Whenever I think of cozy nights in the kitchen with the family, I can’t help but reminisce about the day I stumbled upon this delightfully cheesy creation: the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake. It all started when my kids were craving pizza one rainy afternoon, and I had a hunk of ground beef in the fridge begging for some love. As the smell of sizzling beef filled the kitchen, I couldn’t resist the playful urge to merge our favorite foods into one glorious dish. The gooey cheese melted over the savory beef, contrasted perfectly with the vibrant bell peppers and crispy bacon. Oh, my goodness! The aroma wafted through the house, making every corner feel warm and inviting. After the first bite, I knew we had struck gold. This dish has become a beloved staple in our home, loved by kids and adults alike, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic too!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Fun: This dish combines the fun of pizza making with the straightforwardness of a bake – less mess, more joy!
- Quick Prep: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s party night or family dinner, this bake promises to please every palate and create smiles around the table.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite toppings. The dream is yours to build!
- Hearty & Satisfying: With the cheese and meat packed together, it’s a meal everyone will feel full and happy after.
- Leftover Heaven: It’s just as delicious the next day, ensuring zero waste and joyous snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): Choose what suits you! Store-bought makes it super fast, while homemade brings a cozy charm.
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef: A classic choice, adding richness and heartiness to your bake. Feel free to use turkey or plant-based meat for lighter options!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a lovely aromatic punch. Garlic gives that comforting flavor we can’t resist!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This enhances the savory depth without the fuss of chopping an onion.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skip this!
- 1 cup pizza sauce: A fun, zesty layer that ties everything together. Use your favorite brand or homemade for an extra personal touch.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooier, the better! Mozzarella is key for that stretchy cheese goodness.
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional but delicious): Adds a smoky crunch! If you’re feeling adventurous, try turkey bacon or leave it out.
- ½ cup pepperoni slices: Classic pizza flavor! You can swap this for sliced salami or even veggie slices for a twist.
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy and meaty! They’ll add a lovely depth to your bake.
- ¼ cup sliced bell peppers: Pop a color or two in there for sweetness and crunch. Green, red, or yellow—mix it up!
- ¼ cup sliced pickles (optional, for a real burger vibe): If you’re a pickle lover, don’t skip this! It gives amazing tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust): Helps achieve that dreamy golden brown finish.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Preheat the oven
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease your baking dish. This ensures your bake won’t stick, making for easier serving later.
Brown the beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. The sizzling sound will bring joy to your ears! Once cooked, drain any excess fat, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine those flavors!
Roll out the dough
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle. Make sure it’s big enough to cover the baking dish with a bit of overhang—this will be your delicious crust!
Assemble the bake
Now, let’s get assembling! Line your greased pie dish with the rolled-out dough. Spread half of the pizza sauce on the bottom, just like painting a canvas! Layer in the cooked beef, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, pepperoni slices, mushrooms, bell peppers, and pickles. Spoon on the remaining pizza sauce, and top off with another hearty layer of mozzarella cheese.
Seal the edges
Seal the edges by folding the overhanging dough over the filling and pinching to secure everything in tightly. Brush the top with olive oil for that golden finish we love to see in a bake!
Bake it to perfection
Pop it into the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is gloriously golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Oh, the wonderful smells at this point—your kitchen will feel like a cozy pizzeria!
Serve hot
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing; patience, my friend, it’s worth it! Then, dive in and enjoy while it’s hot!
Pro Tips for Success
- Dough Handling: If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on your hands or the surface to make rolling easier.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep some space in the crust edge when you fill it to avoid messy spills over the sides.
- Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning of the beef to match your family’s taste—everyone loves a personalized dish!
- Watch that Bake Time: Every oven runs a bit different, so start checking at the 20-minute mark. You want that golden crust without burning it.
Flavor Variations
- Swap out the beef for Italian sausage for a bold flavor!
- Try adding some spinach or kale for a burst of nutrition.
- For spice lovers, toss in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for that kick.
- In autumn, consider swapping in seasonal veggies like zucchini or butternut squash.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your bake with a simple side salad lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon for a fresh contrast. A chilled sparkling lemonade or a glass of red wine can make this family dinner feel extra special. For kids, a fruit platter on the side brings cheer and color to the plate!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare this bake a few hours in advance. Just assemble it, cover with plastic wrap in the fridge, and go ahead and bake right before mealtime! It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s covered well.
Leftovers
Leftovers? Yes, please! Enjoy them the next day as a quick lunch. You can chop it into squares for easy grabbing or toss it in a tortilla for a cheesy wrap—how fun!
Freezing
Absolutely! You can freeze an assembled (but uncooked) bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for best results. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking it as normal!
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too, but for best results, the oven gives you that crunchy crust back!
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the beef for a hearty meat substitute like lentils or mushrooms and skip the bacon.
What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Olives, green onions, or different cheeses can add a fun twist.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Definitely! A homemade sauce can elevate the flavor even more and give it that personal touch.
How can I tell when it’s done?
Look for that lovely golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese to know your bake is ready!
Final Thoughts
Cooking is about bringing love into your home, and each bite of this Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake brings a hug from the inside out. I truly hope you enjoy making this with your loved ones as much as my family and I do—it’s all about those cozy moments spent together—each slice is filled with joy and warmth! Happy cooking, my friends!
Enjoy your comforting creation; I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in the kitchen!
Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease your baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle.
- Line your greased pie dish with the rolled-out dough. Spread half of the pizza sauce on the bottom. Layer in the cooked beef, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, pepperoni slices, mushrooms, bell peppers, and pickles. Spoon on the remaining pizza sauce, and top with another layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Seal the edges by folding the overhanging dough over the filling and pinching to secure.
- Brush the top with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.