Sometimes, dinner cravings collide in the most delicious way—and this Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is proof of that! It’s the ultimate comfort food fusion: a thick, golden crust filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and zesty pizza sauce, all baked to bubbling perfection. Imagine a deep-dish pizza and a juicy cheeseburger had a baby—that’s exactly what this dish tastes like.
It’s hearty, family-friendly, and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners, game nights, or weekend gatherings. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two favorites in one: Combines the flavors of pizza and cheeseburgers.
- Easy prep: Uses simple, everyday ingredients and one pan.
- Crowd-pleasing: Great for family dinners or feeding a group.
- Cheesy perfection: Melted mozzarella, cheddar, and beefy goodness in every bite.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings for endless variations.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
(Or use 1 can refrigerated pizza dough for a quick shortcut.)
For the Burger Filling:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Toppings:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni or cooked bacon (optional)
- Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
If making homemade dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix and knead until smooth (about 5–7 minutes).
Cover and let it rise for 30–45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
If using pre-made dough, simply unroll it and let it rest at room temperature while you prepare the filling.
2. Cook the Burger Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pizza sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Assemble the Deep-Dish Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a deep 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
Roll out your dough to fit the dish, pressing it up the sides to create a thick crust base.
Spread half the mozzarella and cheddar on the bottom, then spoon in the beef mixture evenly.
Top with remaining cheese and optional toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Slice into wedges like a pizza and serve warm. Every bite delivers that perfect mix of crusty edges, cheesy layers, and juicy beef filling.
Tips for Success
- Use lean beef: 85–90% lean gives the best flavor without too much grease.
- Cheese blend magic: Combining mozzarella and cheddar adds both stretch and flavor.
- Crispy crust tip: Brush the dough with olive oil before baking for extra crispiness.
- Deep dish is key: Use a high-sided pan or skillet to hold all the delicious layers.
- Rest before slicing: Prevents the filling from spilling out and helps the pie hold shape.
Topping Variations
- Bacon BBQ Burger Pie: Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and top with bacon and red onions.
- Pepperoni Lover’s Pie: Add extra pepperoni and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Supreme Style: Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños and hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Four-Cheese Delight: Combine mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
This deep-dish pizza burger pie pairs perfectly with:
- A simple green salad or Caesar salad.
- Garlic breadsticks or cheesy pull-apart bread.
- Cold soda, iced tea, or a frosty beer for grown-ups.
Serving temperature: Best served warm right out of the oven, but leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet or air fryer.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines the heartiness of a cheeseburger with the satisfaction of a deep-dish pizza. The homemade (or store-bought) crust provides structure and crispness, while the beefy filling adds that classic burger flavor everyone loves.
Layering the cheese both under and over the filling ensures every bite is gooey and rich.
It’s a creative way to turn two comfort food favorites into one unforgettable meal—with minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff.
This dish isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience that makes everyone at the table smile.
