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This burger-inspired pizza transforms two comfort food favorites into one extraordinary meal. My friends still talk about the first time I served this at our game night last season, and it's become our tradition for every major sporting event since.
I created this recipe when my kids couldn't decide between burgers or pizza for their birthday party. This compromise became an instant hit that both adults and children devour every time I make it.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: High fat content 80/20 creates the juiciest results
- Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding richness
- Breadcrumbs: Optional but they help absorb excess moisture for perfect texture
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish
- Black pepper: Adds that classic burger bite
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth without raw garlic texture
- Onion powder: Provides sweet aromatic notes without actual onion chunks
How To Make Ultimate Double Cheeseburger Pizza Stack
- Prepare The Meat Base:
- Combine ground beef with eggs, breadcrumbs if using, and all seasonings in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix thoroughly but gently; avoid overworking the meat which can make it tough. Press the mixture into a large pizza pan or baking sheet, creating an even layer about half an inch thick to form your meat crust.
- Create The Edge:
- Form a slight rim around the edges of your meat mixture, similar to a pizza crust. This contains all the toppings and gives the authentic pizza appearance while maintaining the burger essence.
- Prebake The Meat Crust:
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until the meat is mostly cooked through but not completely done. Carefully drain excess fat from the pan; this prevents a soggy result.
- Add First Cheese Layer:
- Cover the entire meat crust with a generous layer of cheese. I recommend a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect balance of flavor and melt quality.
- Add Burger Toppings:
- Arrange classic burger toppings like cooked bacon bits, sliced pickles, diced onions, and tomatoes across the cheese layer. This is where you can customize based on your favorite burger build.
- Final Cheese Crown:
- Add another complete layer of cheese on top, covering all the toppings. This creates that irresistible cheese pull when serving.
- Finish Baking:
- Return to the oven for 7 to 10 minutes until cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots in places.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes for cleaner slices.
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The secret to this recipe's success is balancing the seasoning in the meat base. My father was a butcher and always insisted that proper seasoning directly in the meat mixture creates layers of flavor you can't get from just sprinkling on top.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the entire dish up to the prebaking stage and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply follow the baking instructions, adding about 5 minutes to the initial baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients. This makes it perfect for planning ahead for parties.
Feeding A Crowd
For larger gatherings, double the recipe and prepare in two separate pans rather than one larger one. This ensures even cooking and makes serving easier. You can also cut into smaller squares rather than traditional pizza slices for appetizer portions that work well at buffet-style events.
Healthier Adaptations
For a lighter version, use 90/10 lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey. Add extra vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture, which adds moisture, nutrition, and stretches the meat further. Consider using reduced-fat cheese on top, but I recommend keeping full-fat cheese for the middle layer to maintain the proper melt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with traditional burger condiments on the side like ketchup, mustard, and special sauce for dipping. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast to the richness of the pizza stack. For an authentic experience, serve on paper plates with checkered napkins just like at a burger joint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best way to prepare the ground beef layers?
The ground beef should be seasoned with salt, garlic and onion powders, and pepper, then combined with lightly beaten eggs and optional breadcrumbs to bind the mixture together before shaping into layers.
- → Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes, breadcrumbs are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a gluten-free or lighter version of the dish.
- → How do I achieve the perfect cheesy texture?
Use high-quality cheese that melts well, and layer generously between the beef stacks. Baking it at the right temperature ensures gooey, evenly melted cheese every time.
- → What garnishes pair well with this dish?
Top with fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even a drizzle of your favorite sauce to add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance, refrigerate them, and assemble just before baking for a convenient yet fresh meal.