If you love pizza and burgers, why choose between the two? The Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake combines the best of both worlds, delivering a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. This creative fusion layers the juicy flavors of a burger with the classic toppings of a pizza, all baked into a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Pizza Meets Burger Magic: This recipe takes two iconic comfort foods—pizza and burgers—and blends them into one irresistible dish. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Cheesy Goodness: The generous layers of mozzarella cheese create a gooey, melty experience in every bite, making it a cheese lover’s dream.
- Customizable Toppings: From classic pepperoni to unique additions like pickles or mushrooms, you can tailor this dish to suit your cravings or impress your guests with creativity.
- Quick and Easy: With store-bought pizza dough and simple preparation, this recipe is approachable for even the busiest cooks.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this fun twist on pizza and burgers. It’s perfect for sharing during game nights, parties, or casual dinners.
- Balanced Flavors: The seasoned ground beef, rich pizza sauce, and fresh toppings come together to deliver a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It tastes just as good reheated the next day, making it a practical choice for meal prep or saving a slice for later.
Ingredients
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a large baking dish or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Once cooked through, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your baking dish or skillet.
- Carefully transfer the dough into the prepared dish, pressing it to cover the bottom and sides.
Step 4: Layer the Filling
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
- Add a generous layer of cooked ground beef.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef.
- Add your choice of toppings, such as crumbled bacon, pepperoni slices, mushrooms, bell peppers, and pickles.
Step 5: Top It Off
- Drizzle the remaining pizza sauce over the toppings.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Fold the edges of the dough slightly inward to create a crust-like border.
- Brush the crust with olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Success Tips
- Use Fresh Dough: If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling to avoid tearing.
- Drain the Beef: Removing excess grease ensures your bake isn’t soggy.
- Customize Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to the listed toppings—try jalapeños, olives, or even pineapple for a fun twist!
- Watch the Oven: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the crust during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Notes
- Pickle Topping: Pickles add a tangy contrast to the rich flavors but are optional for those who prefer a traditional pizza-burger blend.
- Bacon Upgrade: For smoky flavor, use high-quality, thick-cut bacon.
- Mushroom Sauté: Lightly sauté mushrooms before adding them to enhance their flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Skip the meat and bacon, and load up on your favorite veggies like spinach, zucchini, and tomatoes.
Q: What if I don’t have pizza dough?
A: Crescent roll dough or even biscuit dough can be a creative alternative.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! Assemble the bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is everything you could want in a comfort dish: cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or satisfy a weeknight craving, this recipe has got you covered. The combination of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings ensures there’s something for everyone. So, grab your apron, roll up that dough, and bake up this ultimate crowd-pleaser today!