There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a dish that perfectly blends two all-time favorites. That’s exactly why I adore the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake—it feels like a warm hug on a plate. I first made this recipe on a chilly weekend when friends came over last minute. The cheesy aroma filled the house, and the first bite? Absolutely dreamy. Everyone raved about the juicy burger flavor wrapped up in bubbly, golden pizza dough. It quickly became our go-to comfort food, especially when you want that pizza night cozy without the fuss of ordering out.

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Why This Recipe Shines

Flavor Harmony: Bursting with savory burger spices and classic pizza toppings that marry perfectly together.
Easy Assembly: Simple layering and sealing steps that even beginner cooks can nail first try.
Texture Play: Crispy golden crust meets melty cheese and juicy beef for a satisfying bite every time.
Showstopper Finish: Brushed with olive oil for that beautiful golden crust that will impress your guests.

If you’ve never baked something like this before, don’t worry—I’ve got your back! I’ll walk you through the entire Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake recipe with clear steps and tips. It’s totally approachable, no fancy kitchen gadgets needed, and you’ll love how all those bubbling flavors come together so effortlessly. Plus, once you’ve tried this, it’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza or burger toppings.

The image shows a three-layer sandwich on a piece of parchment paper placed on a wooden board, with a white marbled surface underneath. The bottom layer is a flat light brown bread spread with rich red sauce. The middle layers are two thick, dark brown meat patties separated by melted pale yellow cheese that drips down the sides. The top layer is a golden brown melted cheese that is bubbly and slightly browned with some spots darker, covering the whole sandwich and dripping down the sides. Around the board, there are some green pine branches. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 1:1 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With

Before you dive in, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and measure carefully. Exact amounts and details are available in the printable recipe card at the bottom, but here’s a helpful overview of what you’ll use and why each matters.

Pizza dough: The soft, chewy base that cradles all those flavors; store-bought works great or homemade if you have time.
Ground beef: Provides juicy, savory richness and the classic burger essence.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory lift without overpowering the beef.
Onion powder: Compliments garlic with a sweet smokiness to deepen flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring balance to the filling.
Pizza sauce: Tangy tomato base that keeps it saucy and bright.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey layers that bind everything deliciously.
Bacon (optional): Adds smoky, crispy bursts; skip or swap with cooked sausage if you prefer.
Pepperoni slices: Classic pizza touch for that perfect peppery zing.
Mushrooms: Earthy, tender bites—and feel free to precook them if you like softer textures.
Bell peppers: Sweet crunch to lighten the richness.
Pickles (optional): Surprise tangy crunch that mimics classic burger vibes.
Olive oil: For brushing the crust, helping it brown beautifully and stay crisp.

If you need to swap, feel free to choose vegan cheese alternatives or gluten-free dough to suit dietary needs without losing the heart of the bake.

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Chef’s Note

You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tools You’ll Need

Baking dish (deep-dish pie plate preferred): Holds all those hearty layers without spilling.
Skillet: For browning the ground beef evenly and draining excess fat.
Rolling pin: Makes shaping the pizza dough easier to fit your dish perfectly.
Measuring spoons and cups: Ensures balanced seasoning and toppings.
Basting brush: To coat the crust with olive oil for that golden finish.
Spatula or spoon: For layering and spreading sauce smoothly.

How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe

Ready to get cooking? This bake comes together in easy steps. Make sure your oven’s preheated and that you’ve greased your baking dish before rolling out the dough to keep everything from sticking.

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a deep-dish pie plate or baking dish well. This prevents sticking and helps get that crisp crust.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until there’s no pink left. Drain excess fat then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the beef. Give it a stir so every bite is flavorful.
Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and roll the pizza dough into a large circle big enough to line your baking dish with extra to fold over. Don’t rush this—letting your dough rest 10 minutes before rolling makes it easier to shape and stretch.
Assemble the Bake: Lay the rolled dough carefully in your greased dish. Spread half the pizza sauce on the bottom, then layer with the cooked beef, mozzarella cheese, bacon, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and pickles. Spoon the remaining pizza sauce on top, and finish with another layer of mozzarella.
Seal and Brush: Fold the overhanging dough over the filling and pinch edges tight. Use olive oil to brush the top crust for a golden and crisp finish.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for melted, bubbly cheese and golden crust. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temp should reach around 160°F (71°C) to ensure the beef is cooked through.
Cool and Serve: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes slicing cleaner. Serve warm and get ready for compliments!

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Kitchen Wisdom

Tip 1: Let dough sit at room temperature 10 minutes to relax before rolling—it prevents tearing.
Tip 2: Drain beef well to avoid soggy bottom crust and ensure rich flavor concentration.
Tip 3: Use a deep-dish pie plate to hold layers securely and prevent overflow while baking.
Tip 4: Brush olive oil just before baking to get that beautifully golden, crisp crust.

How to Serve

The image shows a deep-dish pizza with thick layers clearly visible. The bottom crust is golden and thick, holding a large amount of filling. Above the crust, there is a thick brown layer of meat sauce mixed with bits of vegetables, packed tightly. On top of the meat sauce, there are slices of shiny pepperoni evenly spread. The top layer is melted, bubbly cheese with a golden-yellow color, covering the pepperoni and edges. One slice is pulled out slightly, showing the layers inside clearly. The pizza is placed on a round wooden board. In the background, there is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 1:1 --v 7

Flavor Boosters

For extra zing, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano right after baking to lighten the richness. A drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a splash of hot sauce can amp up the flavor if you like a little heat. And if you love pickles, add some fresh sliced dill pickles at serving for that perfect tang.

Perfect Pairings

This Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For drinks, a cold craft beer or a sparkling soda complements the bold, meaty flavors. Garlic-roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries make for perfect hearty sides that everyone will enjoy.

Presentation Touches

Slice into generous wedges and serve on colorful plates for a homey vibe. If you’re feeding a crowd, bake in multiple dishes or double the recipe to fill your table. Wrapped nicely, leftovers make fantastic next-day lunches—just reheat until hot and melty. Serve with small bowls of ketchup, mustard, or ranch for dipping to complete the burger experience.

Variations & Easy Swaps

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Use dairy-free mozzarella or cheese blends to keep it vegan-friendly.
Add sautéed onions or jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor and texture.
Trade in pizza sauce for BBQ sauce to create a tangy BBQ burger bake twist.
Mix in cooked spinach or kale for greens that sneak in some nutrition.
For gluten-free, grab your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or make your own with almond flour blends.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Assemble the bake and cover tightly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to keep crust crispy and cheese bubbly.
This recipe freezes beautifully—wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds great flavor, just make sure to let it rest and rise properly before rolling out.
What if I don’t like pickles?
You can leave them out or try sliced olives or jalapeños for a different tangy twist.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Assemble it and refrigerate before baking. This helps the flavors meld and saves time on busy days.
How do I reheat leftovers without soggy crust?
Oven reheating is best—wrapped loosely in foil to keep moisture but crisp up the crust, 350°F for 10-15 minutes works wonders.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough brand or recipe. Just handle gently when rolling.