I still remember the first time I combined my love for pizza and burgers into one epic dish. It was a busy weeknight, and I wanted something hearty, fun, and satisfying, yet simple enough to prepare after a long day at the bakery. That’s when the idea of a pizza burger pie struck me. The concept is playful but indulgent, merging the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with all the toppings of a pizza into a single, irresistible pie. The moment I sliced into it, the aroma of melted cheese, savory turkey bacon, and seasoned beef filling the air, I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would quickly become a family favorite.
You will love this recipe because it is bold, satisfying, and utterly comforting. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures: a crisp, buttery crust, juicy beef, smoky turkey bacon, and melty cheese. It’s a recipe that brings smiles to the table, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a small gathering with friends. Beyond taste, it’s versatile, allowing you to swap toppings, cheeses, or even the crust style to suit your personal preferences.
Affordability is another reason this pizza burger pie is so appealing. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily available at local grocery stores. You can make this dinner without spending a fortune, making it perfect for families, college students, or anyone craving a hearty, homemade meal. The recipe also lends itself well to batch cooking, so leftovers can be reheated for a quick lunch the next day without losing any flavor.
Ingredients for Crazy Good Pizza Burger Pie
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1 pound ground beef
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6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup pizza sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 small green bell pepper, diced
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 pre-made pie crust or homemade crust
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Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, black olives, cherry tomatoes
This pizza burger pie brings together the best of two worlds into a single, fun, and satisfying dish. Its simplicity, flavor, and adaptability make it one of my go-to recipes for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
How to Prepare Crazy Good Pizza Burger Pie
Preparing this pizza burger pie is easier than it looks, and I’ve broken it down into clear, step-by-step instructions to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, prepare your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
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Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
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Cook the beef in the same skillet. Add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion and green bell pepper, then sauté them in a little olive oil until soft and slightly caramelized. This step enhances their flavor, ensuring they blend beautifully with the beef and cheese.
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Assemble the pie crust. Roll out your pre-made pie crust or homemade dough in a pie dish. Make sure the edges are even and slightly pressed against the sides of the dish.
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Layer the ingredients. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the bottom of the crust. Add half of the cooked beef, followed by half of the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle half of the turkey bacon evenly. Then, layer half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef, vegetables, bacon, and cheese.
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Top and finish. Add any optional toppings like sliced mushrooms, black olives, or cherry tomatoes. Ensure the pie is evenly layered so each slice gets a balanced mix of flavors.
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Bake the pie. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
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Cool slightly before serving. Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes to set the layers. This prevents the filling from spilling out when slicing and ensures a clean, appetizing presentation.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Use pre-chopped vegetables or pre-cooked turkey bacon to save time.
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Make the crust ahead of time or use store-bought dough to streamline prep.
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This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
Customization Ideas
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Swap the mozzarella for a blend of cheeses like provolone or gouda.
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Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
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Use whole wheat or gluten-free crust for dietary preferences.
Popular with Everyone
This pizza burger pie has consistently been a hit at gatherings, with children and adults alike enjoying the combination of familiar flavors in a fun presentation. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual parties, or even meal prepping for the week. The blend of turkey bacon, seasoned beef, and melty cheese ensures that every bite is satisfying and flavorful.
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Crazy Good Pizza Burger Pie Dinner Ideas
This pizza burger pie combines the best elements of a classic cheeseburger and pizza into a single, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it is hearty, flavorful, and versatile. The combination of seasoned beef, turkey bacon, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese creates a comforting and indulgent meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pre-made pie crust or homemade crust
- Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, black olives, cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain and chop.
- Brown ground beef in the same skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté diced onion and green bell pepper in olive oil until soft.
- Roll out pie crust in a pie dish, pressing edges evenly.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the crust.
- Layer half of the beef, vegetables, and turkey bacon. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining beef, vegetables, bacon, and cheese. Add optional toppings if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let the pie rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Pre-chopped vegetables or pre-cooked bacon can save time.
For extra flavor, try a mix of cheeses or add a touch of smoked paprika.
Pie can be customized with different toppings or crust types.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
FAQs – Crazy Good Pizza Burger Pie
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the crust from drying out.
2. Can I freeze the pizza burger pie?
Absolutely. Assemble the pie without baking, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes. While ground beef and turkey bacon are recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with ground chicken or turkey and still achieve a delicious result.
4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the beef and turkey bacon with plant-based alternatives, such as a veggie burger mix and vegetarian bacon. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or roasted peppers.
5. What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella and cheddar provide the classic melty, gooey texture. You can also use provolone, gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
6. Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef mixture to give it a mild to medium heat.
7. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce first and avoid overloading the pie with wet ingredients. Pre-baking the crust for 5–7 minutes before adding the filling can also help.