Pizza Burger Pie Flavors

Pizza Burger Pie is the crave worthy comfort food mashup you never knew you needed, combining classic cheeseburger flavors with the gooey, saucy goodness of pizza all baked into a golden pie crust. In just under an hour, with only 20 minutes of hands on prep and a fast 30 minute bake, Pizza Burger Pie delivers a fun, family friendly meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying weekend cravings.

I first whipped up this easy Pizza Burger Pie on a cold Friday night when the kids could not decide between burgers or pizza. The first bite of the cheesy, pepperoni studded beef filling tucked into a flaky crust made it an instant hit. Now, it is our family go to when we need a fast, fuss free meal that everyone can agree on, and its versatility keeps it at the top of our favorites list.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground beef: Forms the juicy burger style filling and holds its texture well in the pie, look for 85 percent lean for best flavor without extra grease, or substitute turkey or veggie crumbles for lighter options
• Pizza sauce: Adds signature tomatoey pizza flavor, choose a robust sauce or even homemade, and if needed, marinara can be swapped in a pinch
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a gooey, stretchy topping that browns beautifully, use fresh grated for best melt or try provolone or cheddar for a twist
• Sliced pepperoni: Brings bold, savory spice and makes the pie feel like your favorite pizzeria slice, use turkey pepperoni or omit for a lighter version
• Diced onions: Add natural sweetness and balance out the richness of beef, yellow or sweet onions work well, but shallots or scallions can be subbed
• Bell peppers: Provide crunch and color, any color works but red and yellow add extra sweetness, or you can use mushrooms for an earthy note
• Pre made pie crust: Delivers a flaky, buttery base with zero fuss, use a gluten free crust if needed, or try a homemade crust for a rustic feel
• Extra virgin olive oil: Sautées the vegetables and enriches the beef mixture, try avocado oil if you need a neutral substitute
• Italian seasoning (optional): Adds extra herby punch to the filling, or substitute a pinch of dried oregano and basil if desired

How to Make Pizza Burger Pie

Prepare and Preheat for Easy Assembly:

Set your oven to preheat at 375°F so it is hot and ready for baking. Unroll your pre made pie crust and let it rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to prevent cracking when pressing it into the dish, ensuring a smooth, even base.

Sauté the Aromatics for a Flavorful Base:

In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking and stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until onions are translucent and soft. This blends the flavors and sets up a rich filling without raw vegetable taste.

Brown the Ground Beef for a Juicy Filling:

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Sprinkle lightly with salt for seasoning. Sauté for 7 to 8 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain off excess fat carefully for a less greasy pie before adding pizza sauce.

Simmer with Pizza Sauce for Bold Flavor:

Pour in the pizza sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture, stir well, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken so the pie slices neatly and won’t be soupy.

Fill the Pie Crust and Add Pizza Toppings:

Gently press your pre made pie crust into a 9 inch pie pan, smoothing out any cracks. Spoon the hot beef mixture evenly into the crust, mound up slightly if needed. Cover generously with shredded mozzarella, then arrange pepperoni slices across the top for full coverage and flavor in every slice.

Bake to Golden Bubbly Perfection:

Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to get bubbly and the crust edges to turn golden. If needed, continue for 2 to 3 more minutes, watching closely to avoid over baking and drying out the crust.

Cool and Slice for the Best Texture:

Remove the finished pie and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to set for cleaner, picture perfect slices and the ultimate pizza burger pie enjoyment.

The first time I made this recipe, I swapped in fresh mushrooms for half the beef to lighten it up and fell in love with the earthy twist. It was a hit at the dinner table, with everyone going back for seconds and even picky eaters asking for leftovers. Pizza Burger Pie quickly became a staple for sneaking in more veggies without complaints, especially on hectic weeknights.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Make Pizza Burger Pie fit your cravings or dietary needs with a few creative swaps. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or sautéed mushrooms instead of beef to unlock hearty, savory flavor without meat. If you need to go gluten free, choose a ready made gluten free crust or skip the shell and bake the filling in a casserole dish for a crustless bake. Those cutting carbs can pile the filling onto roasted zucchini slices and finish with cheese for a lighter twist. For dairy free needs, vegan cheese alternatives melt well and keep the indulgence factor high.

How to Store and Reheat Pizza Burger Pie

To keep leftovers fresh, let Pizza Burger Pie cool to room temperature before wrapping slices tightly in foil or placing the whole pie in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where it will stay delicious for up to four days. Individual slices reheat beautifully in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for that fresh baked feel. For longer storage, freeze slices or the whole pie in a freezer safe dish for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve with Pizza Burger Pie

Bold and hearty Pizza Burger Pie is best paired with simple sides that complement without overpowering. Try a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette or sautéed broccoli for balance. On busier nights, warm garlic knots or Italian breadsticks are perfect for sopping up extra sauce. For parties or gatherings, serve with sparkling lemonade, Italian sodas, or a veggie platter for a playful, family style spread.

Nutritional Benefits

Despite its indulgent flavors, Pizza Burger Pie is surprisingly nutrient packed. Each hearty serving provides ample protein from the beef and cheese, as well as calcium to help strengthen bones. By adding extra bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, you increase fiber and vitamins, making this comfort classic a better choice that still satisfies your cravings. Easily adaptable with leaner meats or low fat cheese, it fits a variety of dietary lifestyles.

Recipe Success Tips

If your Pizza Burger Pie crust turns hard to slice, let the pie rest longer after baking or double check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. For super saucy filling, simmer the beef and sauce mixture a bit longer to reduce excess liquid before pouring into the crust. If your cheese is not browning, boost the pie to the top oven rack for the last few minutes to achieve golden, bubbly perfection.

Pizza Burger Pie brings together the best of pizza and burgers for an unforgettable, family approved meal. Enjoy this flavorful recipe for your next quick dinner and savor the fun of customizing it to your family’s taste.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I prepare Pizza Burger Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Lentils or mushrooms make a great vegetarian alternative, maintaining the savory flavors and texture.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap and freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to add extras like spinach, mushrooms, or even olives to suit your preference.

→ What cheese works best in this dish?

Mozzarella offers a classic melt, but provolone or Parmesan can add unique flavors to the filling or topping.