Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake

Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is a savory, comfort food dish that brings together the best flavors of pizza and burgers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining seasoned ground beef, pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all topped with hamburger buns. It’s a cheesy, hearty, and delicious twist on the classic burger, baked to perfection!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 hamburger buns, split

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, mixing well to combine.
4. Spoon the beef mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the beef mixture.
6. Place the hamburger bun halves, cut side down, on top of the cheese.
7. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Meat Variations: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or use sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a veggie-loaded bake.
• Additional Toppings: Add extra pizza toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for a more customized pizza flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Try using cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef? Yes, pre-cooked ground beef can be used. Just add it to the pizza sauce and seasonings and heat it through.
2. Can I add extra cheese? Absolutely! You can sprinkle extra mozzarella or your favorite cheese on top of the buns for an extra cheesy crust.
3. What can I serve this with? Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
4. Can I make this in individual servings? Yes, you can bake the mixture in individual casserole dishes or mini baking dishes for a personalized serving.
5. How do I make it spicy? Add red pepper flakes, crushed chili peppers, or a spicy sausage to the beef mixture for a kick of heat.
6. Can I use whole wheat buns? Yes, whole wheat buns are a great option for a healthier version of this dish.
7. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dish up to the baking point and refrigerate it for up to a day. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
8. Can I use a different sauce? If you’re not a fan of pizza sauce, you can substitute with marinara sauce or even a creamy Alfredo sauce.
9. What if I don’t have a 9×13 baking dish? You can use any similar-sized baking dish or even a smaller casserole dish, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
10. How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy? To avoid sogginess, use slightly toasted or stale buns. Also, ensure that the beef mixture isn’t too watery before adding it to the dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is a simple, satisfying dish that combines all the flavors you love about pizza and burgers in one easy-to-make casserole. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. With endless variation options and a short cooking time, this cheesy, savory bake will become a go-to meal for your busy nights.

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