Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

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When I think of ultimate comfort food, this Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie immediately comes to mind. It’s a glorious mashup of two beloved classics—pizza and cheeseburgers—all tucked into a golden, flaky crust. The moment I pull it from the oven, bubbling with gooey mozzarella, hearty ground beef, and zesty pepperoni, my kitchen is filled with the kind of aroma that makes everyone wander in asking, “When’s dinner?”

I love making this dish because it’s fun, slightly indulgent, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re prepping it for a casual weekend dinner, a game night, or just to shake up your weekly meal routine, this pie brings both wow factor and serious flavor. It’s easy to assemble and endlessly customizable, which makes it even more of a go-to in my kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

This recipe is the ultimate union of savory, cheesy, and satisfying. The crisp pie crust supports a rich, meaty filling, layered with marinara, seasoned beef, pepperoni, and a generous helping of melted cheese. It’s hearty without being overly heavy, customizable with your favorite toppings, and easy enough for a weekday meal while still feeling like something special.

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What Kind of Crust Works Best for Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie?

For this dish, I find that a refrigerated pie crust or homemade buttery crust works best. It needs enough structure to hold up the weight of the beef, cheese, and sauce while still being tender and flaky. If you’re in a rush, a store-bought deep dish pie crust or even crescent roll dough can do the trick, though it might be a bit softer. Want a more rustic feel? Go for a biscuit crust—it adds a unique, bready texture that’s irresistible.

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Options for Substitutions

The beauty of this Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is how flexible it is:

• Ground Meat: Don’t have ground beef? Swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
• Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack can add a fun twist.
• Sauce: Traditional marinara is the base here, but feel free to mix in some pizza sauce, garlic tomato sauce, or even a layer of Alfredo for a white pie version.
• Toppings: Pepperoni is a fan favorite, but cooked bacon, sausage, mushrooms, or green peppers make excellent additions.
• Crust: As mentioned, refrigerated pie crust is the standard, but puff pastry, crescent dough, or even a homemade pizza dough can create exciting variations.

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Ingredients for This Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

Every component in this pie plays a big role in making it so crave-worthy. Here’s a look at what goes into building the layers of flavor and texture:

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• Ground Beef
  This is the heart of the filling, giving the pie a rich, meaty base. Make sure to drain excess fat after browning to keep the crust from getting soggy.
• Yellow Onion
  Sautéed with the beef, it adds sweetness and a bit of texture to round out the savory meat mixture.
• Garlic
  Just a couple cloves minced or crushed bring in that deep aromatic punch that elevates the whole dish.
• Pizza Sauce or Marinara
  A tangy, tomato-rich layer that mimics classic pizza flavor and keeps everything juicy.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  The essential melty, stretchy cheese layer that ties all the ingredients together.
• Pepperoni Slices
  Bold, salty, and slightly spicy—these add a peppery edge and make the dish feel unmistakably “pizza.”
• Pie Crust (homemade or store-bought)
  Acts as the container and crunchy contrast to the soft, rich filling. Deep dish crust works especially well.
• Dried Italian Herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  Sprinkled over the top or mixed into the beef, these bring that unmistakable pizzeria flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper
  Essential for seasoning the meat and enhancing the natural flavors of every ingredient.

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using store-bought pie dough, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften. Press it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, crimping the edges. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork and pre-bake it for about 7 minutes—this helps prevent a soggy bottom later on.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, add a touch of oil and sauté diced onions until translucent. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat, then mix in about 1 cup of pizza or marinara sauce. Let it simmer briefly to blend flavors.

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Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spoon the beef mixture into the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the beef. Add a generous layer of pepperoni slices, then top with the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle with Italian herbs and a light dash of salt and pepper.

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Step 4: Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden. If the crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.

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Step 5: Let It Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner, easier servings.

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How Long to Cook the Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

The full bake time is around 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden-brown top and a fully warmed-through center. Since the meat is already cooked before assembling, you’re mostly melting cheese and letting all the flavors marry while the crust finishes crisping up.

If you’re using a thicker homemade crust or adding extra toppings like more cheese or veggies, you might need to extend the bake by 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the aroma alone will let you know you’re getting close!

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie

• Pre-Bake the Crust: This is key to avoiding a soggy bottom. Even a quick 7–8 minutes makes a huge difference in texture.
• Drain the Meat: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain off the grease. Otherwise, it will soak into your crust and make the whole pie oily.
• Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, keep things balanced so the pie holds together and bakes evenly.
• Fresh Herbs for a Finishing Touch: A sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley after baking adds color and a touch of freshness.
• Cheese Strategy: Use part-skim mozzarella for melt and stretch, and add a little sharp provolone or parmesan for extra depth.
• Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the pie to rest for 10 minutes after baking makes it easier to cut clean slices and helps the filling stay together.
• Foil the Edges: If the crust starts browning too fast, wrap foil around the edges during baking to prevent burning.
• Use a Deep Dish Pan: This isn’t your average quiche-style pie. The deeper the better for layering in all that cheesy, meaty goodness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is pretty forgiving, a few missteps can hold it back from reaching its full delicious potential:

• Skipping the Pre-Bake: Not blind-baking the crust can leave you with a soggy bottom that doesn’t support the filling.
• Using Lean Meat Without Adjusting: Lean ground beef or turkey is fine, but it can dry out. Add a splash of sauce or a little olive oil to keep things moist.
• Not Draining Excess Grease: Too much fat left in the pan after cooking the beef will lead to a greasy pie and a heavy feel.
• Overloading With Toppings: More isn’t always better. Too many toppings can weigh down the pie, prevent it from setting properly, and make it hard to slice.
• Underseasoning: The beef, sauce, and even the crust need seasoning to shine. Taste as you go!
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese Only: It’s convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts better and avoids the additives that prevent clumping (which can make melted cheese feel gritty).
• Cutting Too Soon: Slice it right out of the oven and you risk the filling spilling everywhere. Rest it for at least 10 minutes first.
• Ignoring Crust Edges: Cover with foil if they brown too quickly, or brush them with a bit of egg wash for golden crispness.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie?

Classic Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, garlicky croutons, and a creamy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.

Roasted Tomato Soup

The cozy combo of melty pie and warm tomato soup hits all the nostalgic notes.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli brings out its sweetness, and a touch of cheese ties it to the pie’s flavors.

Buttered Pasta or Penne Marinara

A simple side of pasta helps stretch the meal and keeps even the hungriest eaters full.

Lemon-Garlic Green Beans

These add a bright, zippy note that cuts through the cheesy, savory pie.

Garlic Knots or Breadsticks

Ideal for scooping up any cheesy filling that escapes onto the plate.

Pickle Spears or Giardiniera

Add a tangy, crunchy side for contrast—this brings out the cheeseburger side of the dish.

A Light Red or Sparkling Drink

Pair with a fruity red wine, sparkling water, or even a crisp root beer for a retro diner twist.

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Storage Instructions

One of the best things about Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is how well it holds up for leftovers. Whether you’re meal prepping or just have a few extra slices, here’s how to store it right:

• Refrigerator: Let the pie cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to keep the crust crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but it might soften the crust.

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Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these are approximate values for a single serving (assuming 1 slice out of 8 from a 9-inch pie):

• Calories: 420–480 kcal
• Protein: 23–28g
• Fat: 25–30g
• Carbohydrates: 25–30g
• Saturated Fat: ~12g
• Sugar: ~5g
• Sodium: 750–950mg
• Fiber: 2–3g

These numbers can vary depending on the crust used, how much cheese you layer in, and whether you add extra toppings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust (blind baking) before adding the filling is key. Also, make sure to drain the cooked meat well and avoid adding too much sauce.

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Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great make-ahead dinner.

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Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. You can freeze the entire baked pie or individual slices. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot in the center.

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What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is the classic choice, but combining it with provolone, cheddar, or parmesan adds extra flavor and richness. Avoid low-moisture cheeses that don’t melt well.

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Can I add vegetables?

Totally! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are excellent. Just sauté them first to cook out moisture so they don’t water down the filling.

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How spicy is this dish?

Mild to medium. Pepperoni adds a touch of heat, but nothing overpowering. If you want it spicier, toss in some crushed red pepper or spicy sausage.

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Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of pie crust?

Yes, but expect a slightly chewier texture. Be sure to roll it thin and prebake slightly to avoid gumminess.

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How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

Look for a golden, crisp crust and bubbling cheese on top. If you’re unsure, check the center with a knife—if it’s hot and melty all the way through, it’s ready.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is one of those satisfying, crowd-pleasing meals that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. With its flaky crust, savory beef, melty cheese, and layers of classic pizza flavor, it brings comfort and fun to the dinner table. Whether you’re serving it up for a family night, game day, or just because you’re craving something hearty and nostalgic, this pie delivers every time. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to—again and again.

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