If you are craving a meal that brilliantly combines all the comfort of a cheeseburger with the irresistible flair of pizza, then you have to try the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe. This dish layers juicy, seasoned ground beef with vibrant veggies, pepperoni, and a luscious blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all nestled between golden, fluffy biscuit dough. It’s the perfect bake that delivers gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite, making it a true crowd-pleaser for weeknights, game days, or anytime you want a hearty, satisfying dinner with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe is super simple, thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients that come together in a harmonious symphony of flavors. Each component brings something special — from the juicy beef that adds richness and protein, to the herbs and spices that give it that classic pizza vibe, and of course the cheeses that make the whole dish irresistibly creamy and melty.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef for a juicy, flavorful base.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that savory depth reminiscent of Italian cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to boost the pizza vibe.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce: The tangy tomato sauce ties the whole dish together.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that gives spicy, smoky notes.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Offers sweetness and a little crunch.
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper: Adds fresh, crisp flavor and vibrant color.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The stretchy, melty cheese that everyone loves on pizza.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, rich flavor complementary to mozzarella.
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters: Creates soft, golden layers that soak up all those flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the dough pieces crisp up beautifully during baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the dough with an herby, pizza-inspired aroma.
How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Combine the Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so your bake doesn’t stick. Then, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cooking the beef thoroughly, about 6 to 8 minutes, ensures the flavors marry and develop beautifully. After draining the excess grease, stir in the pizza sauce, pepperoni slices, diced red onion, and bell pepper for that signature pizza burger flavor combination.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
While the beef mixture cools slightly, toss the biscuit dough pieces in a bowl with olive oil and dried oregano. This simple step gives the dough a lightly herbed coating that crisps up during baking to provide the perfect contrast to the melty cheeses and saucy filling. Then, press half of the dough pieces into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, laying a solid foundation for this layered delight.
Step 3: Layer the Dish
Now for the fun part: layering. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the biscuit dough, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining dough pieces, beef mixture, and cheeses. This double-layered approach creates a casserole with an incredible balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. When the biscuit dough has turned a gorgeous golden brown and the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top, you know it is ready. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing — this wait allows everything to set just right, making serving easier and flavors more melded.
How to Serve Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley to bring a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the richness of the bake. A small drizzle of extra pizza sauce on the side can add an extra punch for those who want more tangy tomato goodness.
Side Dishes
Because this bake is hearty and packed with flavor on its own, choose lighter side dishes such as a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette or garlic-roasted green beans. These fresh veggies balance the richness without competing with the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in mini baking dishes for a charming presentation when entertaining friends or family. Alternatively, you can set up a buffet-style meal with toppings like olives, sautéed mushrooms, or jalapeños on the side, inviting everyone to customize their plate and get creative with their Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza burger bake stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for lunch the next day or a quick dinner solution.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked casserole covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it cooks through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the biscuit dough from getting soggy and to maintain the bake’s wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work nicely, though beef gives the richest flavor. You can also try plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian-inspired version.
Do I have to use biscuit dough?
Biscuit dough is key for this recipe’s texture and rising layers, but you could experiment with pizza dough or refrigerated crescent rolls if biscuits aren’t available.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, black olives, or even spinach would make great additions. Just add them when mixing the meat sauce to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe is mild by default but you can easily add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños alongside the veggies and pepperoni.
What’s the best cheese combination to use?
Using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives the dish a perfect balance of melty creaminess and sharpness, but feel free to experiment with provolone or parmesan for different flavor notes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe that brings the best of two favorite comfort foods together in one glorious dish. It’s straightforward to prepare but impressive in flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple. Give it a try and watch it vanish from the table faster than you can say cheesy goodness.
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Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with your favorite pizza toppings. Ground beef seasoned with Italian spices is layered with pepperoni, vegetables, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all baked atop fluffy biscuit dough. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this casserole offers a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with gooey melted cheese and a golden biscuit crust.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dough and Seasoning
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook it until browned and fully done, about 6–8 minutes, then drain any excess grease.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Stir in the pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, diced red onion, and green bell pepper into the cooked beef mixture. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: In a large bowl, toss the biscuit dough pieces with olive oil and dried oregano to evenly coat them with flavor.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the biscuit dough pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the meat mixture evenly on top, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over it.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining dough pieces as the next layer, followed by the rest of the meat mixture and cheeses, creating a second layer of all components.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces turn golden brown and are fully cooked, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the layers set properly.
Notes
- You can swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, or black olives to customize your pizza flavors.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Using refrigerated biscuit dough saves time; alternatively, homemade biscuit dough can be used for a fresher flavor.
- Letting the bake rest after baking helps the layers hold together better when cut.
