Name: Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie: The Ultimate Beef Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; ½ cup plain breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning blend; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing; 1 lb pre-made pizza dough; 8-10 slices (8 oz) cheddar, provolone, or mixed burger cheese; ½ cup thinly sliced red onion; ½ cup dill pickle slices, quartered or chopped; 8 slices crispy cooked beef bacon, crumbled; 1 ½ cups (12 oz) marinara or pizza sauce; 2 cups (8 oz) shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese; 4 oz sliced pepperoni; Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish); Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish); Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

The Pizza Burger Pie – what a concept! Imagine combining two of America’s most beloved comfort foods into one irresistible, oven-baked masterpiece. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary revolution, a celebration of flavor that brings together the best of both worlds in a delightfully simple yet profoundly satisfying way. I am absolutely thrilled to guide you through creating a dish that promises to become an instant family favorite and a showstopper at any gathering.

Historically, both pizza and burgers have humble origins, evolving into global phenomena. This innovative creation, The Pizza Burger Pie, pays homage to that legacy by ingeniously merging the juicy, savory satisfaction of a classic burger with the cheesy, saucy comfort of a homemade pizza, all encased in a delightful, golden pie crust. It’s a testament to how culinary creativity can elevate familiar flavors to new heights.

People absolutely adore this dish for countless reasons. Firstly, its sheer convenience transforms two separate meal ideas into one effortlessly delicious experience. Picture a golden, flaky crust yielding to a rich, seasoned ground beef filling, generously topped with melted mozzarella, robust tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings. The incredible blend of textures and familiar, comforting flavors makes it universally appealing – the crispy crust, the tender meat, and the gooey cheese create an explosion of taste that satisfies every craving. It’s truly a triumph of comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or simply when you’re looking to serve something extraordinary without the fuss.

Ingredients:

For the Burger Base:
- 2 lbs (approximately 900g) good quality lean ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness). I find this ratio prevents the pie from becoming overly greasy while still providing that rich burger taste.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten. This acts as a binder, helping our burger base hold its magnificent shape.
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular). Another crucial binder, ensuring our base is substantial and doesn’t crumble during slicing.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. A secret weapon for adding a deep, umami punch to the beef.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder. For that essential aromatic foundation.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder. Complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Adds a lovely depth of flavor and a hint of color.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning blend. To bridge the gap between burger and pizza.
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing.
For the Pizza Burger Layers:
- 1 lb (approximately 450g) pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe). I often opt for store-bought to save time, allowing me to focus on the glorious fillings!
- 8-10 slices (approximately 8 oz / 225g) good quality cheddar cheese, provolone, or a blend of your favorite “burger” cheeses. Sliced is easiest for layering.
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion. For a slight tang and crunch that really elevates the burger experience within “The Pizza Burger Pie.”
- ½ cup dill pickle slices, quartered or chopped. A must-have for that classic burger flavor!
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled. Because, well, bacon.
- 1 ½ cups (approximately 12 oz / 350g) good quality marinara or pizza sauce. Choose one with robust flavor, as it’s a key component.
- 2 cups (approximately 8 oz / 225g) shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese. The classic pizza cheese for its melt factor and mild flavor.
- 4 oz (approximately 113g) sliced pepperoni. Standard pizza topping, essential for the “pizza” part of our pie.
- Optional garnishes: Fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Phase 1: Preparing the Burger Base

Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, find a good-sized mixing bowl – I always go for one that gives me plenty of room to get my hands in there. You’ll also want to grab a 9-inch springform pan, a deep-dish pie plate, or an oven-safe cast iron skillet (about 10-12 inches across). If using a springform pan, make sure the bottom is securely latched. Lightly grease your chosen baking vessel with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This is important to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your magnificent “The Pizza Burger Pie” later on.
Mix the Ground Beef: In your large mixing bowl, combine the 2 lbs of ground beef with the lightly beaten egg, plain breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper. Now, here’s where you get to get a little hands-on! Using your hands, gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. The key here is to mix just until everything is combined and evenly distributed. Overmixing can lead to a tough burger, and we want our base to be tender and juicy. The mixture should feel cohesive and slightly sticky.
Form the Burger Base: Transfer the seasoned ground beef mixture onto a large plate or a clean cutting board. Shape the entire mixture into a large, flat, round patty, slightly larger than the base of your chosen baking dish. For a 9-inch pan, aim for a patty that’s about 10-11 inches in diameter and about ¾ to 1 inch thick. I like to make it a little wider because it will shrink slightly when seared. This is going to be the substantial, flavorful foundation of “The Pizza Burger Pie.”
Sear the Burger Base (Optional but Recommended for Flavor): Heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully transfer your large burger patty into the hot skillet. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes per side, just long enough to develop a beautiful brown crust. This searing step is incredibly important for locking in juices and building a deeper, more complex flavor profile. You’re not cooking it through at this stage, just creating that amazing crust. If your baking dish isn’t oven-safe or big enough for searing, you can sear it in a separate pan and then carefully transfer it to your prepared baking dish.

Phase 2: Assembling the Pizza Burger Pie Layers

Prepare the Crust (If Using): If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to use it, allowing it to come to room temperature. This makes it much easier to work with. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a circle large enough to cover the bottom and extend slightly up the sides of your prepared baking dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the bottom of your greased springform pan or pie plate, pressing it gently into the bottom and forming a small lip around the edge. This will create a nice, sturdy base and contain all our wonderful layers. If you prefer a crustless “The Pizza Burger Pie,” you can skip this step entirely and proceed with the beef patty directly in the greased pan.
Lay the Burger Foundation: Carefully place your seared burger patty directly on top of the pizza dough crust in the prepared pan. If you skipped the crust, simply place the patty directly into the greased pan. Press it down gently to ensure it fits snugly and evenly. This is the heart of our burger element, so make sure it’s nicely centered.
Layer the “Burger” Toppings: Now for the classic burger toppings! Arrange the slices of cheddar, provolone, or mixed burger cheese evenly over the top of the burger patty. I like to overlap them slightly to ensure every slice will have some melty goodness. Next, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the cheese. Follow this with the chopped dill pickles and finally, scatter the crumbled crispy bacon over everything. This combination of flavors and textures is what truly brings the “burger” to “The Pizza Burger Pie.”
Add the Pizza Sauce Layer: Carefully spoon the marinara or pizza sauce over the bacon and other burger toppings. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread the sauce evenly, ensuring it covers all the delicious ingredients beneath it. Don’t be shy, but also don’t drown it – you want a good, flavorful layer, but not so much that it makes the pie soggy. About 1 ½ cups should be perfect for a rich coating.
Introduce the Pizza Cheese and Pepperoni: Generously sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer. This will create a luscious, melty barrier. Then, arrange the sliced pepperoni over the mozzarella. I like to overlap the pepperoni slices slightly to make sure you get a bite of that savory, spicy goodness in every piece of the pie. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni. This top layer of mozzarella will brown beautifully and create that iconic cheesy pizza pull when you cut into “The Pizza Burger Pie.”

Phase 3: Baking “The Pizza Burger Pie”

Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer your assembled “The Pizza Burger Pie” into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Place it on the middle rack. Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your burger patty, so keep an eye on it.
- What to look for: You want the pizza dough crust (if using) to be golden brown and cooked through. The ground beef patty should be fully cooked, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The cheese on top should be melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown, with some slight charring on the pepperoni edges – that’s when you know it’s truly ready! If the crust or cheese starts to brown too quickly before the center is cooked, you can loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil.

Phase 4: Finishing Touches and Serving

The All-Important Rest: Once “The Pizza Burger Pie” is removed from the oven, do not cut into it immediately! This is a crucial step for any layered dish, especially one with a substantial meat base. Carefully transfer the springform pan (or pie plate) to a wire rack. Allow the pie to rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices in the burger patty to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist pie. It also gives the cheese and sauce a chance to set up a bit, making for much cleaner slices and preventing the layers from sliding apart when you serve it. Trust me, patience here is key!
Prepare for Slicing: If you used a springform pan, carefully release the sides after the resting period. If using a regular pie plate, you can slice and serve directly from the dish.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle your magnificent “The Pizza Burger Pie” with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of red pepper flakes can add a little kick, or some extra grated Parmesan cheese for even more savory goodness. Slice into wedges, just like a traditional pie or pizza.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly hearty and satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad to cut through the richness, or even some crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries if you’re feeling extra indulgent. It’s a fantastic dish for family dinners, game nights, or anytime you want to impress with a creative and incredibly flavorful meal that brings two beloved classics into one harmonious “The Pizza Burger Pie.”

