Description: Prepare yourself for the ultimate indulgence! This Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and the comforting appeal of a classic pizza. Imagine two layers of meaty “crusts” stacked high with burger toppings, melted cheese, savory sauces, and a final flourish of pepperoni. This over-the-top creation is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter. Get ready for a culinary adventure that’s as fun to make as it is to devour!
Ingredients:
For the “Crusts”:
- 4 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and moisture)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a firmer base; use panko for extra crispiness)
For the “Burger” Layers:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend), cooked and crumbled (season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder while cooking)
- 1 cup chopped onion, sautéed until softened and lightly caramelized
- Optional: 1 cup sliced pickles (dill or sweet, your preference), 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine), 1 cup diced tomatoes (remove seeds for less moisture)
For the “Cheese” Layers:
- 16-24 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite burger cheese; consider a mix of sharp and mild cheddar)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim for best melting)
For the “Sauce” Layers:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (full-fat for richness)
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish (optional, for a touch of sweetness and tang)
For the “Pizza” Topping:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce (choose a flavorful, high-quality sauce)
- 8-12 oz pepperoni slices (regular or turkey pepperoni, your preference)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the “Crusts”: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the 4 lbs of ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and lightly beaten eggs. If you’re using breadcrumbs, add them now. The breadcrumbs will help bind the mixture and create a slightly firmer “crust.” Mix everything together with your hands or a large spoon until well combined, but don’t overmix.
Step 3: Divide the meat mixture in half. Take each half and press it evenly into the bottom of two large, greased pizza pans or baking sheets. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. The “crusts” should be thick enough to hold their shape and support the layers of toppings.
Step 4: Bake the “Crusts”: Place the pizza pans or baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Drain the “Crusts”: Carefully remove the “crusts” from the oven. Using a spoon or a turkey baster, drain any excess grease from both “crusts.” This is crucial to prevent the pizza from becoming too greasy.
Assemble the First “Burger Pizza”:
Spread half of the cooked and crumbled ground beef evenly over one of the baked meat “crusts.” Ensure the beef is evenly distributed to provide a solid base for the remaining toppings.
Sprinkle half of the sautéed onions over the beef. The sautéed onions add a sweet and savory flavor that complements the beef.
If desired, add half of the sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. These fresh toppings add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the other ingredients.
Arrange half of the cheddar cheese slices evenly over the “burger” layer. Make sure the cheese slices cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure a cheesy and gooey layer.
Spread half of the ketchup-mustard-mayonnaise-relish mixture evenly over the cheese. This sauce combination creates a classic burger flavor that ties all the elements together.
Top with half of the pizza sauce or marinara sauce. The pizza sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet component that complements the burger flavors.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce. The mozzarella cheese will melt and create a stringy and delicious topping.
Arrange half of the pepperoni slices on top. The pepperoni adds a spicy and savory kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Assemble the Second “Burger Pizza”:
Repeat the layering process from the “Assemble the First ‘Burger Pizza'” section on the second baked meat “crust.”
Stack the Pizzas:
Carefully place one assembled “burger pizza” on top of the other. This is where the “Giant Double” aspect comes into play. Be gentle when stacking the pizzas to avoid any toppings from spilling or sliding off.
Bake the Stacked Pizza:
Return the stacked pizza to the oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the entire creation is heated through. The internal temperature of the bottom “crust” should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s thoroughly heated.
Serve:
Let the giant double cheeseburger pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will be a very substantial and messy dish! Use a large, sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the pizza into manageable portions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza is a guaranteed hit for several reasons:
- It’s a Novelty: The sheer size and concept of a double-layered cheeseburger pizza are incredibly appealing and fun. It’s a dish that will instantly grab attention and spark conversation.
- It Combines Two Classics: Who doesn’t love pizza and cheeseburgers? This recipe cleverly merges these two beloved comfort foods into one epic creation.
- It’s Customizable: The recipe is highly adaptable to your personal preferences. You can easily swap out the cheeses, sauces, and toppings to create your own unique version.
- It’s Perfect for Sharing: This Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza is designed to be shared with friends and family. It’s ideal for parties, game nights, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a truly unforgettable dish.
- It’s Incredibly Satisfying: The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, flavorful sauces, and pizza toppings creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with your favorite burger sides, such as french fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo.
- Pair with a crisp and refreshing beverage, such as iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite beer.
- For a complete meal, serve with a side salad to balance out the richness of the pizza.
Tips:
- Crust Thickness: Adjust the amount of ground beef for thinner or thicker “crusts.” For a thinner crust, use 3 lbs of ground beef instead of 4. For a thicker crust, use 5 lbs.
- Burger Toppings: Customize the burger layers with your favorite burger toppings. Consider adding bacon, mushrooms, avocado, or jalapeños.
- Cheese: Feel free to use other burger cheeses like provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
- Sauce: Adjust the ratios of the burger sauce ingredients to your preference or use your favorite burger sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Pizza Toppings: You can add other pizza toppings along with the pepperoni on the top layer. Consider adding mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or olives.
- Presentation: This is an extreme dish best suited for sharing! Serve it on a large platter or pizza board and let everyone dig in.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per slice – assuming 12 slices)
- Calories: 600-800
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg
Conclusion:
The Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza is a culinary creation that’s sure to impress. It’s a fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. While it’s undoubtedly an indulgence, it’s also a celebration of two classic comfort foods. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a pizza-burger adventure like no other! Enjoy your incredibly indulgent Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While you can prepare some components ahead of time, such as cooking and crumbling the burger meat or sautéing the onions, it’s best to assemble and bake the pizza shortly before serving. The crusts can be baked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assembling too far in advance can lead to a soggy crust.
- Can I use a different type of ground beef? Yes, you can use different types of ground beef. A blend of 80/20 (lean to fat) is recommended for optimal flavor and moisture. You can also use ground chuck, ground sirloin, or even ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Keep in mind that leaner ground meat may result in a drier crust, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil to the meat mixture.
- Can I freeze the Giant Double Cheeseburger Pizza? Freezing this pizza is not recommended, as the texture of the meat crust and toppings can change significantly after thawing. The lettuce and tomatoes will become watery, and the cheese may lose its smooth consistency. It’s best to enjoy this pizza fresh.
- How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy? There are several ways to prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy. First, make sure to drain any excess grease from the baked meat crusts thoroughly. Second, consider using breadcrumbs in the meat mixture to help absorb moisture. Third, avoid using too many wet toppings, such as diced tomatoes with seeds.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can create a vegetarian version of this recipe by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also add vegetarian burger toppings, such as grilled vegetables, black beans, or corn. Be sure to use a vegetarian-friendly cheese and sauce.
