The Pizza Burger Pie: A Comfort Food Fusion

Imagine combining two of your favorite comfort foods, pizza and burgers, into one delicious pie. That’s exactly what this Pizza Burger Pie offers—juicy ground beef, gooey cheese, and a crispy pizza crust all baked together into one mouthwatering dish. This recipe is a fantastic way to merge the flavors of a classic pizza with the savory satisfaction of a burger, making it the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner, planning a fun family meal, or looking for a showstopper at your next gathering, this dish will surely impress. It’s easy to prepare, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy your hunger. With its cheesy, beefy filling, topped with optional pepperoni and served with extra pizza sauce for dipping, the Pizza Burger Pie is a delightful and unique twist on your favorite comfort foods.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Comfort Food

This dish is a perfect combination of pizza and burger flavors, offering the ultimate comfort food experience.

2. Simple Ingredients

Made with easy-to-find ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and pizza dough, this recipe doesn’t require any hard-to-get items.

3. Versatile Toppings

The toppings are customizable. Add pepperoni for an extra burst of flavor or keep it simple with just cheese.

4. Cheesy and Hearty

The rich combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses makes this pie irresistibly cheesy and satisfying.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

This Pizza Burger Pie is perfect for dinner, casual gatherings, game day, or even a fun family night. It’s always a hit!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Pre-made pizza dough (or homemade)
• Olive oil (for greasing)

For the Filling:

• Ground beef
• Small onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Pizza sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

For the Toppings:

• Slices of pepperoni (optional)
• Dried oregano or parsley for garnish

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option

Replace the ground beef with cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a delicious vegetarian filling.

2. Add Bacon

For extra flavor, sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top before baking for a smoky twist.

3. Spicy Twist

Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or as a topping to spice things up.

4. Gluten-Free Crust

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary preferences.

5. Extra Cheese

If you’re a cheese lover, add extra layers of cheese in between the beef mixture for an even cheesier pie.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a pie dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Roll out the pizza dough to fit your pie dish. Line the dish with the dough, leaving some overhang around the edges.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Spread half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese mixture on the bottom of the crust. Add the beef mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses on top.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Layer pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, if desired, and sprinkle with oregano or parsley.

Step 6: Bake

Fold the overhanging dough edges over the pie’s edge for a rustic crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, a pizza stone can help ensure the crust cooks evenly and gets extra crispy.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the pie. Leave some room for the crust to puff up and bake properly.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the filling and crust the day before to save time. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
• Check the Crust: Keep an eye on the crust while baking to ensure it doesn’t get too brown or crispy. You can cover the edges with foil if necessary.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to make sure the filling sets properly.

How to Serve

Serve your Pizza Burger Pie hot, right out of the oven, with a side of pizza sauce for dipping. It’s perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. If you prefer, top it with extra fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pizza Burger Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

Freeze the pie either whole or in individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe.

2. Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used instead of beef.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

4. How can I make the pie spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.

5. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Feel free to use any cheese you like. Provolone, gouda, or even pepper jack cheese can make for a delicious variation.

6. Can I skip the pepperoni?

Yes, the pepperoni is optional. You can omit it or substitute with other toppings like vegetables or bacon.

7. Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. Just assemble it, wrap it well, and freeze. When ready, bake directly from frozen.

8. How can I avoid the crust getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the crust long enough so that it’s golden and crisp. You can also pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.

9. What size pie dish should I use?

A 9-inch pie dish works best, but you can adjust depending on the amount of filling.

10. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works well for this recipe, but homemade sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

The Pizza Burger Pie is a fun and hearty dish that brings together the best of both pizza and burgers. With its deliciously cheesy filling, savory beef mixture, and crispy crust, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser. Perfect for casual dinners, game day, or anytime you want to indulge in a creative twist on classic flavors, this pie is a guaranteed hit. Whether you serve it for your next family dinner or at a gathering with friends, it’s bound to become a favorite.

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