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite fusion creation that I just had to share with you all. This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s an experience, a delightful mash-up of everything we love about two classic comfort foods, thoughtfully brought together into one irresistible package. Imagine biting into the savory, seasoned burger, perfectly nestled beneath a blanket of gooey, melted cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. It’s truly a revelation, a dish that consistently receives rave reviews whenever I serve it. The beauty of this recipe lies in its genius simplicity and its incredible ability to satisfy diverse palates, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a fun solo treat.

I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for so many reasons. For one, it offers a fantastic solution to those perennial dinner dilemmas, merging the satisfying heartiness of a burger with the customizable joy of pizza. It’s comforting, creative, and surprisingly easy to assemble, even on a busy weeknight. The aroma alone, as it bakes in your oven, will have everyone flocking to the kitchen in anticipation. Plus, it’s an incredibly economical way to feed a group, transforming simple, affordable ingredients into something truly extraordinary. If you’ve been searching for that one dish that will truly impress without demanding hours in the kitchen, then The Pizza Burger Pie is your unequivocal answer. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks joy, encourages culinary adventure, and ultimately delivers on its promise of deliciousness every single time.

Elevating Your Pizza Burger Pie Experience: Serving Suggestions

While The Pizza Burger Pie is a complete meal in itself, there are plenty of ways to serve it to elevate the experience further. I often pair it with a crisp, refreshing green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette; the acidity beautifully cuts through the richness of the pie, creating a perfectly balanced meal. Another fantastic option is a side of lightly steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables, perhaps asparagus or broccoli, seasoned simply with a touch of garlic and olive oil. For those craving a heartier complement, a bowl of homemade coleslaw offers a lovely creamy crunch, or even some seasoned potato wedges could be a fun addition for a more classic ‘burger and fries’ vibe. Don’t forget the dipping sauces either! While not strictly necessary, a small dish of extra marinara, a tangy ranch, or even a spicy aioli can be a delightful accompaniment for those who love to dip.

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Creative Variations

One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s a fantastic canvas for your culinary imagination!

Toppings Galore:

Feel free to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings. Pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, or even a sprinkle of red onion work wonderfully. For a touch of spice, add some jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your burger mixture or on top. If you’re a fan of something a little different, consider adding crumbled bacon or even some pineapple (yes, I said it!) for a sweet and savory kick.

Cheese Please:

While mozzarella is classic, a blend of cheeses can take this pie to the next level. Try adding some provolone, cheddar, or a smoky gouda for deeper flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano before serving also adds a lovely sharp finish.

Protein Power-Ups:

While I’ve focused on ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, Italian sausage (mild or spicy!), or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version. If using a leaner meat like turkey, you might want to add a touch more olive oil to the pan when browning to ensure it stays moist.

Crust Customization:

Beyond the simple store-bought pizza dough, you could experiment with puff pastry for an even flakier crust, or even crescent roll dough for a lighter, buttery base. For a gluten-free option, simply opt for a gluten-free pizza dough; the rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

Sauce Swap:

Instead of marinara, why not try a tangy BBQ sauce for a BBQ chicken pizza burger pie, or a rich pesto for a Mediterranean twist? The possibilities truly are endless, allowing you to tailor this dish to whatever flavors you’re craving.

I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about this recipe. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the most memorable meals are born from simple, clever ideas. Please, give The Pizza Burger Pie a try in your own kitchen! I am genuinely thrilled at the thought of you creating and enjoying this fantastic dish. There’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing a new, delicious meal to your table, and I promise you, this one will not disappoint. Don’t be afraid to make it your own; that’s the true spirit of cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures, your favorite variations, and most importantly, to see your delicious creations. Snap a picture, share your thoughts, and let me know how much you loved this unique and satisfying pie. Happy cooking, everyone!