If you love cheeseburgers and pizza, combining the two into a cheeseburger pizza creates the ultimate comfort food. This mash-up delivers all the juicy, cheesy, and tangy flavors of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a pizza slice. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want something indulgent and satisfying for dinner, cheeseburger pizza is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Burger meets pizza – You get all the flavors of a cheeseburger layered on a crispy pizza crust.
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Customizable – From the toppings to the type of cheese and sauce, you can tailor it to your taste.
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Easy to prepare – Whether using store-bought dough or making it from scratch, it’s simple to assemble.
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Family favorite – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients List
For the Crust:
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1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cheeseburger Topping:
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1 lb ground beef
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
For the Sauce Base:
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3 tbsp ketchup
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2 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
For the Toppings:
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup diced pickles
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½ cup diced red onion
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½ cup chopped tomato (optional)
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Shredded lettuce (to garnish after baking)
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Extra ketchup/mustard drizzle (optional)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 6 slices
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheeseburger Pizza
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
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Set your oven to 475°F (245°C).
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If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven to heat up.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef.
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Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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When fully browned, stir in the ketchup and mustard. Mix until the beef is coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
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In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise (if using).
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Spread this sauce evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
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Sprinkle a layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
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Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef across the pizza.
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Top with diced red onions, pickles, and optional tomatoes.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
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Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Let the pizza cool slightly, then top with shredded lettuce.
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Add a drizzle of ketchup or mustard if desired.
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Slice and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Use Lean Ground Beef
Using lean beef keeps your pizza from getting greasy while still delivering that rich cheeseburger flavor.
Don’t Overload the Crust
Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy or hard to transfer to the oven. Stick to a moderate amount for best results.
Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly
A hot oven is crucial for a crisp crust. Preheating ensures even baking and browning.
Let the Pizza Rest Before Slicing
This allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier and less messy.
Variations You Can Try
Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza
Add crumbled cooked bacon along with the ground beef for extra flavor.
Double Cheeseburger Pizza
Use a mix of cheddar and American cheese and double up on the beef.
Spicy Cheeseburger Pizza
Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy ketchup or Sriracha before baking.
Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Pizza
Use a gluten-free crust or cauliflower base for a dietary-friendly alternative.
Serving Suggestions
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Side Dishes: Serve with French fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad.
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Drinks: Pair with cold soda, iced tea, or a light beer.
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Sauce Options: Offer small bowls of ketchup, mustard, or ranch for dipping.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
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Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
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Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
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Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
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Microwave: Use 30-second intervals, but note that this may soften the crust.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Prepare the Dough: Make or thaw the pizza dough a day in advance.
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Cook the Beef: Cook and refrigerate the seasoned beef up to 2 days ahead.
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Pre-Chop Toppings: Dice pickles, onions, and tomatoes and store them separately in the fridge.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)
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Calories: 380
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Protein: 21g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Raw Beef
Never use raw ground beef directly on the pizza—always cook it first.
Skipping the Sauce
The ketchup-mustard base ties all the cheeseburger flavors together. Don’t skip it!
Overloading with Lettuce
Only garnish with a light layer of shredded lettuce after baking; too much can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked pizza crust?
Yes, but reduce baking time to avoid overcooking the toppings.
Can I freeze cheeseburger pizza?
It’s best frozen before baking. Assemble the pizza, freeze, then bake from frozen at 425°F for 18–20 minutes.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Use meat alternatives like seasoned plant-based ground beef.
What cheeses work best?
Cheddar is classic for a cheeseburger feel, but you can also use mozzarella or provolone for a gooier texture.
Can I use a different base sauce?
Yes! Try BBQ sauce, spicy ketchup, or even Thousand Island dressing for a fun twist.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger pizza is a fun, creative way to enjoy two of your favorite comfort foods in one bite. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and delivers on both flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for both burgers and pizza.