth; alternatively, use fresh onions for a sweeter touch.
- Italian seasoning – brings a taste of Italy; feel free to use your favorite herbs.
- Salt – necessary for seasoning; adjust to your taste for a personalized touch.
- Black pepper – adds a subtle kick; freshly ground is best for maximum aroma.
- Pizza sauce – the star ingredient that unifies the flavors; use a homemade option for freshness.
For the Toppings
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – creates that irresistible cheesiness; consider a blend for a gourmet twist.
- Sliced pepperoni – the classic topping that adds a savory zing; turkey pepperoni is a great low-fat substitute.
For the Crust
- Refrigerated pizza dough – easy and convenient; homemade dough can take the flavor to the next level.
- Olive oil – ensures a golden crust and adds richness; feel free to brush with melted butter for extra flavor.
- Egg, beaten – the perfect egg wash for a shiny finish; skipping this will still yield tasty results.
How to Make Pizza Burger Pie
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Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature for baking, creating that golden, crispy crust we all love.
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Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Ensure it’s fully cooked and drain any excess fat to keep your pie from being greasy.
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Season by stirring in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Then, mix in the pizza sauce and remove from heat. This step blends all those delicious flavors beautifully!
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Press half of the refrigerated pizza dough into the bottom and up the sides of a greased pie dish. Ensure it’s even to hold all the tasty filling without leaking.
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Spoon the beef mixture into the crust, followed by layering mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Build those layers well for a satisfying bite that combines all the flavors.
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Roll out the remaining pizza dough and place it over the filling, pressing to seal the edges securely. This will create a delightful crust that holds everything together.
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Brush the top with beaten egg to achieve that glossy, golden finish when baked. It makes your Pizza Burger Pie look as good as it tastes!
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and lovely. Stay nearby so you can enjoy the enticing aroma filling your kitchen!
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Cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set a bit, preventing a messy slice and allowing that cheese to pull beautifully!
Optional: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pizza Burger Pie?
Build a memorable meal with these delightful sides that complement the comforting flavors of your pizza burger creation.
- Garlic Bread: The perfect pairing for those who crave extra carbs. Its buttery, garlicky aroma enhances your dining experience beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: Crispy romaine topped with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza burger pie.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Add a sweet, crunchy element that balances out the savory pie. They’re an irresistible snack that everyone loves.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green florets provide a pop of color and a healthy crunch. Drizzle with lemon for an extra zing that pairs wonderfully.
- Coleslaw: This tangy, crunchy recipe presents a satisfying contrast to the warm, cheesy pie, adding a refreshing bite with every forkful.
- Mango Iced Tea: As a drink, this fruity beverage refreshes your palate between bites, featuring tropical notes that lighten the meal.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your gathering on a sweet note with these classic treats. Their chewy texture is a delightful complement to the savory pie.
- Apple Crisp: A warm dessert with a crunchy topping that feels like a cozy hug after a hearty meal. Perfect for those who love fruit-based desserts.
- Italian Soda: Enjoy sparkling refreshments in various flavors to cleanse your palate, allowing you to savor your pizza burger pie fully.
Pizza Burger Pie Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make this Pizza Burger Pie truly your own!
- Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner alternative, maintaining flavor and texture beautifully.
- Vegetarian Delight: Substitute beef with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty, meat-free version that packs great flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy twist that will ignite your taste buds!
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the filling for a vibrant, fresh flavor that contrasts the richness.
- Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique taste, or blend mozzarella with Italian three-cheese blend for extra indulgence.
- Crust Alternatives: Try a cauliflower or gluten-free pizza crust to cater to dietary preferences while keeping that delicious essence alive.
- BBQ Flavor: Swap pizza sauce for barbecue sauce and add some diced onion to give it a smoky flavor that’s perfect for grilling season.
- Breakfast Version: Crumble cooked sausage and add scrambled eggs for a breakfast-inspired pie that combines all your morning favorites in one bite!
With these delightful variations, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your Pizza Burger Pie to perfection!
How to Store and Freeze Pizza Burger Pie
Fridge: Store leftover Pizza Burger Pie tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices of Pizza Burger Pie in plastic wrap and then foil, or use an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious taste.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This ensures a delightful, crispy crust again!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Pizza Burger Pie ahead of time is a great way to save on weeknight cooking! You can make the entire filling (ground beef, seasoning, and pizza sauce) up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crust can also be shaped and placed in the pie dish up to 24 hours ahead, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply layer the filling and toppings, roll out the second dough for the top, brush with the egg wash, and bake as directed. This way, you get delicious, homemade results with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Pizza Burger Pie
• Quality Meat: Choose lean ground beef to reduce grease, ensuring the filling doesn’t make your crust soggy.
• Season Wisely: Adjust seasonings to your preference; don’t skip tasting the beef mixture for balance of flavors before baking.
• Dough Handling: Let the dough rest at room temperature before rolling; this makes it easier to work with and helps prevent tearing.
• Seal Edges Well: Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough securely to prevent leaks; a well-sealed pie ensures all the deliciousness stays intact.
• Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on the baking time—oven temperatures can vary. Look for a deep golden color for the perfect crust.
• Serve Warm: Allow the Pizza Burger Pie to cool briefly for easier slicing, but serve it warm to showcase that melty mozzarella!
Pizza Burger Pie Recipe FAQs
What kind of ground beef should I use for Pizza Burger Pie?
I recommend using lean ground beef for this recipe, as it will reduce excess grease and keep the crust nice and crispy. Ground turkey is also a great low-fat alternative if you’re looking for something lighter.
How do I store leftover Pizza Burger Pie?
Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh while allowing them to meld beautifully. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Can I freeze Pizza Burger Pie?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
What if my dough tears while assembling?
If your refrigerated pizza dough tears, don’t worry! Simply pinch the edges back together or use a bit of extra dough to patch it up. Make sure to keep the filling contained so it doesn’t leak out while baking.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! This Pizza Burger Pie contains gluten from the pizza dough. For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative. Additionally, be cautious with pepperoni if you have dietary restrictions; turkey pepperoni is a lower-fat substitute. If you’re serving this to kids or pets, ensure there are no choking hazards with the toppings used.
How do I know when the Pizza Burger Pie is fully cooked?
You’ll know it’s cooked when the crust is golden brown, which usually takes about 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F. It’s also important to allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help the filling set and ensure clean slices.
Savor the Flavor: Homemade Pizza Burger Pie Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Season by stirring in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix in the pizza sauce and remove from heat.
- Press half of the refrigerated pizza dough into the bottom and up the sides of a greased pie dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the crust, followed by mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
- Roll out the remaining pizza dough and place it over the filling, pressing to seal the edges.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
