Cheeseburger Pizza: The Ultimate Mashup of Two Comfort Food Classics

What happens when you take two of the most beloved comfort foods—juicy cheeseburgers and cheesy pizza—and combine them into one dish? You get cheeseburger pizza, a crave-worthy recipe that’s indulgent, satisfying, and downright fun. Imagine a golden pizza crust topped with seasoned beef, melted cheese, pickles, onions, and a drizzle of burger sauce—it’s everything you love about a cheeseburger, but in pizza form.

My first bite of cheeseburger pizza was at a neighborhood pizzeria that specialized in quirky creations. At first, I wasn’t sure if the idea would work—but one slice later, I was hooked. Since then, it has become a family favorite in my own kitchen, especially on game nights and weekends when everyone wants something playful yet hearty.

If you love the idea of a cheeseburger but crave the convenience of pizza, this recipe is going to be a hit in your home.

What Is Cheeseburger Pizza?

Cheeseburger pizza is exactly what it sounds like—a pizza topped with classic cheeseburger ingredients. Instead of tomato sauce, the base is often ketchup, mustard, or a special “burger sauce.” Ground beef replaces traditional pizza toppings like pepperoni, and you’ll often find toppings such as:

• Cheddar or American cheese (instead of mozzarella-only).

• Pickles for tang.

• Onions for bite.

• Fresh lettuce and tomato added after baking for crunch.

It’s a recipe that bridges the gap between two iconic comfort foods while leaving plenty of room for creativity.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe

• The best of both worlds – All the flavors of a cheeseburger in pizza form.

• Customizable – Add bacon, jalapeños, or your favorite burger toppings.

• Kid-friendly and party-ready – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Easy to make – Ready in under 40 minutes with pre-made dough.

• Fun and unique – A playful twist for pizza night.

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Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pizza

For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought):

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Beef Topping:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon mustard

For the Pizza Assembly:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and American cheese)

• ½ cup dill pickles, sliced

• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 medium tomato, diced (optional, added after baking)

• 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional, added after baking)

For the Burger Sauce Drizzle:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• 1 teaspoon pickle juice

• ½ teaspoon paprika

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).

2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.

4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

(Shortcut: Use store-bought pizza dough to save time.)

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Topping

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Burger Sauce

1. Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and paprika together in a small bowl.

2. Chill until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

2. Roll dough into a 12–14 inch circle on a floured surface.

3. Transfer to parchment paper.

4. Spread a thin layer of burger sauce (or ketchup/mustard) on the crust.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly.

6. Add ground beef mixture, onions, and pickles.

7. Bake for 12–14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove from oven. Add fresh lettuce and tomato if desired.

2. Drizzle with burger sauce.

3. Slice and serve hot.

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Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger pizza is a full meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with:

• Fries or potato wedges – Because what’s a burger without fries?

• Coleslaw – A crunchy, refreshing side.

• Pickles on the side – For extra tang.

• Milkshakes or sodas – Keep the burger-joint vibe alive.

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Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pizza

• Don’t skip the sauce drizzle – It ties everything together.

• Use a mix of cheeses – Cheddar brings that burger flavor, mozzarella gives gooey stretch.

• Add toppings after baking – Lettuce and tomato should go on fresh for crunch.

• Keep beef juicy – Don’t overcook before baking; it’ll cook slightly more in the oven.

• Crisp the crust – A preheated stone or pan makes the base restaurant-quality.

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Variations of Cheeseburger Pizza

The fun of cheeseburger pizza is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations:

• Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza – Add crispy bacon pieces before baking.

• Double Cheeseburger Pizza – Extra beef and double cheese for indulgence.

• BBQ Cheeseburger Pizza – Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce.

• Spicy Cheeseburger Pizza – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.

• Veggie Cheeseburger Pizza – Use a plant-based ground “beef” alternative.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer – Freeze slices on a tray, then wrap individually for up to 2 months.

• Reheating – Warm in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crisp.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked beef patties instead of ground beef?
Yes. Chop them up and use them as a topping.

Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Absolutely. Store-bought dough works well and saves time.

Do I need a pizza stone?
No, but it helps create a crispier crust. A baking sheet works fine.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is essential for the burger flavor, but mixing in mozzarella adds the melty texture.

Is this pizza kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the familiar flavors of cheeseburgers on pizza.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice, 8 slices total)

• Calories: 340

• Protein: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fat: 16g

• Fiber: 2g

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Conclusion

Cheeseburger pizza is the ultimate fusion dish, combining the juicy, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the cheesy, crispy satisfaction of pizza. Whether you keep it simple with beef and cheddar or go all-out with bacon, jalapeños, and extra sauce, this recipe is endlessly adaptable and always delicious.

It’s perfect for pizza night, game day, or any time you want to wow your family with a fun and hearty meal. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t put burgers on pizza sooner.

So fire up your oven, gather your toppings, and dig into this delicious mashup of two comfort food legends—cheeseburger pizza is about to become a household favorite.

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