Description
Cheeseburger Pizza with Bacon
The ultimate mashup of your favorite burger flavors in pizza form—cheesy, meaty, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Base
1 pre-made pizza dough or crust
1/2 cup pizza sauce or ketchup-based sauce
For the Toppings
1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese as the base layer. Add the cooked ground beef, place cheddar cheese slices over it, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
Bake:
Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Serve:
Let the pizza cool slightly, then slice and serve warm for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Enjoy:
Relish the cheesy, meaty goodness with every bite!
Let me know if you’d like to tweak anything!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat & Prep: Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). This ensures a crispy crust.
2. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Break it into small crumbles. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll your pre-made dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
4. Layer the Base: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Immediately sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. This “glues” the toppings.
5. Add Toppings: Distribute the cooked beef evenly. Place the cheddar cheese slices across the pizza. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over everything.
6. Bake to Perfection: Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment) onto the hot stone or sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edge is golden.
7. Rest & Slice: Remove from oven and let the pizza cool on a rack for 3-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pizza with classic burger accompaniments. A side of crisp dill pickle spears, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a small bowl of ketchup and mustard for dipping are perfect. For a fun twist, drizzle the baked pizza with a little burger sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, and relish) before serving.
How-to Summary
Create a Cheeseburger Pizza by preheating your oven to 450°F. Cook seasoned ground beef. Assemble the pizza by layering sauce, shredded cheese, beef, cheese slices, and bacon on a dough base. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool briefly before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. While cheddar is classic, American cheese slices or a Monterey Jack blend would work well for authentic burger flavor.
How can I prevent a soggy crust? Ensure your cooked beef is well-drained of grease. Also, putting a layer of cheese directly on the sauce creates a barrier that protects the dough.
Can I add burger toppings like lettuce and tomato? Yes, but add them after baking. Top warm slices with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and even a few thin onion slices for freshness and crunch.
Can I make this with a cauliflower or gluten-free crust? Yes. Follow the same assembly instructions, but baking time may vary slightly depending on your specific crust’s instructions.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispness; the microwave will make the crust soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overloading the pizza with wet toppings, which leads to a soggy base. Do not skip draining the fat from the cooked beef. Ensure your oven is fully preheated with the baking surface inside for the best crust lift. Letting the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking prevents burning your mouth and allows the cheese to set for neater slices.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Pizza with Bacon successfully captures the irresistible taste of a classic burger in a fun, shareable format. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that combines simplicity with indulgent flavor. Perfect for game nights or family dinners, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation. Enjoy the delicious fusion of two all-time favorites!