Pizza Burger Pie: The Ultimate Savory Fusion

Ingredients for Pizza Burger Pie

This recipe combines classic ingredients from both pizza and burgers, making it an easy and approachable dish to create. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy goodness)
• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)

How to Make Pizza Burger Pie

Making this Pizza Burger Pie is as easy as assembling the ingredients and letting the oven work its magic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make this delicious fusion dish:

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a deep-dish pizza pan, ensuring that the crust won’t stick during baking.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in pizza sauce (or marinara sauce) and let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes.

3. Prepare the Pizza Dough

While the beef mixture is simmering, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie dish. If using store-bought dough, simply unroll it and stretch it to fit the shape of your dish. Place the dough into the greased pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides to create a crust.

4. Assemble the Pizza Burger Pie

Once the beef mixture is ready, spread it evenly over the pizza dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese (if using) over the top of the beef mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Add any additional pizza toppings you desire—think pepperoni, sliced olives, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

5. Bake the Pie

Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pizza crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can check the crust by gently lifting it with a spatula—it should be crisp on the bottom.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with some fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of freshness.

Tips for the Best Pizza Burger Pie

• Choose Your Toppings: Just like pizza, this pie is customizable. Choose from a variety of pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, bacon, or onions to suit your taste.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little kick, add some jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
• Make It Ahead of Time: This dish can easily be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
• Use Leftover Burger Meat: If you have leftover burger meat from a previous meal, you can use it for this recipe—just add some pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, and you’ve got a quick and delicious meal!

What to Serve with Pizza Burger Pie

Although the Pizza Burger Pie is a complete meal on its own, it pairs well with a few simple sides:

• Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a creamy dressing complements the richness of the pie.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with some toasted garlic bread or breadsticks for the ultimate pizza experience.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots offer a healthy side that balances out the richness of the pie.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Burger Pie

The Pizza Burger Pie is the ultimate fusion dish that brings together the best elements of pizza and burgers in one savory package. It’s easy to make, completely customizable, and a surefire hit with anyone who loves comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a fun meal to share with friends, this pie delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.

So the next time you’re craving pizza and burgers but can’t choose between the two, give this Pizza Burger Pie a try. It’s an unforgettable dish that will satisfy every craving and leave you wanting more!