Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie

Introduction

Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is the ultimate comfort-food mashup — everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger and a loaded deep-dish pizza baked together in one thick, sliceable pie. It has a hearty beefy base, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and a golden crust that holds it all together. This dish is bold, filling, and perfect for family dinners, game nights, or whenever you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Unlike a regular pizza or burger, this recipe bakes tall and thick, locking in flavor and moisture. Each slice delivers layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and savory sauce, making it feel indulgent and satisfying without being complicated to prepare.


Why This Recipe Works

  • Combines pizza and burger flavors in one dish

  • Thick, sturdy crust holds heavy fillings

  • Juicy beef stays moist thanks to sauce and cheese

  • Customizable with endless toppings

  • Perfect for slicing and serving like a pie


Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning


For the Burger Filling

  • 1½ lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)


For the Pizza Layer

  • 1½ cups pizza sauce or marinara

  • 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone

  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese


Optional Toppings

  • Cooked bacon crumbles

  • Sliced mushrooms

  • Black olives

  • Bell peppers

  • Jalapeños


Equipment Needed

  • Deep-dish pizza pan or springform pan (9–10 inch)

  • Large skillet

  • Mixing spoon

  • Oven


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Lightly oil your deep-dish pan.

  3. Press pizza dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, forming a deep crust.

  4. Brush dough with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

  5. Pre-bake crust for 8–10 minutes until slightly set. Remove and set aside.


Step 2: Cook the Burger Filling

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add ground beef and diced onion.

  3. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft.

  4. Drain excess grease.

  5. Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

  6. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.


Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella on the pre-baked crust.

  2. Add the cooked beef mixture evenly.

  3. Spoon pizza sauce over the beef layer.

  4. Add remaining mozzarella, cheddar/provolone, and optional toppings.

  5. Finish with Parmesan cheese.


Step 4: Bake

  1. Cover loosely with foil.

  2. Bake for 25 minutes.

  3. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

  4. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.


Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad

  • Slice like a pie for easy serving

  • Great with ranch or marinara for dipping


Make-Ahead Tips

  • Beef filling can be cooked 1 day in advance

  • Assemble pie up to 12 hours ahead and refrigerate

  • Bake fresh for best texture


Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

  • Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for best results

  • Microwave works, but crust will be softer


Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pie

Add bacon crumbles and swap pizza sauce for a ketchup-mustard blend.

Supreme Pizza Burger Pie

Add peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, and sausage.

Spicy Version

Use hot Italian sausage and add jalapeños or chili oil.

Stuffed-Crust Style

Add mozzarella string cheese around the crust edge before baking.


Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 25 minutes

  • Cook time: 45 minutes

  • Rest time: 10 minutes

  • Total time: ~1 hour 20 minutes


Estimated Calories

  • Approximately 520–600 calories per slice

  • Based on 8 slices

  • Varies depending on cheese and toppings


Final Thoughts

Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is rich, hearty, and unapologetically indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people to the table fast and leaves no leftovers behind. With its thick crust, juicy beef, and layers of melty cheese, it delivers bold flavor in every bite.

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