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This pizza burger pie was born from a mashup of indecisive cravings and a fridge full of odds and ends. It brings together all the comfort of pizza and burgers, tucked into a golden pie crust, making it a go-to favorite for game night or family gatherings when everyone wants something different but equally delicious.
I first tested this recipe on a whim using up leftover marinara and ground beef. My family loved it so much that now they actually ask for it on pizza night. It has become the ultimate comfort food in our house—easy to make, fun to eat, and always a conversation starter around the table.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Store bought or homemade. Both work well and fresh dough gives a more authentic pizzeria texture
- Ground beef: Good quality lean beef will keep things juicy without too much excess grease. For a lighter touch turkey is a great option
- Marinara sauce: Pick a brand you love or use homemade for richer depth. Look for a sauce with real tomatoes and minimal sugar for balanced flavor
- Shredded mozzarella: The classic melty cheese for pizza but cheddar or an Italian blend also work well. Look for cheese that melts smoothly
- Onion: Chopped fine to blend into the filling. Sweet or yellow onions give a gentle sweetness. Choose firm onions with no soft spots
- Bell pepper: Adds crunch and a hint of freshness. Go for a bright color like red or yellow for visual appeal
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the burger flavor. Pick a garlic powder that smells fresh and avoid anything stale or clumpy
- Pepperoni slices (optional): Adds a peppery kick. Try to use a brand with bold seasoning and minimal fillers
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for the cleanest flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Give it enough time to fully heat or the crust may underbake
- Brown the Meat and Veggies:
- In a skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up as it cooks for even pieces. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook another five minutes until softened. The mixture should be fragrant and any liquid mostly evaporated
- Simmer the Sauce Base:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle with garlic powder. Stir well and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about ten minutes. This deepens the flavors and thickens the sauce
- Line the Dish with Dough:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Aim for a round large enough to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish and gently press into the edges letting any extra hang over
- Fill and Top the Pie:
- Spoon the beef mixture into the dough and spread evenly. Scatter mozzarella cheese all over the top. Arrange pepperoni slices if using. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling for a rustic look
- Bake the Pie:
- Slide the pie into the oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes. The crust should be golden and cheese bubbling around the edges
- Rest Before Slicing:
- Let the pie cool in the dish for about ten minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing much easier
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My favorite part of this recipe is how the cheese bubbles up and browns under the dough edges giving you that irresistible crispy cheesy bite. My family loves when I let them pick extra toppings like olives or jalapenos and it always leads to playful debates about who chose the best combo.
Storage Tips
Once cooled slice the pie and place pieces in an airtight container Refrigerate for up to three days For reheating use a low oven around three hundred degrees to restore crispiness rather than microwaving which can make the crust soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground beef for ground turkey chicken or a plant based alternative if you are looking for a lighter or vegetarian meal No marinara Use tomato paste mixed with dried basil and oregano for an easy homemade sauce Shredded cheddar or provolone can stand in for mozzarella in a pinch
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices with a crisp green salad to balance the richness It pairs well with potato wedges or garlic bread for a hearty meal This pie is a hit at casual parties or as a main for family movie night
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Cultural and Historical Context
Pizza burger pie is true American comfort food a playful invention that merges two beloved dishes Most likely born out of diner creativity and home cook ingenuity it captures the spirit of using what you have to make something fun satisfying and shareable
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives or add extra vegetables for a satisfying meat-free option.
- → What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
Tomato paste mixed with oregano, basil, and a touch of garlic makes a great substitute for marinara.
- → Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely, wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven for best results.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, swap mozzarella for cheddar, or include pepperoni to suit your taste.
- → What equipment do I need if I don’t have a pie dish?
A regular baking dish or aluminum pan works well if a pie dish isn’t available.