There is something irresistibly fun and comforting about combining two all-time favorites into one spectacular dish, and that’s exactly what this Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe does. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy crust layered with savory ground beef, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, tangy ketchup and mustard sauce, finished with fresh toppings like pickles and onions—each slice delivers that classic cheeseburger flavor in a delightful pizza form. Whether you’re craving a family-friendly meal or a crowd-pleaser for game day, this recipe brings that perfect balance of juicy, cheesy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering cheesy masterpiece. Each ingredient is simple and accessible, yet crucial in crafting the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make this pizza so special.
- Pizza dough: The sturdy foundation that holds all the tasty toppings together with the perfect chewy-crisp texture.
- Ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and a satisfying bite, perfectly seasoned for depth.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: These spices enhance the natural flavor of the beef without overwhelming it.
- Ketchup and yellow mustard: A tangy, classic burger-style sauce that forms the base of the pizza’s unique flavor profile.
- Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses: A melty, cheesy layer that’s creamy and flavorful, providing gooey goodness with each slice.
- Diced red onion: Adds brightness and a slight crunch that cuts through the richness.
- Chopped dill pickles: Offers that trademark tang and crunch reminiscent of your favorite burger.
- Optional toppings (sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sesame seeds): Freshness and extra touches to elevate presentation and flavor.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and dough
Start by preheating your oven to a scorching 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, go ahead and place it inside to heat up along with the oven—it helps give your crust that amazing crispy bottom. While the oven warms, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, stretching it into a beautiful 12 to 14-inch round shape ready to hold all those delicious toppings.
Step 2: Cook and season the ground beef
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until it’s browned to juicy perfection. Drain any excess grease so the pizza stays flavorful without getting soggy. The seasoned beef will infuse every bite with mouthwatering savory notes.
Step 3: Assemble your pizza sauce and cheese layers
Mix the ketchup and yellow mustard in a small bowl to create your signature burger sauce. Spread this evenly over the rolled-out dough, creating a tangy base. Then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the sauce, adding a luscious cheesy layer that melts beautifully.
Step 4: Add the toppings and finish cheese
Scatter the cooked ground beef across the pizza evenly, followed by a sprinkle of diced red onions for that crunchy pop. Finish by adding the remaining cheese on top, which will melt into golden, bubbly goodness as it bakes. This layering ensures every slice has a perfect balance of burger and pizza flavors.
Step 5: Bake to golden perfection
Transfer your assembled pizza onto a baking sheet or a prepared pizza peel lined with parchment paper, then slide it into the hot oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling enticingly. The aroma alone will have everyone ready for that first slice.
Step 6: Add fresh toppings and serve
Once out of the oven, top your pizza with chopped dill pickles, shredded lettuce, and optional sliced tomatoes for that unmistakable cheeseburger finish. Let it cool just slightly—it’s best enjoyed warm with all those fresh veggies adding a crisp freshness to the indulgent cheesy base.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up each slice with some shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes right after baking to mimic the freshness of a real cheeseburger. Plus, adding a few dill pickle pieces on top brings that refreshing vinegar bite that will have your taste buds dancing. For an extra special touch, sprinkling sesame seeds on the crust before baking replicates the iconic burger bun experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with classic burger sides for the perfect meal experience. Crispy French fries or onion rings make a great accompaniment, along with a simple side salad to add some crunch and balance. You can even serve extra ketchup or a homemade burger sauce on the side to dip your pizza slices in for added flavor thrills.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party or family night, cut the pizza into smaller bite-sized pieces or squares so everyone can easily pick up a perfect burger-flavored bite. For a fun twist, turn it into a pizza sandwich by folding slices or serving with slider buns on the side. This Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe is versatile and perfect for bringing smiles at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheeseburger Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep that crust as fresh as possible, separate layers with parchment paper if stacking slices. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat and you’ll have a quick and satisfying meal waiting for you.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this pizza for later. Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the flavors intact and texture just right.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe is in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method crisps the crust back up and melts the cheese perfectly. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess and keep that satisfying texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza sauce instead of ketchup and mustard?
While you can, the unique tangy flavor of the ketchup and mustard mix really gives this pizza its classic cheeseburger vibe. Using traditional pizza sauce will change the flavor and won’t quite deliver the same nostalgic taste.
Is it necessary to cook the ground beef before placing it on the pizza?
Yes, cooking the ground beef beforehand ensures it’s fully cooked, seasoned well, and doesn’t release excess grease during baking, which can make the pizza soggy.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to replicate the meaty texture while keeping it vegetarian-friendly without losing flavor.
What crust options work best for this recipe?
You can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough. Thin crust works beautifully to highlight the toppings without feeling heavy, but a thicker crust will give a chewier bite and hold more toppings if you prefer.
Are there any tips to ensure a crispy crust?
Using a pizza stone or preheating your baking sheet, along with rolling the dough thinly and avoiding overly wet toppings, helps achieve that perfectly crispy crust you’re aiming for.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe is a delightful way to reinvent two beloved classics and bring a smile to everyone’s face at the dinner table. It’s fun, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a new favorite you’ll want to share again and again.
Print
Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Cheeseburger Pizza combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the fun of a pizza. Featuring a crispy crust topped with savory ground beef, tangy ketchup and mustard sauce, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and fresh toppings like red onion, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Beef Topping
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Toppings
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped dill pickles
- Optional: sliced tomatoes
- Optional: shredded lettuce
- Optional: sesame seeds for crust
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12 to 14-inch round shape. Transfer it carefully onto a baking sheet or a pizza peel lined with parchment paper to prepare for topping.
- Make Sauce Base: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and yellow mustard together until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough; this serves as the flavorful sauce base for the pizza.
- Assemble Pizza: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the sauce evenly. Then, distribute the cooked ground beef and diced red onion on top, followed by the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust becomes golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and add the chopped dill pickles, shredded lettuce, and sliced tomatoes if desired. Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing into 8 pieces and serving.
Notes
- For an extra touch of burger flavor, brush the crust with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds prior to baking.
- Serve with additional ketchup or burger sauce on the side for dipping or extra flavor.
- You can customize toppings such as adding bacon bits or different cheeses based on your preference.
