A Savory Fusion of Pizza and Burger in a Hearty Pie
Introduction
Imagine biting into a pie that combines your favorite flavors of a cheeseburger and a pizza — juicy beef, melted cheese, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and a golden, flaky crust. That’s exactly what Pizza Burger Pie delivers! Perfect for family dinners, game days, or parties, this dish is both filling and fun. It’s essentially a layered casserole disguised as a pie: pizza crust on the bottom, layers of seasoned burger, mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, topped with more cheese and baked to golden perfection.
This recipe is easy to customize: add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives; swap beef for chicken or turkey; or spice it up with jalapeños. It’s hearty, kid-friendly, and perfect for any comfort food craving.
Preparation Time
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 35–40 minutes
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Total time: 55–60 minutes
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8 people)
For the Crust
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1 premade pizza dough (or homemade, ~12-inch round)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
For the Burger Layer
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ cup (50 g) diced onions (optional)
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½ cup (50 g) diced bell peppers (optional)
For the Pizza Toppings
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1 cup (240 ml) pizza sauce or marinara
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1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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12 slices pepperoni (or more to taste)
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Optional: sliced mushrooms, black olives, or jalapeños
For Topping the Pie
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
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Olive oil for brushing edges
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Crust
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the pizza dough to fit a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pie pan or baking dish.
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Lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sogginess.
Step 2: Cook the Burger Layer
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
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Add diced onions, bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Cook until vegetables are softened and beef is fully cooked (~5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
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Spread pizza sauce evenly over the prepared dough.
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Layer the cooked burger mixture on top of the sauce.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the burger layer.
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Add pepperoni slices (and optional toppings like mushrooms or olives).
Step 4: Bake the Pizza Burger Pie
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if not already done.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust edges are golden.
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Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra golden cheese.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
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Allow the pie to cool 5–10 minutes before slicing.
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Cut into squares or slices and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Burger Pie
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Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but shredded block cheese melts better and avoids additives.
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Drain excess beef fat to prevent soggy crust.
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Customize toppings for your favorite pizza flavors.
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Brush crust edges with olive oil or butter for a golden, crispy finish.
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Make ahead: Assemble pie a day in advance and bake when ready.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Spicy Burger Pie | Add sliced jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes |
| Cheesy Extra | Add mozzarella and cheddar layers for a triple cheese effect |
| BBQ Burger Pie | Swap pizza sauce with BBQ sauce for tangy flavor |
| Veggie Burger Pie | Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based meat |
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Perfect for game day, family dinner, or casual party food.
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Top with fresh basil or parsley for color.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
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Make ahead: Assemble unbaked pie and refrigerate for a few hours; bake when ready.
Calories & Nutrition (Per Serving, 1/8 Pie)
| Component | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|
| Crust | 150 |
| Beef & Veggies | 200 |
| Cheese | 180 |
| Sauce & Pepperoni | 70 |
| Total | ~600 calories per serving |
Conclusion
Pizza Burger Pie is a fun, hearty dish that combines the best of two worlds: burgers and pizza. Its layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce make it irresistible for kids and adults alike. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a party centerpiece, this recipe is straightforward, customizable, and guaranteed to please a crowd.