Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe

If you’ve ever waffled between ordering a cheeseburger or indulging in fresh pizza, Cheeseburger Pizza is the answer you never knew you needed. Imagine the punchy flavor of a backyard burger melded with gooey cheese and a crisp pizza crust — all delivered in a single, irresistible slice. This recipe takes your favorite cheeseburger fixings and transforms them into a playful, crowd-pleasing pie that’s equal parts comforting, creative, and crave-worthy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheeseburger Pizza is that the ingredients are simple yet each plays a starring role. From the tang of ketchup and mustard to the crunch of pickles, every building block here brings something special to the table, layering flavors and textures just like your dream burger.

• Pizza dough: Go for a fresh ball (about 12 oz) for the chewiest, most delicious base — store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
• Ground beef: Use 1/2 pound for hearty, savory bites that truly give this pizza its burger essence.
• Salt: Just 1/2 teaspoon brings out the flavor in the beef and balances every topping.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and a little complexity to your ground beef.
• Garlic powder: A hint deepens the overall flavor without overpowering the classic burger vibe.
• Ketchup: Acts as your tomato-inspired pizza sauce, providing sweetness and tang.
• Yellow mustard: Jazzes up the sauce with sharpness — don’t skip this for true cheeseburger authenticity!
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The classic orange melt, giving you that unmistakable cheeseburger taste in each bite.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For ultra-melty, stretchy goodness that makes the pizza quintessentially pizza.
• Red onion (diced): Adds zippy flavor and a little crunch, reminiscent of a great burger topping.
• Dill pickle slices: Pops of briny, cool pickle take this pizza straight over the top (trust me!).
• Tomatoes (diced): Fresh, juicy bites bring brightness after baking.
• Shredded lettuce (optional): Scatter on for a playful, fresh finish right before serving.
• Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled on the crust, they mimic the look and nuttiness of a classic burger bun.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pizza

Step 1: Prep the Oven and the Dough

Let’s kick things off by getting your oven piping hot at 475°F (245°C). If you’ve got a pizza stone, slide it in while preheating for an extra-crispy bottom. On a floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a rough 12-inch circle, then move it to a baking sheet or pizza peel lined with parchment. For a whimsical burger bun effect, lightly brush the dough’s outer edge with water and scatter over sesame seeds, pressing them in gently.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

While your oven heats, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir frequently to break it up as it cooks, and keep going until it’s lost all its pink and the kitchen smells like dinnertime heaven. Drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside — this step infuses the meat with rich flavor and ensures it won’t make your pizza soggy.

Step 3: Make the Cheeseburger Pizza Sauce

Here’s where Cheeseburger Pizza gets its signature personality: stir together the ketchup and yellow mustard in a small bowl. This snappy, tangy sauce truly captures that classic burger flavor and doubles as the perfect pizza base. When your dough is ready, spread the sauce evenly right up to the edge of the crust border.

Step 4: Layer on the Toppings

Sprinkle half of both cheeses over the sauced dough, creating a melty landing pad for your toppings. Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef across the pie, then sprinkle on the diced red onion. Blanket the top with the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella, making sure you get plenty of cheese all the way to the edges for ultimate gooey pull.

Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbling Perfection

Place your pizza in the preheated oven (or onto the stone, if using) and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for a deeply golden crust and bubbling, molten cheese. Once the aroma becomes impossible to resist, you’ll know you’re almost there!

Step 6: Finish and Top with Freshness

Pull your gorgeous Cheeseburger Pizza from the oven and immediately scatter diced tomatoes and pickle slices over the top. If you’re in the mood for something extra, a handful of shredded lettuce right before serving adds a refreshing, burger-like crunch. Slice it up and serve piping hot for the best experience.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pizza

Garnishes

Fresh toppings make all the difference! Toss on more dill pickles, extra diced onions, or a couple of tomato slices right before serving for eye-catching color and a punch of flavor. A drizzle of burger sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds finishes everything with a flourish.

Side Dishes

Cheeseburger Pizza is ultra-satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crisp oven fries or a tangy, vinegary coleslaw makes for an irresistible, diner-inspired meal. If you want something a bit lighter, a classic green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is always a win.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn pizza night into a fun, build-your-own party! Slice up the Cheeseburger Pizza, then set out little bowls of extra toppings (think pickles, shredded lettuce, hot peppers, and sauces) so everyone can customize their own piece. Or bake the pizza in smaller, individual rounds for burger-pizza sliders — ideal for game days or family celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store slices in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors often develop even further overnight. For best texture, separate slices with a piece of parchment or wax paper so the crust doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

Cheeseburger Pizza freezes beautifully. Simply let the baked pizza cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, making for a fast, flavor-packed meal anytime a craving hits. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to restore that fresh-baked taste is to reheat Cheeseburger Pizza in a preheated 375°F oven or toaster oven for about 8–10 minutes. The crust gets crisp and the cheese remelts perfectly. Avoid the microwave if you can — although speedy, it tends to make the crust chewy and the toppings less lively.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pizza crust instead of fresh dough?

Absolutely! While fresh pizza dough gives the best chew and crispness, using a pre-cooked crust cuts down on prep time. Just assemble your Cheeseburger Pizza and bake at a slightly lower temperature until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

What other cheeses work well for this recipe?

Feel free to mix things up according to your taste! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little Swiss can all be delicious alongside cheddar and mozzarella. The key is choosing cheeses that melt well and complement the burger flavors.

How can I make it a bacon cheeseburger pizza?

For a bacon cheeseburger twist, simply sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on the pizza before baking. You can also add a few bacon bits after baking for even more crunch and flavor.

Is this Cheeseburger Pizza spicy?

As written, the pizza isn’t spicy — it tastes just like a classic cheeseburger. If you’d like some heat, add sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce to the beef, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper before baking.

Can I prepare any parts ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef and mix the ketchup-mustard sauce a day in advance. Store each separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake your Cheeseburger Pizza whenever you’re ready for fresh, melty goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you love burgers and pizza as much as I do, Cheeseburger Pizza is pure dinnertime fun that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re gathering with friends, feeding hungry kids, or simply treating yourself, this recipe has a way of turning pizza night into something a little unexpected (and a lot more delicious). Give it a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!

Print