Introduction to Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie
Welcome to the world of comfort food, where flavors collide in the most delightful way! If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only hearty but also a crowd-pleaser, then my Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is just what you need. Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of savory meat, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce, all wrapped in a warm, flaky crust. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering with friends. Trust me, this recipe will impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie
This Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is a game-changer for any home cook. It combines the best of both worlds—pizza and burgers—into one delicious dish. Not only is it easy to make, but it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy evenings. Plus, the layers of flavor will have everyone coming back for more. It’s comfort food at its finest, and who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients for Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your crust, providing that perfect flaky texture.
- Instant yeast: This helps the dough rise quickly, giving it a light and airy feel.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast, ensuring your dough rises beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the crust tender.
- Sugar: A pinch to feed the yeast and enhance browning.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, balancing the sweetness of the dough.
- Ground beef: The heart of the filling, providing a savory, meaty base.
- Italian sausage: Adds a kick of flavor and spice to the mix.
- Green bell pepper: Freshness and crunch, bringing a pop of color.
- Onion: Sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Mozzarella cheese: The gooey goodness that melts beautifully.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- Pizza sauce: The zesty layer that ties all the flavors together.
- Sliced pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that adds a savory bite.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian flavor.
- Garlic powder: A hint of garlic enhances the savory notes.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, ensuring every bite is seasoned just right.
- Egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust a beautiful golden finish.
- Extra mozzarella & pepperoni slices: For topping, because more cheese is always better!
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle for garnish, adding a touch of freshness.
For those looking for convenience, you can use refrigerated pizza dough instead of making your own. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings, like mushrooms or olives. Remember, the exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie
Prepare the Dough
Let’s kick things off by making the dough! In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until it gets all foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! Next, mix in olive oil, all-purpose flour, and salt. Knead the dough for about five to seven minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once done, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for an hour. You want it to double in size, which makes for a fluffy crust!
Cook the Filling
Now, let’s move on to the filling! In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until they’re nicely browned. Drain any excess fat to keep it from being greasy. Add in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for about three to four minutes until they soften. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for that flavor boost. Finally, stir in half a cup of pizza sauce and let it cool slightly. This filling is where the magic happens!
Assemble the Pie
Time to bring it all together! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a deep springform pan or cast iron skillet to prevent sticking. Roll out half of the dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Start layering with mozzarella cheese, followed by the meat mixture, a layer of pizza sauce, and pepperoni slices. Top it off with cheddar cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, repeat the layers! Roll out the remaining dough, place it on top, and seal the edges well. Brush with egg wash for that golden finish!
Bake
It’s baking time! Place your assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and bubbling. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. This will help prevent burning while the inside cooks through. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible, trust me!
Serve
Once baked, let your Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie rest for about ten minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Your family and friends will be raving about this dish!
Tips for Success
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
- Don’t rush the resting time; it helps the layers set perfectly.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl: Any bowl will do, but a sturdy one is best.
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet makes cooking the filling easier.
- Rolling pin: If you don’t have one, a wine bottle works in a pinch!
- Deep springform pan or cast iron skillet: Both are great for baking.
- Pastry brush: For the egg wash, but a clean cloth can work too.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef and sausage for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty veggie version.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- BBQ Style: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add cooked chicken for a BBQ pizza burger pie.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light contrast to the rich pie.
- Serve with garlic breadsticks for that extra comfort food vibe.
- Complement with a chilled soda or a glass of red wine.
- Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color on the plate.
FAQs about Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie
Can I use store-bought dough for the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie?
Absolutely! Using refrigerated pizza dough is a great time-saver. It still delivers delicious results without the extra effort of making dough from scratch.
What can I substitute for the ground beef and sausage?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also go vegetarian by using a mix of sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes.
How do I store leftovers of the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or microwave for a quick meal.
Can I freeze the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie?
Yes! You can freeze the pie before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What sides pair well with the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie?
This pie is hearty on its own, but a fresh salad or some garlic breadsticks make excellent companions. They add a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the pie!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing people together. The joy of watching loved ones dig into a slice, their faces lighting up with delight, is priceless. This dish is a celebration of flavors, combining the best of pizza and burgers in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this pie is sure to be the star of the show. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie: A Flavorful Recipe Delight!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and hearty Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie that combines the flavors of pizza and burgers in a unique way.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225 g) Italian sausage
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce (or marinara)
- 1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra mozzarella + pepperoni slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Mix in olive oil, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth (5–7 minutes). Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion, bell pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes. Stir in ½ cup pizza sauce and set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a deep springform pan or cast iron skillet. Roll out half the dough and press into bottom and up sides of the pan. Layer as follows: Mozzarella cheese, Meat mixture, Pizza sauce, Pepperoni slices, Cheddar cheese. Repeat layers if desired. Roll out remaining dough and place on top, sealing edges well. Brush with egg wash. Top with extra cheese and pepperoni.
- Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Serve: Rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set. Garnish with parsley and serve with extra pizza sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can use refrigerated pizza dough for convenience.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Letting the pie rest before slicing helps maintain the layers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
