Cheeseburger Pizza
If you’re a fan of the classic cheeseburger and the comforting joy of pizza, then you’re in for a treat! This Cheeseburger Pizza is the perfect fusion of two beloved favorites, featuring a homemade pizza dough topped with savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and all the delicious toppings you love on a cheeseburger. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave your taste buds dancing. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a household favorite!
Why It’s My Go-To
This Cheeseburger Pizza has become a staple in my kitchen for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the toppings based on your family’s preferences – add more pickles, switch out the cheeses, or even throw on some crispy bacon. Second, it’s easy to make, especially if you have a trusty homemade pizza dough recipe. Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a game night or a family dinner, this pizza is sure to impress.
What Goes Into Cheeseburger Pizza
To create this delightful Cheeseburger Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup homemade pizza sauce (or your favorite store-bought sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup drained dill pickle chips (add more if you like!)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons good quality mayonnaise
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the dough and mixing ingredients.
- Rolling pin: To roll out your pizza dough to the perfect thickness.
- Skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Pizza stone or baking sheet: For baking your Cheeseburger Pizza.
- Oven: Preheat to get that crust nice and crispy.
Method: Cheeseburger Pizza
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your Cheeseburger Pizza:
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Start by making your homemade pizza dough. If you have a favorite recipe, now’s the time to use it! If not, simply combine flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil, kneading until smooth. Let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent. Then, add the ground beef, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle the edges with sesame seeds for that classic burger bun flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the homemade pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Next, evenly distribute the cooked ground beef mixture over the cheese, followed by the dill pickle chips. Top it all off with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn!
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
While the pizza is baking, mix the ketchup, yellow mustard, and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle this sauce over the top for that classic cheeseburger flavor. Slice and serve hot!
International Equivalents
If you’re curious about how different cultures enjoy similar flavors, here are some international equivalents to Cheeseburger Pizza:
- Italy: Pizza with beef toppings, such as “Pizza al Macinato”.
- Germany: Flammkuchen with ground meat and onions, resembling a pizza.
- United States: The classic cheeseburger and fries combo.
- Australia: Beef and cheese pies, a popular takeaway dish.
Behind the Recipe
This Cheeseburger Pizza recipe is inspired by my love for comfort food. Growing up, my family often enjoyed pizza nights, and I wanted to create something that merged the essence of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of pizza. The combination of savory beef, melty cheese, and tangy pickles is reminiscent of summer barbecues and family gatherings. Each bite brings back memories and creates new ones around the table.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
If you find yourself with leftover Cheeseburger Pizza, don’t fret! Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat it:
- Storing: Allow the pizza to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the pizza and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pizza slices for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be aware that it may make the crust less crispy.
Cheeseburger Pizza FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use refrigerated or frozen pizza dough. Just follow the package instructions for rolling out and baking.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work great. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Bacon, jalapeños, or even avocado can be delicious additions to your Cheeseburger Pizza.
What’s the best way to serve this pizza?
This pizza is best served hot from the oven. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal experience!
More from the Kitchen
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out these favorites:
Bring It Home
Making your own Cheeseburger Pizza at home is not just a fun cooking project; it’s a way to bring together flavors and memories in a single dish. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this pizza is sure to satisfy those cravings for something hearty and delicious.
Get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s make some pizza magic together!
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Cheeseburger Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by making your homemade pizza dough. If you have a favorite recipe, now’s the time to use it! If not, simply combine flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil, kneading until smooth. Let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent. Then, add the ground beef, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle the edges with sesame seeds for that classic burger bun flavor.
- Spread the homemade pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Next, evenly distribute the cooked ground beef mixture over the cheese, followed by the dill pickle chips. Top it all off with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn!
- While the pizza is baking, mix the ketchup, yellow mustard, and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle this sauce over the top for that classic cheeseburger flavor. Slice and serve hot!
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze sliced pizza tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven for crispy crust or microwave for convenience.
