If you love the classic flavors of a cheeseburger but are looking to jazz up your dinner routine, this Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine all the juicy, cheesy goodness of a burger melted on a crispy, golden pizza crust with zesty sauce and those little bursts of smoky bacon and fresh veggies. It’s comfort food with a fun, unexpected twist that’s perfect for family dinners, casual parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something irresistibly delicious. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite in any pizza or burger lover’s rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. Each component is simple but essential because they come together to create that perfect balance of juicy meat, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and a crust that holds all the flavors beautifully.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza; soft with a slight chew and crisp edges.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and mimics the classic burger bun look.
- Lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that’s bursting with flavor once seasoned.
- McCormick Grill Mates Hamburger seasoning: This seasoning mix takes the beef from plain to seasoned perfection.
- Cooked chopped bacon: Adds crunchy, smoky bursts that elevate every bite.
- Chopped onion: Gives a sharp, sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cheese and sauce.
- Chopped roma tomato: Brings freshness and juiciness that brightens the overall flavor.
- Shredded colby jack cheese: Melts beautifully with a creamy, mild taste that complements the beef.
- Ketchup: Adds tang and sweetness to the sauce base.
- Yellow mustard: Offers a subtle bite that makes the sauce taste just like a classic burger condiment.
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory, umami flavors in the sauce.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking the pizza crust to golden, crispy perfection. Spray a 12-inch pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray so your pizza releases easily after baking—this little step makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Shape and Season the Dough
Press your 1-lb ball of pizza dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a uniform base for all those toppings. Sprinkle sesame seeds around the edge of the dough to mimic the look and hint of a classic burger bun—this tiny touch adds a fun twist and some extra flavor too.
Step 3: Mix and Spread the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and combined. This sauce is the heart of the cheeseburger flavor in pizza form, so spread it evenly over the crust to create a tangy, savory bed for your toppings.
Step 4: Cook and Season the Beef
Cook the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, then drain any excess grease. Sprinkle in the McCormick Grill Mates Hamburger seasoning and stir well to evenly coat the beef with that rich, robust flavor you expect from a good burger.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Toppings
Now the fun part: layering on the shredded colby jack cheese, seasoned ground beef, chopped cooked bacon, diced onion, and chopped roma tomatoes. Spread everything evenly so every bite delivers a perfect balance of cheesy, meaty, smoky, and fresh flavors.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pop your loaded pizza into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden cheese topping and a crust that’s cooked through and crisp on the edges. When you see that, your cheeseburger pizza is ready to wow.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the pizza for a pop of color and a subtle herbal note. Adding sliced pickles on top or on the side can also bring that tangy crunch that burger lovers adore.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs delightfully with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries or a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For an extra treat, serve with a cold glass of soda or iced tea for an authentic burger meal vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual slices with mini burger flags or toothpicks topped with cherry tomatoes and olives. You can also cut the pizza into bite-sized squares and serve as party appetizers, perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors fresh and ready for a quick snack or second meal.
Freezing
If you want to save your pizza for longer, freeze it by wrapping individual slices in freezer-safe wrap and storing them in a zippered freezer bag. This method works well for up to 2 months and keeps all the cheeseburger goodness intact.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm at 375ºF for about 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that freshly-baked texture and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While colby jack cheese melts beautifully and has a perfect mild flavor for this recipe, feel free to substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites to suit your taste.
Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free dough available at most grocery stores. The toppings and sauce remain the same, so you won’t miss a beat on flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. This actually gives the flavors even more time to meld.
What’s the best way to get crispy bacon for this pizza?
Cooking bacon in the oven on a rack lined with foil ensures even crispiness without excess grease. Once cooled, chop it before sprinkling on your pizza for the perfect crunch.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, the recipe scales up nicely. Just prepare two pizza dough balls and double all the toppings. You can even bake them simultaneously if your oven fits two pans!
Final Thoughts
Trying this Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe is like getting the best of two beloved comfort foods all in one bite, and it’s surprisingly simple to make with straightforward ingredients. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe brings a delicious sense of fun and warmth to the table. Give it a go and watch how fast it disappears – it may just become your new go-to dinner!
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Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Pizza combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a crispy, golden pizza crust. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, colby jack cheese, and a tangy ketchup-mustard sauce, it’s a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza perfect for a quick dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 lb ball pizza dough
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp McCormick Grill Mates Hamburger seasoning
- 6 slices cooked chopped bacon
- â…“ cup chopped onion
- 1 roma tomato, chopped
- 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese
Sauce
Toppings
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF and spray a 12-inch pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Press the pizza dough evenly into the prepared pan, making sure to cover the bottom and shape a slight edge. Sprinkle sesame seeds around the edge of the dough for a classic bun look.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Spread this sauce evenly over the pizza dough base, creating the foundation of your cheeseburger flavor.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the hamburger seasoning to evenly coat the meat. Remove from heat promptly.
- Assemble Pizza: Sprinkle shredded colby jack cheese evenly over the sauced dough. Top with the seasoned ground beef, crumbled cooked bacon, chopped onion, and diced tomatoes to represent classic cheeseburger toppings.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, prebake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease during cooking.
- Feel free to substitute colby jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Adding pickles or sliced jalapeños as toppings can give an extra kick.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to help the toppings set and make slicing easier.
