Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie

The Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved American classics: the hearty, savory cheeseburger and the rich, indulgent deep-dish pizza. This culinary masterpiece brings together juicy ground beef, melty cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and a buttery crust in one spectacular casserole-style dish that’s baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers big flavors, satisfying textures, and comfort food at its finest.

The History

The concept of combining pizza and burgers isn’t entirely new—after all, both are pillars of American fast food culture. However, the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie as we know it today emerged from the trend of “casserole innovation” in the late 20th century, particularly popularized by home cooks looking for creative ways to reinvent leftovers and satisfy picky eaters. Drawing inspiration from Chicago-style deep-dish pizza (known for its thick, pie-like crust and layered fillings), midwestern potlucks, and classic meat-and-potato casseroles, this hybrid dish began appearing in community cookbooks and online recipe forums in the early 2000s.

It gained traction during the rise of “trashcan pizza” and “dump recipes,” where convenience, flavor, and crowd-pleasing qualities took center stage. The burger pie variation stood out because it combined familiar ingredients—ground beef, cheese, onions, and ketchup or tomato sauce—with a flaky, golden crust, mimicking the structure of a deep-dish pizza while delivering the taste of a gourmet cheeseburger. Over time, variations evolved with seasoned crusts, bacon additions, and even stuffed-crust renditions, solidifying its status as a modern comfort food staple.

Ingredients Breakdown

What makes the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie so irresistible is not just its bold flavor but also the thoughtful layering of ingredients that work harmoniously together. Let’s break down each component:

Ground Beef (80/20 blend): The star protein, offering juiciness and robust flavor. An 80% lean, 20% fat ratio ensures moisture without being greasy.
Onion: Yellow or white onions add sweetness and aroma when sautéed, enhancing the umami depth of the beef.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic introduces a pungent, earthy note that elevates the entire filling.
Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the “pizza” essence—tangy, slightly sweet, and rich. Some versions use marinara; others opt for a homemade blend with Italian seasoning.
Taco Seasoning or Italian Herbs: While some recipes use pre-made taco seasoning for convenience, purists prefer a custom mix of oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to keep it more pizza-like.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melted into gooey layers throughout and on top, it gives that signature stretch and creamy texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Often blended with mozzarella for a sharper, bolder flavor profile.
Pie Crust or Pizza Dough: A store-bought or homemade pie crust forms the base and sometimes the lid, creating a true “pie” effect. Alternatively, some use risen pizza dough for a chewier texture.
Egg: Used as a binder if incorporating fillings like rice or breadcrumbs, though optional.
Bacon (optional): Adds smokiness and crunch, especially popular in upgraded versions.
Pickle Chips or Relish (optional): For those who love a classic burger finish, these bring brightness and acidity.
Butter or Olive Oil: For brushing the crust to achieve a golden, flaky finish.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 unbaked 9-inch double pie crust (or homemade dough)
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Optional toppings: cooked bacon bits, diced pickles, jalapeños, green peppers

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or cast-iron skillet.
Prepare the Crust: Roll out one pie crust and carefully place it into the pie dish. Press it gently into the bottom and sides. Prick the bottom with a fork several times to prevent air bubbles. Set aside. If making a double-crust version, roll out the second crust and set it nearby.
Cook the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about a teaspoon for flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season the Mixture: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of cheddar cheese into the beef mixture. Optionally, fold in cooked bacon, pickles, or other desired mix-ins.
Assemble the Pie: Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Top with remaining cheeses for a gooey upper layer.
Add Top Crust (Optional): Place the second pie crust over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal, and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, create a lattice or leave open-faced for a rustic look.
Egg Wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it over the top crust for a golden sheen. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Cool and Serve: Let the burger pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and prevents spillage. Serve warm with a side salad, fries, or extra pickle chips on top.

