If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines the comfort of a juicy burger and the irresistible flavors of pizza, you need to try the Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe. This cozy casserole brings together ground beef seasoned with Italian spices, layers of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and that classic pizza pepperoni punch, all nestled on fluffy biscuit pieces that soak up the delicious sauce. It’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing bake that feels like a warm hug on a plate and satisfies any comfort food craving with a cheesy, flavorful twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key here because every component amplifies the dish’s taste, texture, and color. From savory ground beef to the melty cheeses and pepperoni, each ingredient plays a vital role in making this bake utterly irresistible.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings juicy, meaty flavor to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and seasonings.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives that signature pizza taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara: The rich, tangy sauce that ties the whole recipe together.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey, irresistible cheesiness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides sharpness and a golden finish on top.
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni or mini pepperoni: Adds that classic pizza pepperoni flavor and a bit of texture.
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count): Creates pillowy pockets that soak up all those mouthwatering flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little spicy kick.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous aroma.
How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s perfectly ready when your ingredients are assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and helps your cheesy creation bake evenly and come out in one beautiful, bubbly piece.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. This step builds the savory foundation of the dish. Be sure to drain any excess grease for a balanced flavor. Next, season the meat with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, stirring them in to infuse depth and that classic pizza-inspired taste. Then add the pizza sauce and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly before removing the skillet from the heat.
Step 3: Mix Biscuit Dough Into the Meat Mixture
Separate each biscuit from the can and cut each into quarters, creating bite-sized pieces. Gently fold these biscuit chunks into the warm meat and sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is coated in that flavorful sauce. This step creates soft, tender pockets that soak up all the cheesy, meaty goodness while baking.
Step 4: Assemble and Add the Cheeses and Pepperoni
Transfer your well-blended mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan cheese, which will melt into a golden, savory crust. Top it all off with chopped pepperoni, dispersing it to guarantee pepperoni in every single bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Cheesy and Golden
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the biscuits are baked through, the cheese has melted into bubbly, golden perfection, and the pepperoni looks irresistibly delicious, it’s time to take it out. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps it set and keeps every bite perfectly cheesy and cohesive.
How to Serve Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop and add some fresh flavor contrasts, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and sprinkle chopped basil or parsley for a burst of vibrant green and fresh aroma. These little touches elevate both flavor and appearance, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, while roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add freshness and texture. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complement the pizza vibes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an exciting twist, serve the bake in individual ramekins for personal cheesy pizzas in mini form. Or, scoop generous portions onto plates and drizzle with a little extra pizza sauce or hot sauce for an extra zing. Hosting a casual gathering? Serve alongside a chilled beverage and let everyone help themselves to this hearty, cheesy delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe will keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely after baking, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the entire dish covered with foil in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly. This helps keep the cheese melty and the biscuits tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great leaner alternatives. For a spicier twist, Italian sausage works wonderfully and adds an extra depth of flavor.
What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
If biscuit dough isn’t available, you can use small pieces of bread or dinner rolls, but the texture will be different. Alternatively, pre-made pizza dough cut into small chunks can also work nicely.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize your bake with mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or onions. Adding veggies not only boosts nutrition but also adds delicious layers of texture and flavor.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe itself is mild, with optional crushed red pepper flakes to add some kick. You can adjust the spice to your preference by adding more or less, or by choosing spicy sausage instead of beef.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This bake yields about 6 hearty servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for multiple days.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe is truly a game-changer the moment you try it. Its ease and incredible flavor make it a perfect meal to share with loved ones or for your next cozy night in. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies.
Print
Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
The Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is a deliciously satisfying casserole that combines the flavors of a classic pizza and juicy burger in one easy-to-make dish. Ground beef is cooked with Italian seasonings and pizza sauce, then mixed with biscuit dough pieces and topped with melty mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this meal is perfect for a quick family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Dough
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni or mini pepperoni
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pizza sauce into the cooked beef. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: Separate each biscuit and cut them into quarters. Gently stir these biscuit pieces into the meat sauce mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the meat and biscuit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, then distribute the chopped pepperoni evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are thoroughly cooked and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes and chopped fresh basil or parsley on top if desired before serving.
Notes
- Add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers before baking for added flavor and variety.
- For a spicy twist, substitute hot Italian sausage for ground beef.
