Masters of kitchen
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between ordering a burger or a pizza, this recipe is your dream come true. Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is the ultimate comfort food fusion — a savory pie filled with juicy seasoned ground beef, rich pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and a golden crust that holds it all together. Think of it as a deep-dish cheeseburger meets your favorite slice.
This dish is as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for picky eaters — because who doesn’t love burgers and pizza? Whether you’re cooking for a group of kids or throwing together a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe hits the sweet spot between fast and flavorful.
Fusion foods like this have long been a staple of creative American home cooking. From taco lasagnas to cheeseburger soups, dishes that mash up iconic comfort meals are loved for their playfulness and crowd-pleasing results. Burger pizza pie delivers big-time flavor without the fuss, making it a reliable go-to for busy families and comfort food lovers alike.
So if you’re ready to try something deliciously different, cheesy pizza burger pie might just become your new favorite meal.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie Mashup
This cheesy mashup is everything you crave in one dish — and more. Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie brings bold flavor with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a crispy crust that holds up under all that goodness.
It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to throw together. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend movie nights, or even a casual potluck, this pie is designed to impress with minimal effort.
Got kids? They’ll love the familiar flavors. Got leftovers? It freezes like a dream. Hosting friends? This dish is a guaranteed hit.
Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder. No juggling multiple pots or pans — just layer, bake, and dig in. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this pizza-burger hybrid is satisfying, practical, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pizza Burger Pie
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make a cheesy pizza burger pie that tastes amazing — just a handful of simple, flavorful components:
Ground Beef
Use 85% lean for a juicy, flavorful filling without too much grease. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for that crave-worthy burger base.
Pizza Sauce
Store-bought works great in a pinch, but a quick homemade version with tomato sauce, oregano, garlic, and a pinch of sugar can elevate the flavor.
Cheese
A mix of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and provolone brings the ideal blend of stretch, bite, and creaminess. Pre-shredded cheese is fine, but shredding your own melts better.
Crust Options
-
Crescent roll dough: Flaky and buttery
-
Biscuit dough: Heartier and more rustic
-
Homemade pie crust: Ideal if you have extra time
Toppings
Go classic with pepperoni, or add flavor with sliced olives, onions, or bell peppers. Think of it like building your dream pizza — inside a pie.
Expert Tip: Use a springform pan for a more elegant presentation and easier slicing. It also helps keep those cheesy layers intact.
How to Make a Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ready to bring this mashup to life? Here’s a step-by-step guide for making your own cheesy pizza burger pie from scratch.
1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat, then season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in about half a cup of pizza sauce and cook for a minute to blend the flavors.
2. Prep the Crust
Grease a deep pie dish, cast iron skillet, or springform pan. Press your chosen crust dough (crescent rolls or biscuit dough work great) into the bottom and up the sides, creating a thick base for your pie.
3. Layer It Up
Start by spreading a spoonful of pizza sauce on the crust. Then layer the beef mixture evenly. Add a generous layer of shredded cheese and top with your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives. Repeat with more cheese for good measure.
4. Top and Bake
If you have extra dough, lay some strips across the top like a lattice or cover fully for a traditional pie look. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, brush the crust edges with melted garlic butter before baking.
5. Let It Rest
Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and keeps those cheesy layers from sliding apart.
Shortcut Version for Busy Weeknights
Short on time? Here’s how to whip up a quick version of cheesy pizza burger pie:
-
Use frozen pizza dough or pre-baked crusts to save time
-
Replace raw beef with pre-cooked seasoned ground beef or beef crumbles
-
Skip stovetop prep entirely — just layer and bake
-
Make mini pies in muffin tins using biscuit dough for lunchbox-sized portions
This shortcut still delivers all the flavor, minus the mess. Perfect for weeknights when you’re running low on time (or energy!).
Flavor Variations for Your Cheesy Burger Pie
One of the best things about cheesy pizza burger pie is how flexible it is. You can switch up the flavors to match your cravings — or use whatever’s in your fridge. Here are some tasty ideas to try:
Spicy Kick
Add sliced jalapeños, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a pie with bold heat. Pepper jack cheese is a great spicy swap, too!
BBQ Burger Pie
For a smoky, sweet twist, replace the pizza sauce with barbecue sauce. Top with sharp cheddar, red onions, and bacon for that smoky burger flair.
