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### **Ingredients for Mozzarella Pizza Burger Pie**
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather all the ingredients needed for this delicious dish. Below is a comprehensive list of ingredients for a traditional Mozzarella Pizza Burger Pie, including suggestions for substitutions and variations.
#### **For the Crust:**
– **Pie Crust (1 package or homemade)**: The crust serves as the foundation for the pie, providing a buttery, flaky texture that complements the filling.
– **Olive Oil (1 tbsp)**: Used to brush the crust before baking to ensure it gets golden brown and crispy.
– **Cornstarch (1 tsp, optional)**: This can be used to help prevent the crust from getting soggy if using a pre-baked crust.
#### **For the Burger Filling:**
– **Ground Beef (1 lb)**: The classic choice for a burger filling. Ground beef provides a juicy and flavorful base for the pie. You can also substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.
– **Onion (½ medium-sized, finely chopped)**: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
– **Garlic (2 cloves, minced)**: Enhances the overall flavor with a savory kick.
– **Tomato Paste (2 tbsp)**: Adds a rich and concentrated tomato flavor, making the pie even more pizza-like.
– **Pizza Sauce (1 cup)**: A key ingredient to bring the pizza flavor into the dish. You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own.
– **Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded)**: The star cheese of the dish. Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that perfect cheesy gooeyness.
– **Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded)**: Adds a sharp contrast to the mild mozzarella and gives the pie an extra cheesy layer.
– **Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)**: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the dish a classic pizza flavor.
– **Salt and Pepper (to taste)**: For seasoning the beef filling.
– **Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp, optional)**: A dash of this sauce can elevate the flavor profile, adding a deep umami note to the filling.
#### **For the Toppings:**
– **Fresh Basil (for garnish, optional)**: Adds a fresh and aromatic finish that complements the pizza and burger flavors.
– **Pepperoni Slices (optional)**: For a classic pizza topping twist, pepperoni slices can be added on top of the cheese before baking.
– **Olives (optional)**: Black or green olives can add a briny, savory element to the pie.
– **Parmesan Cheese (for garnish, optional)**: A sprinkle of grated parmesan can add a salty, nutty finish to the pie.
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### **Step-by-Step Recipe for Mozzarella Pizza Burger Pie**
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the Mozzarella Pizza Burger Pie. This recipe is easy to follow, and with a bit of preparation, you’ll have a delicious and hearty meal in no time.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust**
If you’re using a pre-made pie crust, simply unroll it and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. If you’re making your own pie crust, roll it out on a floured surface until it’s large enough to fit the pie dish. Once the crust is in place, use a fork to poke a few holes in the bottom of the crust. This will help prevent the crust from puffing up too much during baking.
Brush the crust lightly with olive oil to give it a golden, crispy finish once baked. If you’re worried about the crust getting soggy, you can sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch over the bottom to absorb excess moisture from the filling.
Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling to keep it firm.
#### **Step 2: Cook the Burger Filling**
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef (or your choice of meat) to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. If there’s any excess fat in the pan, drain it off before proceeding.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to allow the paste to caramelize slightly, enhancing its flavor. Then, add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, letting the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes so the flavors can meld. Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes before adding the cheese.
#### **Step 3: Assemble the Pie**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Take the pie crust from the refrigerator and pour the beef mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese over the meat filling, covering it generously.
If you’re adding pepperoni, olives, or other toppings, now is the time to scatter them on top of the cheese. These toppings will melt into the pie as it bakes, creating a delicious combination of flavors.
#### **Step 4: Bake the Pie**
Place the assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pie toward the end of the cooking time to ensure the crust doesn’t get too dark.
Once the pie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set and make it easier to cut clean slices.
#### **Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
Before serving, garnish the Mozzarella Pizza Burger Pie with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if desired. The fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor, while the parmesan gives it that extra cheesy touch.
Serve the pie with a side salad, garlic bread, or even a bowl of extra pizza sauce for dipping. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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### **Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Pizza Burger Pie**
1. **Use Lean Ground Beef**: To avoid excess grease in your pie, use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher). If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken also works well in this recipe.
2. **Customize the Toppings**: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a unique twist. If you love extra cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or sprinkle some provolone for a richer flavor.
3. **Use a Thick Pizza Sauce**: A thicker pizza sauce will prevent the pie from becoming too watery. You can also make your own homemade pizza sauce for even better flavor.
4. **Chill the Pie Crust**: Chilling the pie crust before adding the filling helps keep it firm and prevents it from becoming soggy during baking.
5. **Let the Pie Rest**: After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. This will allow the filling to set, making it easier to slice.
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