Description
“Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza
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Ingredients
1 pre-made pizza crust
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
200g ground beef
4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Assemble the Pizza:
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
Top with the cooked ground beef and crumbled bacon.
Bake the Pizza:
Place the pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pizza for a pop of color and flavor. Slice and serve hot!
Enjoy this indulgent pizza that combines the best of cheeseburgers and crispy bacon!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed process. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. While it heats, cook 200g of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain all excess fat thoroughly and set aside. On a piece of parchment paper, place your pre-made crust. Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce, leaving a small border. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella, then 1/2 cup of cheddar. Distribute the cooked beef and 4 slices of crumbled crispy bacon. Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment) to the hot stone or sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly with slight browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pizza hot, sliced into wedges. For a true burger experience, offer small bowls of classic toppings like shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and thinly sliced red onion for guests to add after baking. A side of ketchup, mustard, or special burger sauce for dipping is highly recommended. Pair with a crisp garden salad or crispy potato wedges to balance the richness.
How-to Summary
To make Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza: 1) Cook seasoned ground beef and drain. 2) Preheat oven to 425°F. 3) On a crust, layer sauce, cheeses, beef, and bacon. 4) Bake for 12-15 minutes. 5) Garnish with parsley and optional fresh toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While mozzarella provides meltiness and cheddar adds sharpness, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bold twist.
How can I prevent a soggy crust?
The key is draining the cooked beef extremely well and avoiding overly wet pizza sauce. Preheating your baking surface also helps crisp the crust from the bottom immediately.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
You can pre-cook the beef and bacon and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the pizza just before baking for the best texture.
What’s the best way to crumble bacon?
Cook the bacon slices until very crispy, then let them cool slightly on a paper towel. They will easily crumble when chopped or broken by hand.
Can I use pre-cooked beef like in a real burger?
For a more authentic “burger” texture, you can form the seasoned ground beef into a thin patty, cook it, then chop it into small pieces after it rests, instead of crumble-cooking it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the cooked beef: This is the top cause of a soggy pizza. Take time to remove all grease.
- Overloading the pizza: Too many toppings will weigh down the crust and prevent even cooking.
- Using cold toppings: Let cooked beef and bacon cool slightly so they don’t start melting the cheese prematurely.
- Skipping the preheat: A fully preheated oven and baking surface are crucial for a crisp base.
- Adding fresh lettuce or tomato before baking: These will wilt and become watery. Always add them after the pizza comes out of the oven.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza masterfully combines two beloved classics into a crowd-pleasing meal. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and embracing the serving suggestions, you can create a fun, flavorful, and indulgent dish perfect for game nights or family dinners. The customizable nature of the toppings means everyone can build their perfect slice. Enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors!