This Pizza Burger Pie showcases the remarkable qualities of ground beef. My appreciation for quality ground beef began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she taught me that the best burgers start with the perfect meat-to-fat ratio. I’ve since learned that ground beef’s versatility stems from its ideal balance of umami flavor and fat content, which creates that satisfying mouthfeel we crave in comfort foods. Speaking of ground beef’s incredible versatility, my Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is another one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort. For those who love cheesy, hearty casseroles like this pizza pie, my Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole delivers that same satisfying, family-friendly appeal.

Expand Your Ground Beef Recipe Collection

For more hearty ground beef and cheesy comfort food, try:

• Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole – All the cheesy, meaty goodness in an easy one-dish meal
• Ground Beef and Potato Skillet – A satisfying one-pan dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes
• Pizza Enchiladas – Pizza flavors wrapped up in a fun Mexican-inspired twist
• Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole – All your favorite burger flavors in a family-friendly bake

Why You’ll Love The Pizza Burger Pie?

This crowd-pleasing dish comes together in just 35 minutes of prep time and delivers the best of two comfort food favorites in one delicious package. Here’s why:

• Time Saver: I’ve found browning the beef while preparing other ingredients cuts my active cooking time nearly in half compared to making separate pizza and burgers.
• Make Ahead: I often prepare this pie the night before, refrigerate it unbaked, and simply pop it in the oven when needed—a technique that’s saved many busy weeknights.
• Freezer Friendly: When properly wrapped, these pies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—I’ve made batches during weekend meal prep that taste just as fresh when thawed.
• Party Perfect: Whether it’s game day or a casual gathering, I’ve served this pie countless times to guests who always ask for the recipe.
• Budget Friendly: Using ground beef stretches your protein dollar further than specialty meats, and I’ve calculated it costs about $2 per generous serving.

This Pizza Burger Pie revolutionizes weeknight dinners by transforming everyday ingredients into an impressive meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Notes

• Ground beef: I always choose 80/20 ground beef for this pie—the fat content creates juiciness while still holding together well. When it’s too lean, the meat layer becomes dry and crumbly.
• Onion: I prefer sweet yellow onions for their mild flavor that cooks down beautifully. I chop them extra fine so they incorporate seamlessly into the meat mixture.
• Garlic powder: I reach for garlic powder instead of fresh garlic because it distributes more evenly throughout the meat and won’t burn during the longer baking time.
• Italian seasoning: I look for blends containing basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. A quality Italian seasoning means I don’t need to measure multiple herbs separately.
• Pie crust: I often use refrigerated store-bought crusts for convenience, but when time allows, butter-based homemade crusts provide a flakier, more flavorful foundation.
• Pizza sauce: I select sauces with visible herbs and a thickness that won’t make the crust soggy. A quick taste test should reveal bright tomato flavor without excessive sweetness. The 1/2 cup called for is just enough to cover without overwhelming.
• Mozzarella cheese: I always grate my own from whole-milk mozzarella blocks. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent that perfect melty stretch.
• Pepperoni: I look for thinner slices that will crisp slightly at the edges when baked, creating those irresistible little “cups” that hold tiny pools of flavor.

How to Make The Pizza Burger Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and take out your pie crust if it’s refrigerated. I like to let mine sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to work with.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. I usually add a tiny drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, though it’s optional since the beef will release its own fat.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Drain excess fat from the pan, then stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be fragrant and evenly seasoned.
6. Unroll your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it against the bottom and sides. I like to crimp the edges for a prettier finish.
7. Optional but recommended: Blind bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Prick the bottom with a fork and line with parchment and pie weights. Let cool slightly before adding the beef mixture.
8. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust, pressing it down slightly with the back of a spoon.
9. Pour the pizza sauce over the beef layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure to leave about a half-inch border around the edge.
10. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer, covering it completely.
11. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, then add any additional toppings you desire.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
13. Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is crucial as it helps everything set up nicely for clean slices.
14. Cut into wedges and serve warm. A pizza cutter works surprisingly well for this, but a sharp knife does the job too!

Expert Tips for The Pizza Burger Pie

• Pre-bake your crust. I always blind bake my crust for 8-10 minutes before adding fillings to prevent the dreaded “soggy bottom” that can happen with meat-filled pies.
• Season at every step. Don’t just rely on the measured seasonings—I taste the meat mixture after cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to ensure the base layer is flavorful enough to stand up to the toppings.
• Create a cheese barrier. I sprinkle a thin layer of cheese directly on the crust before adding the meat mixture, which creates a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Pat your toppings dry. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crispy pie, so I always blot pepperoni with paper towels and pre-cook mushrooms or peppers to release their moisture before adding them as toppings.
• Let it rest completely. The hardest part of making this pie is waiting the full 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven, but I’ve learned that cutting too soon results in a filling that runs all over the plate.
• Finish with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano right before serving brightens the whole dish and elevates it from everyday dinner to something special.

Storage Tips for The Pizza Burger Pie

• Refrigerate promptly. Allow the pie to cool completely, then refrigerate within two hours. I store mine in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Slice before storing. Pre-cutting into individual portions saves time later and prevents repeatedly warming the entire pie, preserving freshness for each serving.
• Prevent soggy crust. I place paper towels under refrigerated slices to absorb excess moisture, keeping that bottom crust from turning soft and gummy.
• Freeze for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months without flavor loss. Both baked and unbaked pies freeze well.
• Reheat in the oven. Skip the microwave! I reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore that crispy crust and bubbly cheese texture.
• Check for spoilage. Discard if you notice any off smells, slimy texture, or discoloration, especially after 4 days in the refrigerator.

Variations and Substitutions for The Pizza Burger Pie

• Ground Turkey Swap: Replace beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil when cooking to maintain moisture and richness.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for beef. The earthy flavors and hearty texture create a satisfying meatless alternative.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a cauliflower or almond flour crust instead of traditional pie crust. Slightly crumblier texture but delivers a nutty flavor boost.
• BBQ Twist: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add caramelized onions. Creates a sweet-smoky flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the beef.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap pepperoni for sliced olives and feta cheese. Add oregano and a drizzle of olive oil for a brighter, tangier flavor.
• Breakfast Edition: Add scrambled eggs to the beef mixture and top with cheddar cheese. Try adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed spinach for extra flavor.

Perfect Pairings for The Pizza Burger Pie

• Simple Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with vinaigrette for a fresh, crisp contrast that cuts through the pie’s rich, savory flavors.
• Garlic Parmesan Broccoli: Roasted broccoli with garlic and parmesan provides a nutritious side with complementary Italian flavors that balance the hearty pie.
• Craft Beer Selection: A cold IPA or amber ale offers hoppy bitterness or malty notes that stand up to the bold flavors. Non-alcoholic option: sparkling Italian soda.
• Antipasto Platter: Marinated vegetables, olives, and cheese extend the Italian theme while adding varied textures and bright, tangy notes.
• Marinara Dipping Sauce: Warm extra marinara with red pepper flakes for dunking your pie slices, enhancing the pizza flavors with extra sauciness.
• Tiramisu Dessert: Finish with classic Italian coffee-flavored tiramisu, its light, creamy texture providing the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal.

Frequently Asked Questions for The Pizza Burger Pie

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Add 5-7 minutes to baking time.

How do I prevent a soggy crust? Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding fillings or brush with egg wash.

Can I use ground turkey instead? Yes, ground turkey works great. Just add 1 tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to maintain moisture and flavor.

My cheese is browning too quickly. Help! Cover loosely with foil after 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

How do I reheat leftovers? Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes preserves texture better than microwave.

Can I freeze this pie? Yes! Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating/baking.

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