Pizza Burger Pie Twist

Category: Cozy, Hearty Recipes That Feel Like Home

This dish merges the bold flavors of pizza and burgers into a savory, golden-crusted pie. Ground beef is seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then simmered with zesty pizza sauce. Layered into a pizza dough crust with melty mozzarella and pepperoni, it's topped with more dough and brushed with egg wash for a glossy, bakery-style finish. Baked until golden brown, each slice offers a comforting blend of gooey cheese, robust meat, and a crisp crust. Enjoy warm from the oven for a crowd-pleasing main dish that's perfect for sharing.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:22:02 GMT
A slice of pizza with pepperoni and jalapenos. Pin
A slice of pizza with pepperoni and jalapenos. | mellierecipes.com

Pizza Burger Pie brings together pizza night and burger cravings in one family friendly main dish. Imagine the melty cheese and saucy beef of a burger encased in fluffy pizza dough with pepperoni for good measure. I found this recipe is always the first thing gone at game day parties and it turns an ordinary dinner into something worth remembering.

I first cooked this for my niece’s birthday and she still raves about the gooey cheese and the way it holds together like a savory pie you can slice.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: delivers hearty flavor and protein look for bright red beef with minimal excess fat
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: give classic burger depth always choose fresh dry spices for boldest flavor
  • Italian seasoning: ties together the pizza notes try a blend with oregano and basil
  • Salt and black pepper: boost all the other flavors fresh cracked black pepper brings delicate heat
  • Pizza sauce: creates the signature tang buy one with low added sugar or make your own for best results
  • Mozzarella cheese: gives gooey texture and classic pizza taste freshly shredded mozzarella melts best
  • Pepperoni: adds a salty punch original or turkey versions both work taste test to find your favorite
  • Refrigerated pizza dough: creates a flaky sturdy crust avoid dough with excess moisture or off smells
  • Olive oil: prevents the crust from sticking plus adds a subtle crispiness use a robust extra virgin variety
  • Egg: creates the golden crust look choose a fresh egg for the most brilliant shine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Filling:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat about seven minutes stirring occasionally so every bit gets deeply browned and full of flavor. Drain off the fat for a less greasy result. Sprinkle in the garlic powder onion powder Italian seasoning salt and black pepper stirring until the mixture smells fragrant about one minute. Pour in the pizza sauce and stir until everything is thick and saucy. Take the pan off the heat to let the flavors meld while you prep the crust.
Press the Crust:
Lightly oil a standard pie dish then unroll half of your pizza dough. Fit it into the bottom and up the sides of the dish stretching gently so you create a sturdy foundation without any tears. Use your handiwork to press into the corners for a really good seal which keeps the filling from leaking out.
Layer and Fill:
Spoon in all of the beef and sauce mixture spreading it evenly so every slice will have the perfect filling. Scatter mozzarella cheese right over top pressing down a little to tuck into the gaps. Arrange pepperoni evenly so every bite gets a bit of spice.
Seal the Pie:
Roll out your remaining pizza dough disk on a lightly floured surface so it fits right over the top of your pie. Lay it over the filling then pinch the edges with the bottom crust to securely seal everything in. Use your fingers or a fork for a decorative finish.
Add the Egg Wash:
Crack an egg into a bowl and whisk until smooth. Use a pastry brush or clean fingers to paint the egg mixture all over the top of the pie which will give it that amazing golden color as it bakes.
Bake and Rest:
Slide the pie dish into a hot oven at four hundred degrees and bake for about twenty five to thirty minutes watching closely for that signature golden crust. The cheese will bubble and the top should have a glistening sheen from the egg wash. Let the pie cool for about five to ten minutes so everything sets and you can slice beautiful wedges.
A slice of pizza with pepperoni and jalapenos. Pin
A slice of pizza with pepperoni and jalapenos. | mellierecipes.com

My favorite part of this recipe has to be the pepperoni. Sometimes my partner and I swap in spicy soppressata or fun toppings like olives. There is a family photo of my nephew with a cheese string stretching from his slice across the table because he could not wait to dig in.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze the whole pie wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap before baking. Reheat straight from frozen at three hundred and fifty degrees until hot or microwave slices for a quick lunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option ground turkey or chicken make great substitutes for beef. You can use whole wheat or gluten free pizza dough as needed. Dairy free cheese shreds and veggie pepperoni can make this pie vegan friendly without sacrificing taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot slices with a fresh green salad for balance. This pie pairs perfectly with crunchy pickles or roasted vegetables for a weeknight dinner and is very portable for potlucks or picnics. Try a side of marinara for dipping to play up the pizza flavors even more.

A slice of pizza with pepperoni and cheese. Pin
A slice of pizza with pepperoni and cheese. | mellierecipes.com

A Bit of Background

Pizza Burger Pie first caught on in American kitchens during the eighties when families craved speedy satisfying meals. It captures the best of two classic foods while keeping weeknight cooking fun. Now it’s a staple when I want to impress without a lot of fuss.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option, keeping the pie juicy and flavorful.

→ How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Fully cook the beef filling and avoid excess sauce. Press dough firmly in the dish, and bake until golden.

→ What other toppings work well?

Sliced jalapeños add spice, and sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers can boost flavor and texture.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the pie in advance, then bake just before serving. Store unbaked in the fridge, tightly covered.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the crust stays crisp and cheese melts nicely.

Pizza Burger Pie Twist

Golden crust blends beef, mozzarella, and pepperoni, merging crowd-pleasing pizza and burger flavors in a savory pie.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
45 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Comfort Food Classics

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 6 Portions (1 whole pie (serves 6 slices))

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Filling

01 500 g ground beef
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 0.5 teaspoon salt
06 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 240 ml pizza sauce

→ Pie Assembly

08 1 portion refrigerated pizza dough (approx. 250 g)
09 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
10 50 g sliced pepperoni
11 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 1 egg, beaten

How to Prepare

Step 01

Set the oven to 200°C for optimal baking conditions.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pan.

Step 03

Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pan with the beef. Stir in pizza sauce until well combined, then remove from heat.

Step 04

Grease a standard pie dish with olive oil. Press half the pizza dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.

Step 05

Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into the crust, then top evenly with mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni.

Step 06

Roll out the remaining pizza dough and place it over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal the crust. Brush the top with beaten egg.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 08

Allow the pie to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner servings.

Extra Tips

  1. For added heat, incorporate sliced jalapeños into the beef mixture before assembling.
  2. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef to reduce fat content.

Tools Required

  • Large skillet
  • Pie dish
  • Oven
  • Pastry brush

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains gluten from pizza dough.
  • Contains dairy from cheese.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 350
  • Fat Content: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 10 grams
  • Protein Content: 20 grams