Introduction:
The Pizza Burger Pie is a savory and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of pizza and burgers into a delicious pie format. This hearty meal features layers of seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all baked together in a pie crust. Whether served for dinner or enjoyed as a fun twist on traditional pizza night, the Pizza Burger Pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Origin and Popularity:
The Pizza Burger Pie is a creative fusion of two classic American comfort foods: pizza and burgers. While the exact origin of this dish is unclear, it likely emerged in home kitchens as a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy the best of both worlds. With its versatile ingredients and customizable toppings, the Pizza Burger Pie has gained popularity as a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to pizza lovers and burger enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust
For the Burger Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (such as sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
- Cook the Burger Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onions are softened.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
- Spoon the cooked burger filling on top of the marinara sauce layer.
- Add the Pizza Toppings:
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the burger filling.
- Arrange your favorite pizza toppings over the cheese layer.
- Layer the Remaining Ingredients:
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the pizza toppings.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Pizza Burger Pie:
- Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the Pizza Burger Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve slices of the Pizza Burger Pie warm and enjoy the delicious fusion of pizza and burgers!
Tips:
- Feel free to customize the Pizza Burger Pie with your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or any other ingredients you love.
- For extra flavor, you can brush the pie crust with garlic butter or sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can blind bake the pie crust before adding the filling.
Conclusion:
The Pizza Burger Pie offers a creative and delicious twist on two beloved comfort foods: pizza and burgers. With its flavorful layers of seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, this pie is a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal that is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Whether served hot out of the oven or enjoyed as leftovers the next day, the Pizza Burger Pie is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Recommendation:
Pair slices of the Pizza Burger Pie with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it alongside your favorite condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing, for dipping. Enjoy the delicious flavors of pizza and burgers in every bite of this tasty and comforting pie!