The Pizza Burger Pie Recipe

If you love pizza and burgers, prepare to be amazed by the ultimate comfort food: the Pizza Burger Pie. This delightful dish combines the best of both worlds, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Keep reading to discover how to create this mouthwatering recipe, step-by-step.

What is Pizza Burger Pie?

Pizza Burger Pie is a creative culinary mashup that merges the savory elements of a cheeseburger with the classic flavors of a pizza. The crust is made from lean ground beef mixed with seasonings, forming a base that holds all the traditional pizza toppings. This innovative dish brings together the juiciness of a burger and the cheesy, tomatoey goodness of a pizza in every bite.

Ingredients List for Pizza Burger Pie

To make a delicious Pizza Burger Pie, you will need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup fat-free milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon dry minced garlic
• 2 cups Kellogg's Corn Flakes® cereal
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
• 1 cup (4 oz.) low moisture, part-skim, shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 can (3 oz.) chopped mushrooms, well drained
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry minced onion
• ½ teaspoon basil
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Sliced stuffed olives
• Green bell pepper strips

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to tweak the Pizza Burger Pie recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Meat: Substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, to change the flavor profile. A vegan cheese alternative can be used to make this dish dairy-free.
• Toppings: Add or omit toppings based on your preferences. Pepperoni, sausage, or even pineapple can be great additions.
• Crust: Use crushed whole-grain cereal or breadcrumbs if you prefer a different texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating Pizza Burger Pie is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps for a delicious result:

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Crush the Kellogg's Corn Flakes® cereal into fine crumbs and mix with the fat-free milk, salt, and dry minced garlic. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch pie pan to form the crust.
2. Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix the Filling: Combine the cooked ground beef with the tomato paste, half of the shredded Mozzarella cheese, chopped mushrooms, sugar, dry minced onion, basil, and oregano.
4. Assemble the Pie: Spread the meat mixture over the prepared crust. Top with the remaining shredded Mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, sliced stuffed olives, and green bell pepper strips.
5. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.

How to Cook Pizza Burger Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are ready and measured.
2. Prepare Crust Mixture: Combine cereal, milk, salt, and garlic. Press into pie pan.
3. Cook Beef: Brown beef in skillet; drain fat.
4. Mix Filling: Combine beef with other filling ingredients.
5. Assemble: Layer filling over crust; add toppings.
6. Bake: Cook in oven until done.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Beef: Make sure not to overcook the ground beef as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Not Draining Mushrooms: Ensure mushrooms are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the pie.
• Uneven Crust: Press the cereal mixture evenly in the pie pan to avoid thin spots that can burn.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving and presenting your Pizza Burger Pie, a little effort can go a long way in making it look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Pizza Burger Pie

• Slice and Serve: Cut the Pizza Burger Pie into wedges, similar to a pizza, and serve hot.
• Accompaniments: Pair it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce for dipping.

Presentation Ideas for Pizza Burger Pie

• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Plate Design: Serve slices on a decorative plate or platter. Arrange the bell pepper strips in a decorative pattern.
• Layers: Highlight the layers of the pie by serving a cross-section slice that shows the beef crust, filling, and cheese topping.

Pizza Burger Pie Recipe Tips

• Cheese Selection: Use high-quality cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Crust Texture: For a crunchier crust, lightly toast the cereal crumbs before mixing.
• Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings in the beef mixture before assembling the pie.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Pizza Burger Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time. Assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Burger Pie?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I Freeze Pizza Burger Pie?

Yes, Pizza Burger Pie can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What Can I Serve with Pizza Burger Pie?

Pizza Burger Pie pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.

Is Pizza Burger Pie Suitable for Kids?

Absolutely! Kids will love the combination of flavors and the fun presentation of Pizza Burger Pie.

Conclusion

Pizza Burger Pie is a delightful and innovative dish that brings together the best elements of pizza and burgers into one satisfying meal. With its flavorful beef crust and delicious toppings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Pizza Burger Pie is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to make the ultimate Pizza Burger Pie. Your taste buds will thank you!

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