Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that combines the best of both worlds? Introducing “The Pizza Burger Pie” – a delicious fusion of juicy burgers and comforting pizza flavors, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. This recipe was born out of a dilemma on a rainy night when the craving for both pizza and burgers struck simultaneously. Why settle for one when you can enjoy the flavors of both in a single, unforgettable bite?

Picture this: a golden pie crust cradling seasoned ground beef, savory onions, gooey melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and a generous swirl of pizza sauce. Each mouthful is a harmonious blend of burger satisfaction and pizza indulgence. I first served this delectable creation to friends and family, and it was an instant hit – even the pickiest eaters couldn’t resist going back for seconds.

As you embark on this culinary adventure, feel free to get creative with toppings and cheeses to make “The Pizza Burger Pie” your own signature dish. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or as appetizer-sized slices for a crowd-pleasing party snack. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to savor the best of both worlds in every delicious bite of “The Pizza Burger Pie.”

Quick Benefits

  • Innovative Fusion: Combines the best of both worlds – the savory flavors of a juicy burger and the comforting goodness of pizza in one delicious dish.
  • Versatile: Customize with your favorite burger or pizza toppings to suit your taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and kids, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and freezes well, providing a convenient meal option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Recipe Recipe

  • Innovative Fusion: Combines the best of both worlds – the savory flavors of a juicy burger and the comforting appeal of pizza in one dish.
  • Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings.
  • Customizable: Allows for personalization with additional toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to suit individual preferences.
  • Satisfying and Comforting: Delivers a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for cozy nights in.
  • Impressive Presentation: The flaky pie crust adds a unique twist and makes for a visually appealing dish.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Can be served with complementary sides like salad or garlic bread sticks, or as individual servings for a personalized dinner experience.
  • Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating, perfect for meal prepping or planning ahead.
  • Quick and Easy: Comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a special dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Recipe

For the Base

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

For the Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • Additional toppings as desired (mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pie crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.

Step 2: Cook the beef mixture

Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat and mix in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the pie

Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture in the pie crust. Top with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and other toppings.

Step 4: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before cutting. Serve while hot.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Pizza Burger Pie, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining its delicious quality. When reheating, using an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes will help restore the crust’s crispness. While microwave reheating is an option, it may result in a softer crust. For longer storage, consider freezing the pie before baking it. When baking from frozen, allow for an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time to ensure it is thoroughly heated through.

The versatility of the Pizza Burger Pie lends itself well to creative variations. Consider adding different toppings or experimenting with various cheeses to personalize the dish to your taste preferences. For an elegant presentation, try serving individual-sized portions in ramekins. Enhance the meal with complementary sides like a green salad with Italian dressing or garlic bread sticks. Drizzling servings with ranch dressing or hot honey can provide an extra flavor dimension, making the dining experience even more delightful.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist on this Pizza Burger Pie, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentils for a meaty texture. You can also enhance the flavors by adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or black olives instead of the pepperoni to maintain that pizza essence while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein option in place of the ground beef. Additionally, opt for a whole wheat or gluten-free pie crust to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions. To reduce the sodium content, you can omit or reduce the added salt and choose a lower-sodium pizza sauce or make your own with fresh tomatoes and herbs for a lighter, fresher flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the experience of serving the Pizza Burger Pie, consider adding a dollop of creamy garlic aioli on top of each slice. The aioli will not only bring a garlicky kick but also a luxurious texture that complements the savory flavors of the pie. To add a pop of freshness and color, garnish the pie with freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving. This simple addition will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a herbaceous note that brightens up each bite.

For a fun and interactive serving idea, set up a DIY Pizza Burger Pie bar at your next gathering. Provide an array of toppings like caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, jalapeños, or even pineapple for guests to customize their slices. Let everyone build their own mini pies or create unique flavor combinations to suit their taste preferences. This interactive twist will not only make mealtime more engaging but also ensure that everyone gets exactly what they want out of this delicious fusion dish.

FAQs for Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Recipe

Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat. Just keep in mind that different meats may alter the flavor slightly, so choose based on your preferences.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and pepperoni, and instead, load up on your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and other toppings. Consider adding extra cheese or plant-based protein alternatives to maintain a hearty texture.

How can I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, pre-cook any watery vegetables before adding them to the pie. Alternatively, you can place watery toppings on top of the cheese layer to create a barrier that prevents the crust from soaking up excess moisture.

Can I make individual-sized portions of this Pizza Burger Pie?

Absolutely! You can create individual servings by making smaller pies in ramekins. This is a great way to customize each portion and make the meal feel more personalized. Just adjust the baking time accordingly based on the size of the ramekins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Pizza Burger Pie is a delightful fusion of two classic comfort foods that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its savory flavors, flaky crust, and customizable toppings make it a versatile dish that can easily cater to different preferences and occasions. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this pie is bound to be a hit.

So, don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe, make it your own, and share it with loved ones. The Pizza Burger Pie is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together over delicious food. Embrace the joy of cooking, savor the flavors, and enjoy the smiles around the table as you indulge in this mouthwatering creation. Cheers to many more memorable meals centered around The Pizza Burger Pie!

Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Recipe

Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Recipe

Satisfy both burger and pizza cravings in one with this savory Pizza Burger Pie, a family favorite that combines juicy beef, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings in a flaky crust.
Prep Time15 Minutes
Cook Time25 Minutes
Total Time40 Minutes
CuisineAmerican Fusion
Skill LevelEasy
Servings8 Servings (1 pie (8 slices))

Ingredients

For the Base

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

For the Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • Additional toppings as desired (mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pie crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. Cook the beef mixture: Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat and mix in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Assemble the pie: Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture in the pie crust. Top with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and other toppings.
  4. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  5. Rest and serve: Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before cutting. Serve while hot.