If you love the comforting flavors of a burger and pizza all rolled into one indulgent dish, then this Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, seasoned ground beef mingling with rich pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni, all nestled on tender biscuit pieces and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s like your favorite pizza party and burger night joined forces in the most delicious way possible, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of mouthwatering flavor and texture. Each component adds its own little something special, from the savory ground beef to the cheesy toppings that make every bite unforgettable.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty, savory foundation packed with protein and flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, garlicky hint without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that transports the bake straight to classic pizza territory.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Brings a tangy, zesty richness that ties everything together.
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters: Creates soft, pillowy pockets that soak up all the savory juices.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty dream topping every pizza lover craves.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or mini pepperoni: Adds a pop of spicy, salty goodness sprinkled on top.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a subtle nutty layer that complement the mozzarella perfectly.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbaceous touch and a splash of color.
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures everything bakes evenly and cleanup is easy.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef and sauté the chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner taste and texture.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Next, stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the pizza sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Mix in Biscuit Pieces
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the biscuit dough pieces, making sure each one is evenly coated in that rich sauce mixture. This step is key to infusing flavor into every bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the saucy beef and biscuit combo into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese over the top for that irresistible cheesy, savory finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the biscuit dough is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving; this pause helps set the flavors and makes it easier to slice.
How to Serve Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley right before serving elevates the look and brightness of your dish. Their fresh green pop contrasts beautifully with molten cheese and adds a hint of garden-fresh flavor that’s just delightful.
Side Dishes
This bake is so rich and filling that simple, crisp sides work best. Consider a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance out the savory richness and keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests or family? Serve the Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or sprinkle extra pepperoni and cheese on top before a quick broil session to add an extra golden crust. For a fun twist, offer different dipping sauces like ranch or spicy marinara on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it well to maintain moisture and keep those flavors sharp.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bake cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep textures intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the crispness of the cheesy topping and tender biscuits.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be fantastic substitutions that add different flavors while keeping the heartiness of the dish.
What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
You can make your own quick biscuit dough or use pre-made pizza dough cut into small pieces for a similar soft and airy texture in the bake.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives can be mixed in with the beef for extra nutrition and variety without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The flavors are mild but familiar, and kids often love the gooey cheese and pepperoni. It’s a great way to sneak in some protein and veggies subtly.
How spicy is the Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe?
This version keeps it mild, but feel free to add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the seasoning step if you want to spice things up a bit.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe is a total winner if you crave a cozy comfort meal that combines the best of pizza and burgers in one scrumptious bake. It’s easy to make, fun to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation, guaranteed to bring smiles to the dinner table every time.
Print
Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make casserole combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger and pizza in one comforting dish. Ground beef, onions, and Italian seasonings are simmered with pizza sauce and biscuit dough, then topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese before baking to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or mini pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick while baking.
- Cook beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add seasonings and sauce: Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pizza sauce. Simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Mix in biscuit dough: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the quartered biscuit dough pieces, making sure they are evenly coated with the saucy beef mixture.
- Assemble in baking dish: Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and grated Parmesan cheese for a melty, savory top layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the biscuits are fully cooked and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture before baking.
- For a lower sodium version, use reduced-sodium pizza sauce and cheese.
- Make sure to brown the beef completely and drain fat well to avoid excess grease in the final dish.
