Pizza Burger Pie: The Ultimate Guide to This Delicious Mashup

Pizza Burger Pie: Prepare to have your mind blown! Imagine the best parts of a juicy burger and a classic pizza colliding in a single, glorious dish. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget choosing between pizza night and burger night – now you can have both!

While the exact origins of the Pizza Burger Pie are shrouded in delicious mystery, its spirit is rooted in the American tradition of culinary innovation. Think county fairs, state competitions, and backyard barbecues where bold flavors and unexpected combinations reign supreme. It’s a celebration of comfort food, taken to a whole new level.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The savory, seasoned ground beef, reminiscent of your favorite burger, nestled between layers of gooey, melted mozzarella and a tangy tomato sauce, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food trifecta! Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Crust Base:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Burger Filling:
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• For the Pizza Sauce:
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Toppings:
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped red onion (optional)
• For the Egg Wash (Optional):
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy crust.

Making the Burger Filling:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Season the Burger: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Preparing the Pizza Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop.
3. Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling the Pizza Burger Pie:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish with olive oil.
3. Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen pizza dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half.
4. Roll Out the Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a circle that is slightly larger than the pie dish.
5. Place in Pie Dish: Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge.
6. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the bottom crust.
7. Add Burger Filling: Spread the cooked burger filling evenly over the pizza sauce.
8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the burger filling. Top with the pepperoni, black olives, and any other desired toppings like green bell pepper and red onion.
9. Roll Out the Top Crust: Roll out the remaining half of the dough into a circle that is slightly smaller than the pie dish.
10. Place Top Crust: Carefully place the top crust over the filling.
11. Seal the Edges: Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. You can use a fork to press the edges together for a decorative touch.
12. Vent the Crust: Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
13. Egg Wash (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the top crust with the egg wash for a golden-brown finish. This step is optional but highly recommended for a beautiful presentation.
14. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Cool Slightly: Let the Pizza Burger Pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice.

Tips for Success:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your Pizza Burger Pie will be.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Filling: Be careful not to overfill the pie, as this can make it difficult to seal the crust and can result in a soggy bottom crust.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the burger filling and pizza sauce to your liking.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique Pizza Burger Pie. Some other topping ideas include mushrooms, sausage, bacon, and pineapple.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the pizza dough, burger filling, and pizza sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pie. This is a great way to save time on a busy weeknight.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Pizza Burger Pie with a side salad or some crispy french fries for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great for parties and gatherings. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Pizza Burger Pie isn’t just another recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress, satisfies both your pizza and burger cravings, and is surprisingly easy to make, then you absolutely have to try this. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and that perfectly crisp crust is simply irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, and I promise, it’ll become a family favorite in no time.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. If you’re a fan of pepperoni, load it up! Love mushrooms and onions? Sauté them and add them to the beef mixture. Bell peppers, olives, sausage – the possibilities are endless! You can even experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan would be delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving, I personally love to pair it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of crispy fries or onion rings would also be a fantastic complement. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing on top adds a cool and creamy touch.

Thinking about variations? Consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You could also add a layer of ricotta cheese between the beef and the sauce for an extra creamy texture. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or use a spicy pizza sauce. And if you’re short on time, you can even use pre-made pizza dough or a store-bought pie crust.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment!

The beauty of this Pizza Burger Pie is that it’s so adaptable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version. I encourage you to make it your own and tailor it to your specific tastes.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s absolutely delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of the Pizza Burger Pie.

Once you’ve tried it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.