Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake – The Best of Both Worlds

Craving the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and a slice of pizza all in one dish? This hearty, cheesy, oven-baked casserole brings those two favorites together in a satisfying, lighter version that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence—without going overboard.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Comfort Foods in One: Combines everything you love about burgers and pizza.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Great for picky eaters and easy to portion.
Satisfying Yet Balanced: Uses lean meat and lighter cheese while still delivering rich flavor.
Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for lunches or quick weeknight leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (low-sugar or no added sugar)
• 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup turkey pepperoni slices (optional)
• 3 low-carb or whole grain sandwich thins or light buns, torn into pieces
• Cooking spray
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Meat

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet over medium heat, spray with cooking spray and sauté diced onion until soft.
• Add ground turkey or beef, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
• Stir in pizza sauce and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Casserole

• Lightly coat a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Spread torn sandwich thins/bun pieces on the bottom.
• Layer meat mixture evenly on top.
• Sprinkle both cheeses over the meat. Add pepperoni slices, if using.

Bake

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 280 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g

Tips for Success

• Choose Lean Meat: Helps cut down fat while keeping protein high.
• Use Sandwich Thins: A lighter base that mimics pizza crust without the extra calories.
• Customize the Toppings: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to suit your taste.
• Double the Batch: Freeze one for later—just reheat in the oven for a quick meal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Bold Flavor, Balanced Nutrition: Classic pizza and burger taste with better-for-you ingredients.
• Comfort Food Made Smarter: You won’t miss the fast food when this hits your table.
• Layered for Satisfaction: The soft bread base, saucy meat layer, and melty cheese create the perfect bite.

The Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake is everything you want in a comfort meal—cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor—while still fitting into a more mindful eating plan. Serve it with a side salad or roasted veggies and dig into this crave-worthy classic remix.