Veggie Lovers
Going meatless? Load it up with mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and roasted red peppers. Pair with a herby ricotta or creamy pesto sauce instead of red sauce.
Low-Carb Option
Skip the crust entirely and bake the beef-cheese mixture in a greased pie dish for a crustless version. Or, use a cauliflower crust or keto dough alternative.
Meat Lovers’ Dream
Combine ground sausage, crispy bacon, and pepperoni for a protein-packed powerhouse. Don’t forget to drain the meats to avoid a greasy pie.
Pro Tip: When adding wet veggies or extra meats, slightly reduce the amount of sauce or cheese to keep the pie balanced.
What to Serve with Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
While this pie is definitely a full meal on its own, adding a few simple sides makes dinner feel extra special.
Fresh Side Salad
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or ranch helps cut through the richness and adds freshness. Go for arugula, romaine, or a mix with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
Garlic Breadsticks or Roasted Veggies
Complement the pie with warm breadsticks, garlic knots, or oven-roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots for added fiber.
Kid-Friendly Drinks
Keep things fun and fizzy with sparkling lemonade, root beer, or fruit punch. It turns a weeknight dinner into a mini celebration.
This dish also pairs well with marinara or ranch on the side for dipping — especially if you’re serving kids or teens who love extra sauce.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is just as great the next day, and it freezes beautifully — which makes it a smart meal prep option.
Storage
-
Refrigerator: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Keeps well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
-
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
-
Microwave: Place a slice on a plate with a paper towel (to reduce sogginess) and heat for 1–2 minutes.
Tip: Reheating in the oven keeps the crust crispier than the microwave.
Make-Ahead
You can assemble the pie a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as usual — just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or prepping ahead for parties!
Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
Want your cheesy pizza burger pie to turn out picture-perfect every time? Here are some expert tricks to make it even better:
Blind-Bake the Crust
To avoid a soggy bottom, partially bake the crust before adding the filling. Just 5–7 minutes helps firm it up.
Use Parchment Paper
If using a springform pan or deep dish, line it with parchment paper — it makes cleanup easier and helps lift the pie out cleanly.
Don’t Over-Sauce
Too much sauce can turn your pie into a soupy mess. Stick to thin layers and let the cheese do the heavy lifting for flavor.
Let It Rest
Once baked, let the pie sit for at least 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together and prevents hot cheese from sliding everywhere.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish like pizza burger pie can go sideways without a few precautions. Avoid these pitfalls:
-
Overloading with sauce or cheese: It may seem like more is better, but too much can lead to a soggy, sloppy mess.
-
Undercooking the crust: Always check the bottom for doneness — especially if you’re using thicker dough.
-
Not draining the beef fat: Excess grease can ruin the texture and flavor.
-
Skipping rest time: Cutting too soon will cause the pie to fall apart. Patience pays off!
FAQs About Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
Can I use crescent dough for pizza burger pie?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough makes a great flaky, buttery crust that’s easy to work with. Press it into the bottom of a pie dish and up the sides for the best results.
Is pizza burger pie freezer friendly?
Yes! Let the pie cool completely, slice it, and wrap each slice in foil. Store in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
What meat works best for burger pie?
Lean ground beef (80–85%) is the classic choice. You can also try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Use a meat substitute like veggie crumbles or lentils, and load up on roasted veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. Add extra cheese for richness.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes — assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and pop it in the oven. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to your bake time.
Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pie dish or springform pan
- Mixing spoon
- Knife
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 refrigerated pie crust or crescent roll dough
- Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni olives, mushrooms, onions
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: melted butter + garlic powder for brushing crust
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain fat.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in ½ cup pizza sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Press dough into a greased pie dish, covering bottom and sides.
- Spread remaining pizza sauce on the dough. Layer in beef mixture.
- Add shredded cheeses and any desired toppings.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Freezer tip: Freeze cooked slices individually and reheat in oven.
- Mini version: Use muffin tins for single-serve pies.
- Crust can be crescent rolls, biscuit dough, or homemade pastry.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Family Comfort Meal
Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles — a hearty, indulgent fusion of two comfort food legends. Whether you’re making it for family movie night or prepping ahead for a gathering, it’s endlessly customizable and always satisfying.
You can scale it up, down, or sideways with variations, and it’s just as tasty reheated the next day. Add your own twist, share it with friends, and make it a staple in your meal rotation.
One bite, and you’ll know — this pie is pure cheesy, beefy, crusty bliss.
