The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe is a delightful mashup of two all-time favorites that will thrill your taste buds with layers of juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and zesty pizza sauce all baked into a buttery crescent roll crust. This dish takes the comfort of a classic burger and the fun of pizza and wraps it into one irresistible pie that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for satisfying those cheesy, savory cravings with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients combine to bring out the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors in The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe. From the savory beef to the gooey cheese and crisp crescents, every component plays an important role in making this dish shine.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty base that brings juicy flavor and meaty texture.
- Onion, diced (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and a touch of crunch when cooked with the beef.
- Pizza sauce (1 can, 14 oz): Brings that beloved tangy tomato flavor essential for pizza vibes.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle background note that elevates the savoriness.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that ties all flavors together with a Mediterranean touch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The classic stretchy cheese that melts beautifully on top.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, tangy contrast to mozzarella’s mildness.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 package, 8 oz): The flaky, buttery crust that holds everything together.
- Sliced pepperoni (1/4 cup, optional): For a spicy, savory punch that pizza lovers will adore.
How to Make The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first move to Pizza Burger Pie perfection is heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Giving your pie dish a quick grease ensures that the crescent dough won’t stick and will come out beautifully golden and easy to slice.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Sautéing the ground beef with diced onion until browned and softened is where the savory foundation is laid. Be sure to drain excess fat so the filling doesn’t turn greasy but keeps all that hearty flavor.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Mix in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning while the beef is still warm to let those flavors meld. Simmering for a brief couple of minutes helps intensify the sauce so every bite bursts with that signature pizza taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust
Unroll the crescent dough carefully and press it into the pie dish, pushing it up the sides to create a crust that’s ready to cradle the filling. Pressing the seams ensures a smooth, sturdy base that bakes into a flaky golden shell.
Step 5: Spread the Filling
Evenly spoon your beef and pizza sauce mixture onto the prepared crust. This step is all about balance to make sure each slice gets a perfect amount of meaty saucy goodness.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top, then if you’re using pepperoni, layer those flavorful circles on. This cheesy topping will melt into an irresistible blanket of gooey delight.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your assembled Pizza Burger Pie for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is an inviting golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly awaiting their slice!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool just a bit for easier slicing, then dig in and savor each cheesy, savory bite that’s a true fusion of pizza and burger bliss.
How to Serve The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or oregano brightens up the rich flavors and adds a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting. A light drizzle of marinara or a few red pepper flakes can also offer an extra zing!
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pie with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or oven-baked sweet potato fries also make fantastic companions that keep the Italian-American theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For an informal gathering, present The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe in a deep-dish skillet, allowing guests to scoop their portions onto plates. Alternatively, slice into wedges and serve as finger food with small plates and napkins for a fun, shareable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pie, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the flavors only deepen after a day or two, making for a great next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully! Simply cool completely, then wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap before popping it in the freezer. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months, ready for a quick reheat when needed.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes to bring back that crispy crust and melty cheese. You can also use a microwave for convenience but expect the crust to soften a bit.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives and will still work great in The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe. Just make sure to cook until fully browned before assembling.
Is it necessary to use crescent roll dough?
While crescent roll dough gives a flaky, buttery crust that’s perfect here, you can substitute with pizza dough or puff pastry if you prefer a different texture or want to try a gluten-free option.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute, and it will still taste amazing. Don’t forget to check your pizza sauce ingredients if you want to keep it fully vegetarian.
How spicy does The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe get?
This recipe is generally mild but packed with flavor. If you want more spice, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some jalapeños before baking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! You can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two pie dishes to serve more people. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe that makes it a heartwarming meal for any occasion. Its beautiful blend of classic flavors, ease of preparation, and satisfying textures means you’ll want to make it again and again. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to delight everyone around your table with this cheesy, meaty pie that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
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The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Burger Pie combining savory ground beef, pizza sauce, melted cheeses, and optional pepperoni on a flaky crescent roll crust, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family-friendly meal that blends the best of pizza and burgers in one dish.
Ingredients
Meat 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 & 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 create an easy release for the crust.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the pie from being greasy.
- Add seasoning and sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. Let this simmer for approximately 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the crust: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the greased pie dish, sealing any seam gaps by pressing them together to form a continuous crust.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the beef and pizza sauce mixture evenly over the dough-lined pie dish to create a flavorful base layer.
- Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. If desired, evenly distribute the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese for an extra pizza flavor.
- Bake the pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pizza burger pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect blend of pizza and burger flavors.
Notes
- For a spicier option, add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
- Use different cheeses like provolone or parmesan for varied flavor.
- The pie can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a soggy crust.
