The Pizza Burger Pie

I created this Pizza Burger Pie recipe on a rainy Friday night when my family couldn't decide between ordering pizza or making burgers. Rather than settling for one or the other, I decided to combine both into what has become one of our most requested dinners. This satisfying dish delivers all the savory flavors of a juicy burger with the familiar comfort of pizza, all contained in a flaky pie crust that adds an unexpected twist. It's the perfect solution for those nights when you can't choose between two favorites – and honestly, why should you have to?

Last month I served this at a casual dinner gathering, and my friend's husband – who typically views anything homemade with suspicion – had three slices before asking for the recipe. Their 10-year-old son, normally a dinner negotiator, cleaned his plate without a single complaint. That's when you know you've hit on something special – when it satisfies both the grown-ups and the kids at the table.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Ground Beef: Creates the hearty base that gives this pie its burger identity. I prefer 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and moisture without being too greasy.
• Onion and Seasonings: These ingredients transform plain ground beef into a flavorful burger experience. Finely chopping the onion ensures it cooks down and integrates perfectly with the meat.
• Pie Crust: This unexpected element brings everything together and adds a buttery, flaky texture contrast. Store-bought crusts work perfectly for busy weeknights.
• Pizza Sauce: Adds that distinctive pizza flavor and moisture to the dish. I prefer a sauce with herbs already incorporated, but a plain marinara works well too.
• Cheese and Toppings: Here's where you can really make this dish your own. Traditional pepperoni creates that classic pizza look and flavor, but feel free to add your family's favorite toppings.

I've discovered that taking the extra minute to drain the cooked beef makes all the difference in preventing a soggy crust. The first few times I made this, I skipped this step out of laziness, and while still tasty, the bottom crust wasn't as crisp as it could have been.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Savory Base

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 finely diced onion, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once no pink remains, drain excess fat and return to heat. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, stirring to incorporate.

Step 2: Create The Perfect Foundation

Preheat your oven to 375°F and unroll a refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, gently pressing it against the bottom and sides. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the crust, creating a solid foundation for your pie. The hot filling will help seal the crust, preventing sogginess.

Step 3: Add The Pizza Elements

Spread 1 cup of your favorite pizza sauce over the beef layer, leaving a small border around the edge. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Arrange your chosen toppings (pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives) over the cheese in a single layer for even cooking and presentation.

Step 4: Perfect The Crust And Baking

Fold any overhanging pie crust back over the edges of the filling, crimping decoratively if desired. For an extra golden crust, brush the exposed edges with beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with slightly browned spots.

Step 5: Finish With Patience

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial resting period allows the layers to set, resulting in clean, presentation-worthy slices. Garnish with fresh basil or dried Italian herbs before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.

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My first attempt at this recipe was both a success and a learning experience. I originally added raw bell peppers, which released too much moisture and made the bottom crust soggy. I've since learned to either pre-cook watery vegetables or place them on top of the cheese rather than underneath.

Making It A Family Affair

One of the unexpected joys of this recipe has been how it's brought my family into the kitchen together. My normally cooking-adverse teenager now regularly offers to help assemble the pie, carefully arranging pepperoni in an artistic pattern on top. My younger child loves being in charge of sprinkling the cheese, inevitably sneaking a few pinches for himself in the process. We've turned it into a Friday night tradition where everyone gets to suggest a different topping combination. The "Taco Tuesday" version with taco-seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips on top was surprisingly delicious, as was the "Hawaiian Luau" with ham and pineapple. These cooking sessions have become valuable family time that ends with a meal everyone actually wants to eat – something of a miracle in a household with diverse food preferences.

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Impressive Yet Effortless Entertaining

This Pizza Burger Pie has become my secret weapon for casual entertaining. When we have last-minute dinner guests or when I'm asked to bring a dish to a potluck, this recipe consistently delivers impressive results without requiring hours in the kitchen. For gatherings, I sometimes make two different variations – perhaps a classic pepperoni version alongside a more adventurous combination with artichoke hearts and feta. The pie travels well, can be served at room temperature if needed, and always generates recipe requests. Last summer, I brought it to a neighborhood block party where it disappeared so quickly that I never even got a piece! Three different neighbors texted me the next day asking for the recipe, and now it's become something of a community favorite.

Stretching Your Grocery Budget

In today's economy with rising food prices, this recipe has proven to be remarkably budget-friendly while still feeling special. One pound of ground beef stretches much further in this format than it would as traditional burgers. When ground beef is on sale, I often make several pies and freeze them unbaked for future quick dinners. I've also found that this recipe works beautifully with plant-based ground meat alternatives when cooking for vegetarian friends or when trying to incorporate more meatless meals into our routine. During garden season, I add diced zucchini to the beef mixture and fresh tomatoes on top, incorporating seasonal produce that makes the meal even more economical while adding nutrition and flavor.

Perfect For Meal Preppers

As someone who values efficiency in the kitchen, I appreciate how well this recipe fits into a meal prep routine. On busy weeks, I often prepare two Pizza Burger Pies on Sunday – one for dinner that night and another to refrigerate or freeze for later in the week. The unbaked pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for assembling in the morning before work and popping into the oven when you get home. For freezing, I line the pie plate with foil before adding the crust and filling, then freeze the entire pie until solid. Once frozen, I lift it out using the foil, wrap it tightly, and return it to the freezer – freeing up my pie plate while creating a convenient freezer meal for hectic evenings.

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This Pizza Burger Pie has evolved from a simple compromise solution into a beloved family tradition that has spread through friends, neighbors, and extended family. There's something uniquely satisfying about creating a dish that brings together the best elements of two comfort food classics in an unexpected way. The look of delight when someone takes their first bite – recognizing the familiar flavors while experiencing them in a new format – makes this recipe one I'll continue to make and share for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Change toppings?

Yes, whatever you like!

→ Make it spicy?

Add some heat with flakes.

→ Bake time?

20-25 minutes—watch the cheese.

→ Good to freeze?

Sure, 2 months max.

→ Kid-approved?

They’ll dig the pizza vibe!