Imagine all your favorite comfort foods coming together in one heavenly dish – that is exactly what the Pizza Burger Pie Recipe delivers. This recipe takes juicy ground beef, rich pizza sauce, gooey cheeses, and tender crescent roll dough, combining them into a bubbling, golden pie that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect blend of a classic cheeseburger and pizza night, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Pizza Burger Pie Recipe couldn’t be easier since the ingredients are all straightforward and familiar, yet each plays a crucial role. The savory ground beef forms the hearty base, the pizza sauce brings a tangy tomato goodness, and the crescent roll dough creates a buttery, flaky crust that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean yet flavorful beef for a juicy, tender filling.
- 1/2 cup onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a little texture to the mix, balancing the beef perfectly.
- 1 can (14 oz) pizza sauce: The tangy star ingredient that gives this pie its classic pizza flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle kick of savory depth to the beef mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the overall taste with Mediterranean flair.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stretchy cheese that pizza lovers dream of.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, contrasting flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough: Easily forms the buttery, golden crust that’s the foundation of the pie.
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional): For those who want an extra punch of classic pizza meaty goodness.
How to Make Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a hot oven ready to give your pie a perfectly crisp and golden crust. Don’t forget to grease your pie dish well to prevent sticking and help the crust release effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is deliciously browned and the onions turn tender and translucent, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy, while still maintaining juiciness.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasoning
Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the beef and onions, mixing thoroughly. Let this simmer together for about 2 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully before removing from heat—this creates a wonderfully savory and aromatic filling.
Step 4: Form the Crescent Roll Crust
Unroll your refrigerated crescent dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pie dish, creating a rustic, buttery crust to hold all the deliciousness. Make sure to press the seams together firmly to prevent leaking while baking.
Step 5: Layer the Filling
Spread the warm beef and pizza sauce mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust. This ensures every slice gets that perfect balance of meat and tangy sauce right from the first bite.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Top your pie with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. If you love pepperoni as much as I do, layer it on top of the cheese to get that crispy, flavorful hit in every slice.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the assembled pie into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted, gooey, and bubbly, tempting you with its irresistible aroma.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let your Pizza Burger Pie rest for a few minutes after baking. This little pause helps everything set nicely for clean slicing, and then you get to dive into the warm, cheesy, and meaty goodness that’s so satisfying.
How to Serve Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of the Pizza Burger Pie Recipe is that it’s flavorful on its own, but you can brighten it up with fresh garnishes like chopped basil or parsley. For a touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle a little hot sauce on top. These little extras add layers of freshness and excitement to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich and hearty pie with something light and crisp. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Garlic roasted vegetables or a crunchy coleslaw also work beautifully to round out the meal without overwhelming the main star – your pizza burger pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve slices on individual plates garnished with fresh herbs and a side of dipping sauces like ranch or marinara. You can even make mini versions in muffin tins for a fun appetizer at parties, turning the Pizza Burger Pie Recipe into bite-sized delights that everyone can enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza burger pie keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator, covered snugly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
If you want to make it even more convenient, the pie freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, the oven is your best friend to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty. Warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works but expect a softer crust.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. This will keep the hearty texture and work beautifully with the pizza sauce and cheese.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorites like provolone, gouda, or even a bit of parmesan. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor and texture to your pie.
Is it possible to prepare the pie in advance?
You can assemble the Pizza Burger Pie Recipe the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy for the best crust texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Regular pizza dough or pre-made pie crust can be used instead. Adjust baking times accordingly; you want a nicely golden crust but not over-baked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free crescent roll dough or use a gluten-free pizza crust alternative. Make sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Burger Pie Recipe is truly one of those special comfort dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or feeding friends at a casual gathering, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and full bellies. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight recipe!
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Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Pizza Burger Pie is a delicious fusion of classic burger flavors and pizza, baked into a savory pie. Ground beef cooked with onions and pizza seasonings is combined with melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, nestled in a buttery crescent roll crust and optionally topped with pepperoni. This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for casual meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
Crust
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pie after baking.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the pie from being greasy.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning with the cooked beef and onion. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the crust: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish, creating a uniform crust. Press seams together to seal.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the warm beef and pizza sauce mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust inside the pie dish.
- Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the beef mixture. If desired, add sliced pepperoni on top for an extra pizza touch.
- Bake the pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the pizza burger pie to cool for a few minutes after baking to set. Slice into wedges and serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Optional pepperoni adds a classic pizza flavor but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the ground beef.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure the crescent roll dough seams are well sealed to prevent leaking of the filling during baking.
- For a crispier crust, bake the crust alone for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
