Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie – The Ultimate Comfort Fusion
why make this recipe
When you think of comfort food, pizza and burgers probably come to mind. What if you could enjoy both in one delicious recipe? Enter the Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie. This dish combines the best elements of a pizza and a burger into one hearty meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or just when you’re craving something comforting. With its gooey cheese, savory beef, and tantalizing toppings all wrapped in pizza dough, this pie is bound to satisfy everyone at the table. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
how to make Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
Making this Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is a fun and straightforward process that anyone can master. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Beef
Start off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature for easier handling. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease, and set the beef aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Now, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Lay the dough into the dish, making sure the edges hang over. Spread a layer of pizza sauce on the dough, followed by the cooked ground beef. Now it’s time to get creative. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the beef. Then, layer on the pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, and pickles. Finally, top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Seal the Pie
Fold the edges of the pizza dough over the filling, making sure to seal it well. You can pinch the edges to create a decorative crust and ensure no ingredients leak out while baking. For a nice shine, brush a bit of olive oil over the top crust.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Place your pie in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few moments. Slice it up and serve it hot.
how to serve Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
This Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is best served hot, right from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some garlic bread if you’re looking for a complete meal. Consider serving it with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. This way, your guests can enjoy even more flavor. You can also offer a selection of condiments like mustard, ketchup, or hot sauce for those who love a little extra zing.
how to store Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
If you find that you have leftovers (though that’s pretty unlikely), you can easily store your Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie. Make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave or place the whole pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s still delicious, and you’ll be reminded of that first lovely bite!
tips to make Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
-
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to swap out the toppings based on what you love. You can add veggies like spinach, onions, or olives. If you enjoy a spicy kick, try adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
-
Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is a classic choice for this pie, don’t hesitate to mix in other types of cheese. Cheddar, provolone, or even a little blue cheese for a bold flavor can make your pie uniquely yours.
-
Use Pre-Seasoned Meat: Want an even easier experience? Consider using pre-seasoned ground beef or even store-bought Italian sausage instead of plain ground beef. This saves time and adds more flavor to your dish.
-
Stick to Recommended Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pie while it bakes. Oven temperatures can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed. Look for that perfect golden-brown crust.
-
Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow your pie to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
variation
You can definitely change things up based on your preferences. If you’re in the mood for a breakfast twist, consider adding cooked breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs for a brunch version of the Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie. Alternatively, you can turn it into a vegetarian option by using plant-based ground meat, or even skip the meat entirely and load it with your favorite vegetables. Another fun idea is to use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce for a BBQ chicken-inspired pie, adding cooked chicken pieces and cheddar cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie up to a day in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions.
2. Can I freeze the Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie?
Yes, you can freeze it! Before baking, wrap the assembled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
3. What type of pizza dough should I use?
You can use store-bought pizza dough, which is convenient, or you can make your own from scratch if you have the time. Both work well, but homemade dough can give you a more personalized touch.
4. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute traditional pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough. There are many brands available at grocery stores, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy sausage to the filling. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the slice when serving for that extra kick.
Making the Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is not just about the comfort of food. It’s about experimenting in the kitchen, sharing delicious meals with loved ones, and creating moments of joy and laughter. This delightful fusion dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process, and I assure you that the end result will be a dish that everyone will want to dig into!
Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
A delicious fusion of pizza and burgers, this Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie combines gooey cheese, savory beef, and tantalizing toppings wrapped in pizza dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Ingredients
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Allow store-bought pizza dough to come to room temperature if using.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish and lay it in, letting the edges hang over. Spread pizza sauce over the dough.
- Layer the cooked ground beef, half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and pickles, then top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the edges of the pizza dough over the filling and seal. Brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Customize toppings to your liking. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Consider letting the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
