Description
Cheeseburger Pizza combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the crispy deliciousness of pizza crust. Featuring savory ground beef seasoned with garlic and onion powders, tangy ketchup and mustard sauce, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, crisp red onions, and fresh dill pickle slices added after baking, this pizza is perfect for family dinners or game day treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices (pat dry)
- Optional: cooked bacon crumbles
Optional Special Sauce Drizzle
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it inside the oven now to preheat as well, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir occasionally to break up the meat. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the pizza from becoming soggy.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface or baking sheet to form a 12 to 14-inch circle. Transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza peel and then brush the surface lightly with olive oil to aid in crisping the crust.
- Make and Spread Sauce: Combine ketchup and yellow mustard in a small bowl to create the cheeseburger-style sauce. Spread a thin, even layer over the dough base, similar to a traditional pizza sauce.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese first to create a melty base. Top with the cooked ground beef, then add shredded cheddar, diced red onion, and cooked bacon crumbles if using.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven on the baking sheet or preheated stone. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter the dill pickle slices on top so they retain their crispness. Slice into pieces and serve hot.
- Optional Special Sauce Drizzle: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice in a small bowl to make a special sauce. Drizzle over the pizza slices as desired for an extra tangy flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a soggy pizza crust.
- Adding the pickle slices after baking keeps them crisp and flavorful.
- You can substitute store-bought pizza dough or prepare your own homemade dough.
- For extra smoky flavor, try adding cooked bacon crumbles as an optional topping.
- The optional special sauce adds a creamy tang that complements the cheeseburger flavors beautifully.
- Use a pizza stone if available to achieve a crispier crust.
