Pizza Burger Pie: The Ultimate Guide to This Delicious Mashup

Pizza Burger Pie: Prepare to have your mind blown! Imagine the comforting flavors of a juicy burger, the cheesy goodness of pizza, all baked into one incredible, shareable pie. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary adventure that will have everyone begging for seconds. Forget choosing between pizza night and burger night – now you can have both!

While the exact origins of the Pizza Burger Pie are shrouded in delicious mystery, it’s a testament to our modern love of fusion cuisine. It takes the best elements of two beloved comfort foods and combines them into something truly spectacular. Think of it as a celebration of American ingenuity, a playful twist on classic flavors that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory and satisfying. The seasoned ground beef, reminiscent of a classic burger, is nestled in a flaky crust and smothered in tangy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. The texture is divine – a delightful contrast between the crisp crust, the juicy meat, and the gooey cheese. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this Pizza Burger Pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. I promise, once you try it, it will become a regular in your meal rotation!

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Crust Base:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Burger Filling:
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• For the Pizza Toppings:
• 2 cups pizza sauce (your favorite brand)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• For the Burger “Special Sauce” Drizzle (Optional):
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• ½ teaspoon yellow mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of paprika

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy crust.

Preparing the Burger Filling:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Season the Burger Mixture: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
4. Add the Sauces: Pour in the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is important for creating a rich and savory burger filling.

Assembling the Pizza Burger Pie:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil. This will prevent the pie from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen pizza dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
4. Transfer Dough to Pan: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared springform pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating a crust.
5. Add the Pizza Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom of the crust. Leave a small border around the edge.
6. Layer the Burger Filling: Spoon the prepared burger filling evenly over the pizza sauce.
7. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the burger filling.
8. Add the Toppings: Arrange the pepperoni slices, black olives, and green bell pepper over the cheese. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!

Baking the Pizza Burger Pie:

1. Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before releasing the springform pan. This will help the pie set and prevent it from falling apart.

Preparing the Optional “Special Sauce” Drizzle:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, mustard, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add a pinch of salt or pepper if desired.
3. Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the special sauce over the sliced pizza burger pie before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Pizza Burger Pie warm, cut into slices like a pizza. You can sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crispy french fries.

Tips and Variations:

• Crust Variations: For a thicker crust, use a little less flour when kneading the dough. For a thinner crust, use a little more. You can also use store-bought pizza dough to save time.
• Burger Filling Variations: Add other vegetables to the burger filling, such as mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños. You can also use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Cheese Variations: Use a blend of different cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
• Topping Variations: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding pineapple, bacon, sausage, or different types of vegetables.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the burger filling or pizza sauce for a little heat.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of sautéed vegetables and beans.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Pizza Burger Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• The pizza dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just punch it down before using.
• The burger filling can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Pizza Burger Pie as much as I do! It’s a fun and delicious way to combine two classic comfort foods into one amazing dish. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you come up with!

Conclusion:

This Pizza Burger Pie isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress, satisfies both your pizza and burger cravings, and is surprisingly easy to make, then you absolutely have to try this. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and that perfectly crisp crust is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces, ready to dig in. But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. If you’re a veggie lover, sauté some mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers and incorporate them into the filling. Want to make it even cheesier? Go ahead and add a layer of ricotta cheese before topping it with mozzarella. The possibilities are endless! Serving suggestions? This Pizza Burger Pie is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crispy garlic bread. For a more complete meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), they’re just as delicious the next day, reheated in the oven or microwave. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something fun and delicious. It’s also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen – they’ll love helping to assemble the pie and choosing their favorite toppings. Don’t be intimidated by the name; this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow. I’ve broken down each step into clear and concise instructions, so even beginner cooks can achieve amazing results. And trust me, the effort is well worth it. The satisfaction of creating a homemade Pizza Burger Pie that everyone raves about is truly rewarding. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. I’m confident that this recipe will become a new family favorite. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made your own Pizza Burger Pie, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! Print