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.

Simple Ingredients

• 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. Ground turkey works beautifully too if you prefer a lighter option.
• 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. The combination of garlic powder and Italian seasoning bridges the burger and pizza flavors beautifully.
• Pie crust – This unexpected element brings everything together and adds a buttery, flaky texture contrast. Store-bought crusts work perfectly for busy weeknights, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, by all means use it! The slight sweetness of the crust actually complements the savory filling surprisingly well.
• 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. In a pinch, pasta sauce or even ketchup mixed with Italian herbs can substitute.
• 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. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives all work beautifully, just like they would on a regular pizza.

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Creating Pie Magic

Perfect beef preparation:

Cook the beef and onion thoroughly, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it browns. Draining excess fat is important to prevent a soggy crust. The seasonings should be mixed in while the meat is still hot, which helps them bloom and distribute their flavors evenly.

Crust considerations:

If using a store-bought crust, let it warm up slightly at room temperature so it doesn't crack when you unroll it. No need to pre-bake the crust – the filling is cooked, so the baking time is really just to crisp the crust and melt the cheese.

Layer strategy:

The order of layers matters for the best texture and flavor. The meat forms a solid base, while the sauce creates a barrier that prevents the crust from getting soggy. The cheese goes on top to get that perfect melty, slightly browned finish that we all love about pizza.

Topping tips:

If using vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, consider pre-cooking them slightly to release some of their moisture. This helps prevent a watery pie. For pepperoni, arranging it in a single layer on top allows it to get slightly crisp around the edges during baking.

Resting importance:

Those 5 minutes of resting time before slicing aren't just for cooling – they allow the layers to set so you get clean slices rather than a messy collapse. It's tempting to dig in right away, but patience pays off here.

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. I've also experimented with different cheeses, finding that while mozzarella provides that classic pull, a mix including some cheddar adds wonderful flavor depth that enhances the burger aspect of the dish.

Serving Inspiration

Transform this Pizza Burger Pie into an even more impressive meal by serving it with complementary sides. A simple green salad with Italian dressing brings freshness to balance the richness. For a casual gathering, cut the pie into smaller slices as an appetizer alongside garlic bread sticks. Drizzle individual servings with ranch dressing or hot honey for an extra flavor dimension. For a fun twist, serve smaller individual versions in ramekins for a personalized dinner experience.

Tasty Variations

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try some creative variations:

• Cheeseburger Deluxe Pie: Add chopped pickles, a bit of mustard, and cheddar cheese for a classic cheeseburger flavor.
• BBQ Burger Pizza Pie: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and top with crispy onions and bacon.
• Mediterranean Style: Use lamb instead of beef, add feta cheese along with the mozzarella, and top with olives and roasted red peppers.
• Breakfast Pizza Burger Pie: Add cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage to the beef and top with scrambled eggs after baking.
• Taco Pizza Burger Pie: Season the beef with taco seasoning instead of Italian, use salsa in place of pizza sauce, and top with Mexican cheese blend and jalapeños.

Storage Secrets

This Pizza Burger Pie maintains its delicious quality for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crust's crispness. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but will result in a softer crust. If you want to freeze this pie, I recommend freezing it before baking, then baking from frozen with an extra 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

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I've made this Pizza Burger Pie countless times over the years, tweaking the recipe to find the perfect balance between burger and pizza flavors. What started as a compromise solution has become a much-requested family favorite that frequently appears in our dinner rotation. There's something undeniably satisfying about combining two beloved comfort foods into one hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. The fact that it comes together quickly with simple ingredients just makes it all the more perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes! While ground beef gives the authentic burger flavor, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Italian sausage also works well, either on its own or mixed with ground beef for extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

→ What kind of pie crust works best?

Both store-bought refrigerated pie crusts and homemade crusts work well. For a heartier option, try a deep-dish style crust or even a prepared pizza dough. If using pizza dough, pre-bake it for about 5 minutes before adding toppings to ensure the bottom doesn't get soggy.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the entire pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. Alternatively, bake the pie completely, refrigerate, and reheat portions as needed.

→ What sides go well with Pizza Burger Pie?

This hearty pie pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. Other good options include garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a side of marinara sauce for dipping. If serving for a casual gathering, potato chips or french fries complement the burger theme nicely.

→ How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?

For a lower-carb version, you can skip the pie crust altogether and make this as a casserole. Simply prepare the beef mixture, spread it in a greased baking dish, top with the sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake until bubbly. Alternatively, you could use a low-carb pie crust recipe made with almond flour or a cauliflower crust as the base.

→ Why is my pie crust soggy on the bottom?

A soggy bottom crust can happen if the filling has too much moisture. To prevent this, make sure to thoroughly drain the fat from the beef mixture. You can also try blind baking the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the fillings, or brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of beaten egg before adding the beef to create a moisture barrier.