Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is a fun and delicious twist on two classic favorites: pizza and burgers. Combining the savory flavors of a burger with the cheesy goodness of pizza creates a dish that appeals to both kids and adults. If you’re looking for a meal that is easy to prepare, filling, and satisfying, this recipe fits the bill. It’s a great option for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even game-day celebrations. Plus, the versatility of the ingredients means you can customize it to suit your taste.

Imagine the joy on your family’s faces as they gather around the table to enjoy a fresh, hot pie that’s packed with cheesy goodness and savory toppings. Not only does this recipe taste great, but it also provides a fun cooking experience. From rolling out the dough to filling it with all your favorite fillings, Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie turns dinner into an event.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

Making your own Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish that brings together the best flavors of pizza and hamburgers. Below, you’ll find all the necessary ingredients and directions to get started.

Ingredients

• 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb 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 pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup sliced pickles
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie bakes evenly. While the oven heats, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef into the skillet.

As the beef cooks, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This combination of spices adds flavor that enhances the meat. Stir the beef well as it cooks. It should brown nicely, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This will prevent the pie from becoming greasy and soggy. After draining, set the beef aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Assembling the Pie

Next, roll out your pizza dough on a clean surface. You can use a rolling pin for this. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. After rolling out, lay the dough into a pie dish. Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides of the dish, ensuring it covers all areas evenly.

Now it’s time for the fun part—layering! Start by spreading a layer of pizza sauce over the bottom of the dough. Use about half a cup of the pizza sauce to keep it balanced and flavorful.

Next, add the cooked ground beef as your first filling layer. Afterward, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef.

Now for the toppings—place the pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and pickles over the cheese. You can adjust the amounts to your liking, adding more or less of any topping you prefer.

Finally, top it all off with the remaining mozzarella cheese. This layer will become deliciously gooey once baked.

Step 3: Sealing the Pie

Carefully fold the edges of the pizza dough over the filling. This will create a nice and secure seal, keeping all the goodness inside. Use your fingers to pinch and seal the dough where needed.

Once everything is sealed, brush the top with olive oil. This step will help achieve a beautiful golden brown color as it bakes, making your pie look as delicious as it tastes.

Step 4: Baking

Place your pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; you want the crust to be golden brown and the cheese to be bubbly.

Once baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This waiting period allows the cheese to set a little, making it easier to slice.

Finally, slice the Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie into wedges, and it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

Serving Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is simple and fun! After slicing the pie, you can place each wedge on a plate and serve it with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. This dipping option adds an extra layer of flavor and makes it a hit with guests.

You can also serve the pie alongside classic sides like a fresh salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal. Adding a side of ranch or garlic dipping sauce can elevate the dish and cater to different taste preferences.

Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a touch of color and added freshness. It’s a great way to impress your family and friends!

How to Store Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), storing Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is quite straightforward.

1. Cool Down: First, let the pie cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the crust soggy.

2. Wrap or Container: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. If keeping the whole pie, just cover the entire dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

3. Refrigerate: Place the wrapped pie or slices in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the leftovers should last for about 3 to 4 days.

4. Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the slices for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but note that the crust won’t be as crispy.

Tips to Make Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

1. Pre-made Dough: If you’re short on time, using store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut, ensuring the pie can be made quickly and easily.

2. Customize Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Add cooked bacon, ham, or even vegetables like spinach or olives. Making it your own is part of the fun.

3. Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is the classic choice, consider mixing in other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for an extra flavor kick.

4. Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, omit the ground beef and instead load up on veggies like zucchini, spinach, or even vegan cheese.

5. Dough Thickness: If you prefer a thicker crust, make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as it may require a bit longer to ensure the dough cooks fully.

Variation

If you want to try a different style, consider making a breakfast version of Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie. Simply use breakfast sausage rather than ground beef and add some scrambled eggs along with cheddar cheese. Toppings can also include breakfast favorites like diced tomatoes or green onions for added flavor. This variation is great for brunch or a hearty breakfast!

FAQs

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie ahead of time. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.

2. Can I freeze Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake it, you can put it straight into the oven from the freezer, but increase the baking time to ensure it cooks through.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even potato wedges. Dipping sauces like ranch or marinara sauce also make great complements.

4. What if I don’t have a pie dish?
If you don’t have a pie dish, you can use a baking sheet or any oven-safe dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the shape or depth of the dish differs significantly from a standard pie dish.

5. Can I use other meats?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meats such as turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Each type will provide its unique flavor and texture to the pie.

By following this guide, you’ll create a Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie that everyone will love. Enjoy the comfort of this hearty dish, and happy cooking!

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