Bacon Cheeseburger Pan Pizza

Bacon Cheeseburger Pan Pizza gives you the flavor of a juicy diner burger with the crispy edges of a homemade pan pizza. It uses simple dough, ground beef, bacon, cheddar, pickles, and burger sauce, so it feels fun without feeling fussy.

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This is honest comfort food. It is rich, cheesy, salty, and tangy. It fits Cooking with Fabian because it turns everyday budget ingredients into a big family meal that tastes like takeout, but costs much less when you make it at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Crispy pan crust: The oiled pan gives the bottom and edges a crunchy, golden bite.
• Big burger flavor: Seasoned beef, bacon, cheddar, pickles, and sauce taste like a cheeseburger in pizza form.
• Easy to build: Press the dough, spread the sauce, add toppings, and bake.
• Great for sharing: One pan serves 4 generous portions and works well for a casual dinner.

Fabian’s Budget Tip: Use 12 ounces of ground beef instead of a full pound. The bacon, cheddar, and sauce add plenty of flavor, so you still get a hearty pizza while stretching the meat further. If cheddar blocks are cheaper than shredded cheese, grate your own for better melt and better value.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pizza

• 1 pound pizza dough, 450 g
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, 15 ml
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal, 9 g, optional for extra crunch
• 12 ounces ground beef, 340 g
• 6 slices bacon, about 170 g, cooked crisp and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 170 g
• 1/2 cup dill pickle chips, 75 g

For the Beef Seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 3 g
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 g
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 2 g
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 g

For the Burger Sauce

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 75 g
• 3 tablespoons ketchup, 45 g
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 15 g
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice, 15 ml
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 g

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Place a rack in the lower third of the oven. Heat the oven to 475°F, 245°C. Coat a 13 by 9-inch metal pan or a 12-inch cast iron skillet with olive oil. Sprinkle the cornmeal over the oil if using it.

The pan should look shiny, not flooded. That thin layer of oil helps the dough fry slightly as it bakes, which gives the crust its crisp edge.

2. Press the Dough

Place the dough in the pan. Press it outward with your fingertips until it starts to reach the corners or edges. If it springs back, let it rest for 10 minutes, then press again.

You want small dimples across the surface. Those little pockets catch sauce and cheese, and they help the crust bake up tender inside with crisp edges.

3. Cook and Season the Beef

Set a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles. Sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Cook until the beef loses its pink color and the edges begin to brown. You should hear a steady sizzle and smell a deep burger-style aroma. Drain excess fat so the pizza does not turn greasy.

4. Mix the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and smoked paprika. The sauce should taste creamy, tangy, lightly sweet, and a little smoky.

If your pickles are very sharp, start with 2 teaspoons of pickle juice, then add more to taste.

5. Build the Pizza

Spread the burger sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Scatter the seasoned beef evenly over the sauce. Add the chopped bacon, then cover with shredded cheddar.

Try to spread the toppings all the way to the edges. The cheese near the pan will melt, bubble, and brown into crisp little bits.

6. Bake Until Bubbling

Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, until the cheddar is melted and bubbling, the top has golden spots, and the crust edge looks deep golden brown.

If you lift one corner with a spatula, the bottom should feel firm and crisp. If it still looks pale, bake for 2 more minutes.

7. Add Pickles and Slice

Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes. Scatter the dill pickle chips over the hot cheese right before slicing.

Adding pickles after baking keeps them bright, crunchy, and tangy. That fresh pickle bite cuts through the rich beef, bacon, and cheddar.

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Expert Troubleshooting and FAQs

Why does my dough keep shrinking when I press it?

The dough is too tight or too cold. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, then press again with oiled fingertips. The dough should feel soft and stretchy before it reaches the edges.

How do I keep the pizza from getting greasy?

Drain the cooked beef well and use cooked crisp bacon. Do not add raw bacon to the pizza because it releases too much fat as it bakes. Sharp cheddar also gives big flavor, so you do not need to overload the cheese.

Can I use store-bought dough and burger sauce?

Yes. Store-bought pizza dough works well and saves time. You can also use prepared burger sauce, but the quick homemade sauce tastes fresher and uses common fridge staples.

Estimated Nutritional Facts per Serving

• Calories: about 820
• Protein: about 38 g
• Carbs: about 58 g
• Fats: about 48 g