Delicious Pizza Burger Pie

This pizza burger pie brings together two family favorites in one delicious dish. The flaky crust cradles seasoned ground beef topped with pizza sauce, melty cheese, and pepperoni for the ultimate comfort food mashup that satisfies both burger and pizza cravings simultaneously.

I created this recipe when my kids couldn't decide between burgers or pizza for dinner. Now it's our Friday night tradition, and they actually cheer when they see me pulling out the pie dish.

Ingredients

• Ground beef forms the hearty base and provides rich flavor and protein
• Onion adds aromatic sweetness that enhances the beef
• Garlic powder infuses the meat with classic Italian flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic
• Italian seasoning creates that authentic pizza taste with minimal effort
• Pie crust creates the perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings
• Pizza sauce brings traditional pizza flavor that ties everything together
• Mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible melty cheese pull that everyone loves
• Pepperoni adds a spicy kick and that classic pizza look and taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and position your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners without stretching the dough. If using store-bought, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes first for easier handling.

Cook The Meat Mixture

Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes, breaking up any large chunks with your spoon as it cooks. Make sure to drain the excess fat thoroughly to prevent a soggy crust. Add the seasonings and stir to distribute evenly, cooking for another minute to bloom the flavors.

Assemble Your Pie

Transfer the seasoned meat mixture to your pie crust, pressing it down gently to create an even layer. Spread the pizza sauce over the meat in smooth, even strokes, leaving a tiny border around the edge. Sprinkle the cheese generously, making sure to cover all the sauce, then arrange pepperoni and any additional toppings artistically on top.

Bake To Perfection

Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for visual cues that it's done. The crust should be golden brown at the edges, and the cheese should be completely melted with some bubbling and light browning spots.

Rest Before Serving

Let the finished pie rest on a cooling rack for a full 5 minutes before cutting. This crucial step allows the filling to set slightly so your slices hold together better when served. Use a sharp knife and cut clean slices for the best presentation.

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The first time I made this, my picky nephew cleaned his plate and asked for seconds. The secret is really in the seasoning of the beef layer. I add a pinch more garlic powder than called for because it creates this amazing aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone hungry before it even comes out of the oven.

Make-Ahead Options

This pizza burger pie works beautifully as a prepare-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire pie up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply add an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time since you'll be starting with cold ingredients. The flavors actually develop more depth when given time to meld together overnight, making this a fantastic option for busy families.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this pie truly shines with complementary sides. A simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette provides the perfect fresh contrast to the rich, savory pie. For a fun dinner, serve with pickle spears and small bowls of additional pizza sauce for dipping the crust edges. My family loves when I sprinkle fresh basil over the top right before serving, which adds a pop of color and fragrant aroma.

Variations To Try

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a Mexican twist, substitute taco seasoning for Italian seasoning, and top with cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream after baking. Create a breakfast version using crumbled breakfast sausage instead of beef, adding scrambled eggs to the meat layer, and topping with cheddar cheese. For vegetarians, replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed alternative that's just as satisfying.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Pizza Burger Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pie completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Alternatively, you can bake it completely, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with Pizza Burger Pie?

A simple green salad with Italian dressing makes an excellent accompaniment. Other great options include garlic bread, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a light tomato soup. For a more casual setting, potato chips or french fries work well too.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative. Since turkey has less fat, you might want to add 1 tablespoon of olive oil when browning the meat and possibly increase the seasonings slightly to enhance flavor. Ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives can also be substituted.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a certified gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless version by pressing the meat mixture into a greased pie dish as the base. Always check that your seasonings and sauces are gluten-free, as some commercial pizza sauces may contain hidden gluten.

→ Can I add different cheeses to the Pizza Burger Pie?

Definitely! While mozzarella provides that classic pizza pull, adding cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or parmesan can create more complex flavors. Consider mixing in some ricotta for creaminess or blue cheese for a tangy kick. A blend of different cheeses often yields the best results.

→ How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?

To ensure a crisp bottom crust, try blind baking it for 5-7 minutes before adding fillings. Another effective method is to sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese on the crust before adding the meat mixture - this creates a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into the crust.