The Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is a fun and delicious twist on two beloved comfort foods: pizza and burgers. This casserole-style dish layers juicy burger patties with pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and pizza toppings, all baked together to create a mouthwatering, cheesy casserole. It’s perfect for pizza lovers who want something a bit different, and it’s easy to prepare for a family dinner or gathering.
Here’s how to make the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake:
Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or your preferred ground meat)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet pizza seasoning or Italian seasoning (or use a homemade blend: oregano, basil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a pizza blend)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your preferred pizza toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted (or use slider buns if you prefer smaller portions)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Patties:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, season the ground beef with the pizza seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Form the ground beef into 4 burger patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. You can cook them a little less if you prefer them slightly undercooked as they’ll bake further in the casserole.
- Once cooked, remove the burgers from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Casserole:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and bring it to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
- Place the cooked burger patties in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Pour the pizza sauce and onion mixture over the burgers.
3. Add Cheese and Toppings:
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the burgers and sauce, followed by the cheddar cheese. Add pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings) on top of the cheese.
- If you like extra cheese, sprinkle a little parmesan over the top.
4. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like the cheese more golden and crispy, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- While the casserole is baking, toast the hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet until they’re golden brown.
5. Assemble and Serve:
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- To serve, place a burger patty with pizza sauce and cheese on top of the toasted hamburger buns. You can also serve it as a casserole by cutting it into squares and serving it alongside the buns.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Optional Add-ins and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the burger patties and add veggie patties or a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions as the base layer.
- Extra Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizza toppings! Add mushrooms, green peppers, olives, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha sauce for some heat.
- Buns: You can use slider buns for a mini version of this casserole, making it perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake with a side of crispy fries, a simple green salad, or garlic bread to complete the meal.
- For a fun twist, serve it with a side of buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Storage:
- Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until the cheese is bubbly.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking). Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips for Success:
- Cheese: Use good-quality pizza or mozzarella cheese for the best melting results. Mixing in cheddar adds extra flavor.
- Burger Patties: Ensure your burger patties are cooked through before assembling, but they don’t need to be fully browned since they’ll bake further in the casserole.
- Customization: The beauty of this dish is how easily it can be customized. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and even meat substitutes.
The Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is a game-changer when it comes to combining pizza and burgers! It’s cheesy, savory, and perfect for satisfying your cravings. Enjoy!