Tips

Blind Bake the Bottom Crust (Optional): To prevent sogginess, blind bake the bottom crust for 8–10 minutes at 375°F before adding the filling. Use pie weights or dried beans to weigh it down.
Drain Fat Thoroughly: Excess grease from the beef can make the crust soggy. Drain well after browning, but don’t eliminate all fat—it adds flavor.
Use Cold Ingredients: Keep the pie crust cold until ready to use for easier handling and flakier results.
Customize the Crust: Mix grated parmesan or herbs into the flour when making homemade dough for extra flavor.
Don’t Overfill: Leave about ½ inch of space between the filling and the rim to avoid overflow during baking.
Let It Rest: Allowing the pie to sit for 10 minutes after baking helps the layers stabilize and makes cutting cleaner.
Freeze for Later: Assemble the pie (unbaked) and wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie lies in its versatility. Here are some popular twists to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a lentil-walnut mixture. Use dairy-free cheese and egg-free crust for a fully vegan option.
Breakfast Burger Pie: Use breakfast sausage instead of beef, add scrambled eggs and hash browns, and top with cheddar. Perfect for brunch!
Hawaiian Twist: Add diced pineapple and Canadian bacon to the filling for a sweet-savory combo reminiscent of a Hawaiian pizza.
Buffalo Chicken Style: Swap beef for shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch drizzle.
Stuffed Crust: Wrap the edge of the bottom crust with string cheese before adding the filling for a gooey surprise.
Low-Carb/Keto Option: Skip the pie crust and press the beef-cheese mixture into a greased skillet. Top with extra cheese and bake. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
Mediterranean Flavor: Use ground lamb, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and oregano for a Greek-inspired twist.
Spicy Jalapeño Ranch: Mix diced jalapeños into the beef and drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.
Dessert Burger Pie (Fun Twist!): Yes, really! Use chocolate chip cookie dough as the “crust,” fill with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, and bake for a playful dessert version.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably delicious, the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is a rich, calorie-dense dish best enjoyed in moderation. A typical slice (1/6 of the pie) may contain approximately:

Calories: 450–550
Protein: 20–25g (from beef and cheese)
Fat: 30–35g (including saturated fat from beef and cheese)
Carbohydrates: 25–30g (primarily from the crust)
Fiber: 2–3g (can be increased with whole wheat crust or added vegetables)
Sodium: 600–900mg (varies based on cheese, seasoning, and sauce)

Healthier Modifications:

Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce saturated fat.
Opt for low-fat cheese or reduced-sodium varieties.
Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini into the beef mixture to increase volume and nutrients while reducing meat content.
Choose a whole wheat or almond flour crust for added fiber and complex carbs.
Limit portion size and pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.
Avoid excessive salt by using no-salt-added tomato products and seasoning blends.

This dish can fit into a balanced diet when served occasionally and paired with nutrient-rich sides. Those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or cholesterol concerns should consume it mindfully and consider lighter versions.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.

Can I freeze the Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie?
Absolutely. Bake it first, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 30–40 minutes). Unbaked pies can also be frozen before baking—just add 15–20 minutes to cook time.

Why is my crust soggy?
This usually happens if the filling is too wet or the crust wasn’t pre-baked. Make sure to simmer the beef mixture until thickened, and consider blind baking the bottom crust.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Yes, but the texture will be flakier and less sturdy. Puff pastry puffs up dramatically, so it works best for mini individual pies rather than a large deep-dish version.

What can I serve with this dish?
Great sides include garden salad with vinaigrette, coleslaw, roasted broccoli, sweet potato fries, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad.

Can I make mini versions?
Definitely! Use muffin tins or ramekins to create individual burger pie cups. These are perfect for parties or meal prep. Reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.

Is this kid-friendly?
Extremely! Kids love the cheesy, meaty, pizza-like flavors. Let them customize their own mini pies with favorite toppings like bacon, pickles, or extra cheese.

Summary

The Deep-Dish Pizza Burger Pie is a decadent fusion of cheeseburger and deep-dish pizza, combining savory seasoned beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese in a buttery, flaky crust. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food ideal for family dinners, game nights, or anytime you crave bold, satisfying flavor.