Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie

Step into the realm of comfort food where the best of two worlds meet. The Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie brings together the rich flavors of pizza and burger in one hearty, satisfying dish. With its layers of juicy meat, melting cheese, and vibrant sauce all enclosed in a golden crust, this pie is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy evenings with friends. It’s sure to wow with every bite.

What Makes It Irresistible

This dish is an ingenious fusion—easy to make and even easier to fall in love with. Expect juicy ground meat, zesty Italian sausage, gooey cheese, savory sauce, and classic pizza flavors all baked into one remarkable pie. It’s true comfort food at its finest.

What You’ll Need

For the dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- A pinch of sugar
- Salt
Filling ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Italian sausage for extra flavor
- Green bell pepper (diced)
- Onion (diced)
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheeses
- Pizza sauce (or marinara)
- Sliced pepperoni
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Extras:
- Egg (for egg wash to give the crust a golden sheen)
- Additional mozzarella and pepperoni for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish

You can also use ready-made pizza dough for convenience, or add your favorite toppings—such as black olives or mushrooms—according to your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it bubble up for about 5 minutes.
Stir in olive oil, flour, and salt, then knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (around 5–7 minutes).
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour).

2. Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add onion and green bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in about half a cup of pizza sauce. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Grease a deep skillet or springform pan.
Divide the dough: roll out one half and press it into the pan base and sides.
Layer in this order: mozzarella, the meat mixture, more pizza sauce, pepperoni, cheddar. If you wish, repeat the layering.
Roll out the second half of dough and place it on top. Pinch edges to seal.
Brush the top crust with beaten egg and add extra cheese and pepperoni.

4. Bake

Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

5. Serve

Let the pie rest for about 10 minutes to set. Slice and serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra sauce on the side if desired.

Pro Tips

Proof the dough in a warm spot for better rising.
Measure flour by weight if you can—precision helps.
Don’t skip the 10-minute resting—this makes slicing easier.
Try different cheeses like Gouda or provolone for new flavor profiles.
Watch the crust carefully to avoid over-browning.

Equipment Checklist

Large mixing bowl
Skillet for cooking meat
Rolling pin (or substitute like a wine bottle)
Deep skillet or springform pan
Pastry brush (or clean cloth for egg wash)

Variations to Try

Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with a mix of mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
Spicy kick: Mix in jalapeños or chili flakes into the filling.
BBQ twist: Swap pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add cooked chicken.

What to Serve It With

A crisp garden salad for a lighter contrast
Garlic breadsticks for extra indulgence
Your favorite drink—soda or wine complement it nicely
A sprinkle of parsley for garnish adds freshness

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works great and saves time.

How can I lighten the meat?
Try using ground turkey or chicken, or choose a plant-based substitute.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in oven or microwave.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Wrap the unbaked pie tightly, freeze, and bake it later. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Wrapping Up

This pizza-burger pie isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather and enjoy. The way it combines familiar flavors in a fun, comforting format makes it a standout during dinner or gatherings. Prepare it with love, and enjoy the smiles it brings!