If there’s one crowd-pleaser guaranteed to win hearts at the dinner table, it’s The Pizza Burger Pie. Imagine the craveable juiciness of a cheeseburger, the oozy, melty goodness of your favorite pizza, and the comfort of savory pie—all in one irresistible dish. It’s hearty, kid-approved, and so easy to whip up, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Trust me, from the golden crust down to the gooey center, you’ll be surprised just how well this classic mash-up recipe brings together everything you love, bite after satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple the ingredients list for The Pizza Burger Pie is. Every piece—from the seasoned ground beef to the stretchy mozzarella—pulls its own weight, adding richness, color, or irresistible flavor to this homestyle bake.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): A hearty foundation that brings burger flavor and classic appeal.
- Chopped Onion (½ cup): Adds sweetness and essential aromatic depth when sautéed with beef.
- Tomato Sauce (1 (8 oz) can): Gives the pie its pizza-like saucy layer and tangy notes.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the beef with herbal warmth and classic pizza flavors.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the savory profile with a gentle kick.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Highlights and balances all the rich flavors.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): For maximum stretch and an ooey-gooey top.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): Lends creaminess and a beautiful golden hue.
- Sliced Pepperoni (½ cup, optional): An extra savory boost for pizza lovers—totally optional but highly recommended.
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): The backbone of your easy pour-over “crust.”
- Milk (1 cup): Keeps the batter tender and light.
- Large Eggs (2): Binds the crust mixture and gives it a rich, golden finish.
How to Make The Pizza Burger Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and give a 9-inch pie dish a light coating of nonstick spray or a thin swipe of oil. Starting with a hot oven ensures your pie cooks evenly, while the greased dish means every slice comes out clean and beautiful—no sticking, no stress.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, breaking up the beef with your spoon and stirring occasionally. You want the beef browned and the onions soft, so everything practically melts together—be sure to drain off any extra grease for the perfect texture and a lighter bite.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
With the skillet still over medium heat, stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep things bubbling gently for 2 to 3 minutes, letting all those savory flavors meld and develop. This step is where the aroma starts to change—suddenly, the kitchen smells like pizza night!
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour your seasoned beef mixture into the prepared pie dish, smoothing it out for an even base. Now, shower the top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese—use a generous hand! If you’re up for the full pizza experience, scatter sliced pepperoni on top. This cheesy layer acts as the melty bridge that brings the whole Pizza Burger Pie together.
Step 5: Mix and Pour the Crust Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, and eggs until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. This simple mixture becomes your “magic crust,” puffing up and browning as it bakes, wrapping all that flavor inside. Pour this batter gently and evenly over the beef and cheese layers, making sure it reaches the edges of the pie dish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be a gorgeous golden brown, set in the center, and slightly puffed. Resist the urge to dive in right away—let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes out of the oven. This little pause helps everything firm up just right, making for picture-perfect slices.
How to Serve The Pizza Burger Pie
Garnishes
For that final flourish, sprinkle your Pizza Burger Pie with fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of extra Italian seasoning before serving. If you like a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil takes things up a notch. Even a few sliced olives or diced tomatoes can give it colorful, fresh appeal.
Side Dishes
Keep things classic with a crisp green salad or a big bowl of garlic breadsticks. For heartier appetites, a light coleslaw or a plate of roasted veggies rounds out the meal perfectly. The Pizza Burger Pie is rich and savory, so pairing it with something bright or crunchy is a lovely counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your slices on a wooden pizza board for party vibes, or cut them into easy-to-eat wedges for game night gatherings. If you’re feeding kids, let them top their own slices with a sprinkle of parmesan or a few extra pepperoni rounds—making it interactive is always a hit. The Pizza Burger Pie also makes a fantastic lunchbox treat, just cut into squares once cooled.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply cover your cooled Pizza Burger Pie with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to make school lunches, workday quick meals, or late-night snacks more exciting.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the baked pie completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap followed by foil for extra protection. Tuck them into a freezer-safe bag, and you’ll have homemade comfort ready for up to 2 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until bubbling and warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that crust nice and crisp. Sprinkle a little fresh cheese on top if you want to revive that just-baked vibe.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey or chicken works beautifully here, soaking up all those pizza layers of flavor for a lighter spin on The Pizza Burger Pie. Just make sure to season generously since these meats can be milder.
What other toppings can I add?
Think of The Pizza Burger Pie just like your favorite pizza—sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even cooked Italian sausage all fit right in. Just avoid adding too much extra moisture, which could affect the set of the pie.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. The result is just as golden, cheesy, and delicious. Double-check your seasonings are gluten-free if allergies are a concern.
What’s the best way to transport it for potlucks?
Bake The Pizza Burger Pie in a sturdy pie plate with a tight-fitting lid or cover with foil. Once it cools a bit, it’s easy to carry and slice at your destination—bonus points for serving right from the dish!
Can I prepare the beef mixture ahead of time?
You sure can! The seasoned beef and onion filling can be made the night before and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble the pie as directed, pour over the batter, and bake. This makes weeknight dinners even speedier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a meal that’s a little bit pizza, a little bit burger, and a whole lot of fun, The Pizza Burger Pie is calling your name. Give it a try—you’ll love the tasty layers, the cheesy topping, and just how quickly it disappears from the dinner table! Happy cooking!
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The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this delicious Pizza Burger Pie. Layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheeses, and a savory batter come together to create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
For the Batter:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread beef mixture in the pie dish. Top with cheeses and pepperoni if using.
- Prepare Batter: Whisk together flour, milk, and eggs. Pour over the meat and cheese layers.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Try different meats like Italian sausage for variety.
- Works well in a deep-dish pan for thicker slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
