Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe

Quick & Delicious Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Melding two comfort food favorites, this cheesy pizza burger bake promises a mouthwatering adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Crispy edges meet gooey cheese in a creation that defies traditional recipe boundaries.

Layers of seasoned ground beef blend seamlessly with classic pizza flavors, creating a dish that screams indulgence.

Perfectly spiced and loaded with melty goodness, each bite delivers a punch of flavor that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing mashup.

Prepare to become the kitchen hero who transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that everyone will love.

Dig in and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Is A Family Favorite

  • Tackle Pizza Burger Cravings: Perfect solution for those wanting to combine two beloved comfort foods into one mouthwatering meal.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different cheeses, meats, or add vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy with its familiar flavors and irresistible cheesy appeal.
  • Simple Baking Technique: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking method makes this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

What Goes Into Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that provides the main substance of the burger.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Adds a classic pizza flavor and extra spicy texture to the dish.
For the Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich, melty multi-cheese layer that enhances the pizza burger's flavor and texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base that adds richness to the burger bun.
For the Bread and Seasonings:
  • Hamburger Buns: Serve as the foundation for the pizza-inspired burger.
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the ground beef's natural flavor.
  • Dried Oregano: Adds a classic pizza herb profile to the dish.
For the Sauces:
  • Pizza Sauce, Marinara Sauce: Provide a tangy, tomato-based flavor that mimics traditional pizza toppings.
For the Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the burger patties to create a golden-brown crust.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps to cover and steam the burger during initial baking.

How To Make Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Set oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Shape Burger Patties

Mix ground beef with seasonings and form into four uniform burger patties:
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Sear Burger Patties

Cook burger patties in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown crust forms.

Step 4: Create Creamy Bun Base

Split hamburger buns and spread cream cheese on bottom halves for a rich foundation.

Step 5: Position Burgers in Baking Dish

Place seared burger patties on cream cheese-coated bun bottoms in prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Add Sauce Layer

Drizzle generously over each burger patty:
  • Pizza sauce
  • Marinara sauce

Step 7: Sprinkle Cheese Blend

Cover burgers with cheese mixture:
  • Mozzarella
  • Cheddar
  • Parmesan

Step 8: Add Pepperoni Topping

Distribute pepperoni slices across cheese layer for extra flavor and texture.

Step 9: Enhance with Herbs

Dust entire dish with dried oregano to boost pizza-inspired profile.

Step 10: Initial Baking

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to meld flavors and partially melt cheese.

Step 11: Final Cheese Melt

Remove foil and bake additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is fully melted with golden edges.

Step 12: Rest and Set

Remove from oven and let rest 3-4 minutes to allow cheese to set and flavors to intensify.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Top with remaining bun halves and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Tips That Help With Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

  • Perfect Patty Prep: Form burger patties gently to avoid compressing meat, which keeps them tender and juicy.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Use room temperature cheeses for more even melting and better flavor integration.
  • Sauce Spreading Strategy: Ensure complete sauce coverage for maximum pizza-burger flavor in every bite.
  • Foil Technique Trick: Cover with foil initially to prevent cheese from burning while allowing ingredients to cook evenly.
  • Resting Ritual: Allow burgers to rest briefly after baking to help cheese set and flavors develop fully.

Fun Changes For Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

  • Vegetarian Pizza Burger: Replace ground beef with plant-based burger patties or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Add jalapeños, swap marinara for salsa, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Pizza Burger Bowl: Skip buns entirely and serve the pizza burger ingredients over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a carb-conscious alternative.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute cream cheese with tzatziki, use lamb patties, and top with crumbled feta and sliced olives for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Great Pairings With Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

  • Pair Pizza Burger with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich marinara and melted cheese flavors, cutting through the burger's hearty profile.
  • Enhance with Crispy Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy burger and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
  • Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale with caramel notes that stand up to the intense pizza burger's robust marinara and multi-cheese layers.
  • Add Zesty Dipping Sauce: Prepare a spicy garlic aioli or marinara dipping sauce to elevate the burger's flavor complexity and provide an extra layer of taste excitement.

How To Store Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

  • Store cooled pizza burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, preserving quality for up to 2 months with minimal freezer burn.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place burgers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
  • Reheat individual burgers on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, using 50% power to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Questions About Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

  • What ingredients make this burger unique?

The combination of pizza sauce, multiple cheeses, and pepperoni transforms a classic burger into a pizza-inspired dish, creating a fusion of two favorite comfort foods.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

  • How do I ensure the burger patties stay juicy?

Season the meat well, avoid overworking the patties, and use a hot skillet to sear quickly, which helps lock in moisture and create a flavorful crust.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the patties and assemble the components ahead of time, then bake just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

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Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe

Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy pizza burger bake marries classic comfort foods in one mouthwatering dish. Layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and pizza sauce create a hearty meal that brings family and friends together for an irresistible culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 burger patties
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Bread and Sauce:

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then form into four uniform burger patties.
  3. Sear the burger patties in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
  4. Split the hamburger buns and spread a layer of cream cheese on the bottom halves to create a rich, creamy base.
  5. Arrange the seared burger patties on top of the cream cheese-coated bun bottoms in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Generously drizzle pizza sauce and marinara sauce over each burger patty, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Sprinkle a mixture of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses evenly across the burgers, creating a multi-cheese layer.
  8. Distribute pepperoni slices strategically over the cheese layer for additional flavor and texture.
  9. Dust the entire dish with dried oregano to enhance the pizza-inspired profile.
  10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to partially melt.
  11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with slight golden edges.
  12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the cheese to set and flavors to intensify.
  13. Top with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Notes

  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more enjoyable burger texture.
  • Toast bun halves briefly before assembling to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess from sauces.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • Consider gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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