What if you could combine two of your favorite foods—pizza and burgers—into one delicious dish? That’s exactly what the Pizza Burger Pie achieves. This dish takes the best aspects of both pizza and burgers, creating a unique meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply craving something new, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas that allows you to get creative with ingredients, making it as indulgent or healthy as you like. Whether you add extra vegetables, switch out meats, or experiment with pizza toppings, the possibilities are endless. In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to make this fusion dish, as well as offer suggestions for variations, side pairings, and more.
What Makes the Pizza Burger Pie So Popular?
One of the reasons the Pizza Burger Pie has become so popular is because it merges two of the world’s most beloved comfort foods into one simple yet delicious dish. Combining a burger patty inside a pizza crust creates a textural contrast that satisfies multiple cravings in a single bite. The crispiness of the pizza dough complements the juicy patty, and the melted cheese adds an extra layer of comfort.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also highly adaptable to your preferences. You can switch out the traditional burger patty for ground turkey or even a plant-based patty to accommodate different diets. The variety of toppings available—from pepperoni and onions to more unique combinations like pineapple and jalapeños—offers plenty of customization options. Whether you want a more traditional take or something experimental, you can make it your own.
Curious about the fusion of culinary worlds? Read more about fusion cuisine trends to see how food cultures come together to create new experiences.
How to Make the Perfect Pizza Burger Pie: Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
For this Pizza Burger Pie recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner version
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup onions, finely minced
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cans of pizza dough (14 oz each)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup tomato paste or marinara sauce
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, or any other favorite pizza toppings
Directions
- Prepare the Burger Patty: Start by combining ground beef (or turkey), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Form the mixture into burger-sized patties. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned on both sides, then set them aside to cool slightly. This will be the heart of your Pizza Burger Pie.
- Assemble the Pie: Grease a large pie dish and roll out one can of pizza dough to cover the bottom. Place the cooked burger patty on top of the dough, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add any additional toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms. Roll out the second can of dough and cover the pie, sealing the edges.
- Top It Off: Spread tomato paste over the top crust, just like you would on a pizza. Add more of your favorite pizza toppings if you like. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the pie for 30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crispy.
- Enjoy: Once the pie is done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Why This Dish Is So Versatile
The Pizza Burger Pie is highly adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try based on your needs:
- Vegetarian Option: For those who want a meat-free option, substitute the beef patty with a plant-based burger or even marinated tofu. To add flavor, consider layering roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Gourmet Style: If you want to elevate your Pizza Burger Pie, consider using premium ingredients. Swap out regular mozzarella for Gruyère or Fontina cheese, and add gourmet toppings like prosciutto, arugula, and caramelized onions for a more refined flavor.
- Hawaiian Twist: Love pineapple on your pizza? Add pineapple chunks and Canadian bacon for a sweet and savory variation. You can even drizzle BBQ sauce on top to bring all the flavors together.
For more unique pizza topping ideas, you might enjoy Cheryl’s take on creative pizza recipes like Pickle Pie Pizza, which offers a new twist on traditional pizza toppings.
Make It Healthier: Simple Tips
Though the Pizza Burger Pie is definitely a comfort food, you can easily make it healthier with a few simple swaps. Here are some tips to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor:
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swapping out ground beef for leaner meats like ground turkey or ground chicken is a great way to reduce fat and calories. These options provide the same texture but with less grease.
- Choose Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough: Opt for whole-wheat pizza dough to increase the fiber content and make the dish a bit more nutritious. Whole grains are a better option for maintaining long-term energy and can help balance out the richness of the pie.
- Limit the Cheese: While cheese is an essential part of this recipe, you can cut back on the amount used or opt for low-fat varieties. This will reduce the calorie count without dramatically changing the flavor.
- Add More Veggies: One of the easiest ways to make the Pizza Burger Pie healthier is to bulk it up with vegetables. Add toppings like spinach, mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to add nutrients and color to the dish.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Pizza Burger Pie
This fusion dish is filling on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can create a well-balanced meal. Here are some pairing ideas to try:
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pie. The Caesar salad, with its crunchy croutons and tangy dressing, complements the bold flavors of the Pizza Burger Pie perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli make an excellent side dish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies while keeping them light and healthy.
- Garlic Bread: For those looking to indulge, garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make the perfect accompaniment to this dish. The extra carbs might be over the top, but they definitely add to the overall comfort food experience.
Looking for more creative pairings? Cheryl’s Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes recipe is another crowd-pleaser that would pair perfectly with this pie. Check out the recipe here: Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes.
Popular Trends: Pizza Burger Pie in Modern Food Culture
With the rise of food fusion trends, combining elements from different cuisines has become more common, and the Pizza Burger Pie is no exception. What began as a fun experiment has become a hit among home cooks and food bloggers. It’s often featured on Instagram and TikTok, where people enjoy sharing unique recipes that push the boundaries of traditional meals.
This dish is popular for its versatility and visual appeal. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just want to try something new, it offers endless possibilities. Plus, it’s family-friendly, making it a great option for feeding kids or larger groups.
Restaurants have also picked up on this trend, offering similar hybrid dishes on their menus. If you want to make a statement at your next dinner party, this is the perfect dish to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Pizza Burger Pie?
It’s a fusion of two popular dishes—pizza and burgers. Essentially, a burger patty is encased in pizza dough, then topped with pizza ingredients like cheese, pepperoni, and tomato sauce, and baked like a pie.
How long does it take to cook?
From start to finish, the cooking process takes about 45 minutes. This includes around 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking time.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance by assembling it and refrigerating it until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for parties or meal prepping.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, bake in the oven or toaster oven to ensure the crust stays crispy.
Conclusion
The Pizza Burger Pie is more than just a novelty; it’s a creative and delicious way to enjoy two of your favorite comfort foods in one dish. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re looking for something indulgent or a healthier twist on a classic, this fusion dish has you covered.
Experiment with different toppings and ingredients to make the dish your own, and don’t forget to try pairing it with lighter side dishes like a salad or roasted vegetables. For more fusion recipe ideas, check out Cheryl’s Breakfast Pizza for Schools, another creative take on pizza that’s sure to please. You can find the recipe here: Breakfast Pizza for Schools.
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