Remember That Time We Made Pizza Burger Pie?
Hey there! So, do you remember the time I tried to combine a pizza, a burger, and a pie into one mind-blowing dish? Well, it happened, and let me tell ya, it was quite the adventure in my kitchen. I was staring at leftover ingredients one day, doodling around in my kitchen, and thought, “Why not squish these all together?” It was messy, sure, but the delicious kind of messy. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I need to impress my family—especially when they’re in a pizza or burger mood and I can’t decide which to make! (Sometimes I think they’re just being indecisive on purpose, just to see what culinary magic I can muster up.) But really, this dish is a lifesaver when you want something comforting and hearty at the same time. My kids go bananas for it, and my partner swears by it on game nights. Plus, it’s pizza and burger in one. What’s not to love?
Ingredients List
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, if you’re feeling ambitious!)
- 500g ground beef (sometimes I use turkey, and it’s just as good)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand, or homemade if you’re up for it)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (though cheddar works in a pinch)
- 1 onion, chopped (or skip it if you’re not an onion fan)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (my grandma always doubled this, but I keep it to one)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or as much as your heart desires)
- A handful of pepperoni slices (optional, but who can resist?)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, this step’s crucial; I once forgot and ended up with a half-baked pie—oops.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Toss in the onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft. This is where I usually sneak a taste.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and garlic powder, and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes. It’ll smell heavenly!
- Roll out the pizza dough (like you’re making a giant cookie) and lay it over a pie dish. Press it gently into the sides.
- Pour the beef mixture into the dough-lined dish and sprinkle with cheese and pepperonis. Fold the dough edges over, but don’t stress if it looks rustic—mine always does.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly. (This is when you’ll wish you had smell-o-vision.)
- Let it cool a bit before serving. Or dive in if you can’t wait—no judgment!
Notes & Variations
Once, I tried adding mushrooms, but my kids weren’t fans. If you’re a mushroom lover, throw them in! I’ve also experimented with BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a tangy twist—it worked wonders.
Equipment Tips
No pie dish? No problem! A regular baking dish works fine. I once used an aluminum pan in a pinch, and it held up just as well.
Storage Info
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! But if it does, lucky you! Just reheat it in the oven for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this with a side salad (balance is key, right?) and maybe a cold beer. It’s also a hit with potato wedges if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Pro Tips
I’ve tried speeding up the dough resting step before and regretted it—the dough ended up too tough. So, take your time with that part!
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian? Yep! Swap the beef with a plant-based alternative, or go heavy on the veggies.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce? Tomato paste with a dash of oregano and basil works a treat!
Is it freezer-friendly? You bet! Just wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw it out before reheating, and you’re good to go.