Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake 🍕🍔🧀

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between craving a juicy cheeseburger and a slice of cheesy pizza, this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Introducing the Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake—a delicious mashup of two iconic classics! Imagine savory, seasoned ground beef layered with gooey mozzarella, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or whenever you need a cheesy, satisfying fix.

Get ready to dig into a dish that’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

The Best of Both Worlds: Combines the juicy, savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the cheesy, melty goodness of pizza.
Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, comforting casserole.

What Does It Taste Like? 🤤

Imagine the bold, beefy flavor of a perfectly seasoned burger layered with stretchy mozzarella cheese and kissed with classic pizza seasonings. The ground beef is juicy and savory, with a hint of garlic and onion powder for that signature burger taste. The melty mozzarella adds creaminess, and with a sprinkle of Italian herbs or your favorite pizza toppings, you’ve got all the flavors of a loaded pizza packed into a comforting, baked casserole. It’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!

Benefits of This Recipe

Protein-Packed: Thanks to the ground beef and cheese.
One-Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up after dinner.
Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
Customizable for Picky Eaters: Add or swap ingredients to suit everyone’s taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground beef 🍔 (lean works well to avoid excess grease)
1 medium onion, chopped 🧅
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
1 teaspoon onion powder 🌿
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀

Optional Add-Ins for That Pizza Vibe:

1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara 🍅
Pepperoni slices 🍕
Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives 🫑🍄
Red pepper flakes for a little heat 🌶️

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet (for browning the beef)
Baking dish (8×8 or 9×9-inch works well)
Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl (optional, for combining toppings)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Meat Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different protein option.
Cheese Lovers: Add a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for extra cheesy goodness.
Saucy Upgrade: Layer in pizza sauce between the beef and cheese for a more pizza-like experience.
Low-Carb Option: Serve as is, or add a layer of roasted cauliflower for extra veggies.
Crust Option: Want a more “pizza” feel? Add a layer of crescent roll dough on the bottom before adding the beef mixture.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine, letting the spices infuse the meat with flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to your greased baking dish. If you’re adding pizza sauce, spread it evenly over the beef. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.

Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)

Add your favorite pizza toppings—think pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flair.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it as is or with a side of garlic bread, a simple salad, or even over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.

What to Serve with Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
Crisp Green Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, zucchini, or green beans make great sides.
Pasta: Serve alongside spaghetti for a full Italian-inspired feast.

Tips for the Best Pizza Burger Bake

Drain the Beef Well: To avoid a greasy casserole, drain the beef after browning.
Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on it in the oven to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Add Herbs: A sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning before baking enhances the pizza flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freeze: Yes, you can freeze it! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I add pasta to this dish?
Yes! You can stir in cooked pasta with the beef mixture for a heartier casserole, almost like a pizza-pasta bake.

3. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Without any added bread or crust, it’s low in carbs. To make it fully keto-friendly, skip the pizza sauce or use a low-carb version.

4. How do I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or spicy pepperoni to give it a kick.

Wrapping It Up 🍕🍔🧀

This Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is everything you love about pizza and burgers rolled into one easy, comforting dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, prepping for game day, or just satisfying a serious cheesy craving, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with bold, savory flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram. I can’t wait to see your cheesy, delicious creations! 😋🍕

Craving More Comfort Food?

Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole
Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
Bacon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes

Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, beefy, pizza-inspired bite! 😊🍕🍔🧀