Cheeseburger Skillet Pizza is loaded with ground beef, cheddar, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and tomatoes—baked golden in a cast iron skillet.
Here’s the truth: I wasn’t planning to make Cheeseburger Skillet Pizza the night it happened. Honestly, it started out like most of my dinner ideas do these days—tired, hungry, and a little cranky from work and group chats and whatever thing I forgot to RSVP to.
I had a pound of ground beef defrosted on the counter, a store-bought pizza dough I never used over the weekend, and a single, lonely jar of pickles that had maybe six slices floating in it. No real plan, but I opened the fridge, stared into it like it owed me something (you know the stare), and suddenly had this ridiculous thought: what if I just made a pizza that tasted like a burger?
It felt half-inspired, half-desperate. But I started cooking anyway because, well, what’s the worst that could happen?
Turns out… it’s incredible.
That first bite? You get the sharp cheddar, the seasoned beef, the sweet tang of the ketchup-mustard “sauce” (I know how that sounds, but trust me), and then—bam—the pickle hits. I laughed out loud, actually. It was the kind of flavor mashup that makes you pause mid-bite and say “wait… is this really that good or am I just tired?” Spoiler: it’s that good.
And now it’s a thing. I’ve made it three more times, and every time, someone asks for the recipe. So here we are.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Skillet Pizza Recipe?
Okay, let me ask you something: have you ever had dinner that felt like the culinary version of wearing your favorite hoodie? Like, not fancy, not fussy, just comfort?
That’s what this is. It’s nostalgic. It’s a little messy. It’s a cheeseburger and a pizza having a backyard BBQ together and deciding they should be roommates. It’s also:
-
Done in 30 minutes, which matters because I’m not emotionally available for anything longer during the week.
-
Cooked in a skillet, which makes the crust insanely crispy on the bottom—like, almost fried, but not.
-
Flexible as heck. You can change it up a dozen ways and still land somewhere delicious.
And yeah, it’s weirdly satisfying to make. Especially when you don’t measure much and just go by feel. You’ll know what I mean when you do it.
Ingredient Notes:
This isn’t one of those posts where I pretend I carefully sourced each item from the farmer’s market. I used what I had. Here’s the deal:
-
1 lb ground beef (80/20) – I love a little fat in there for flavor. Leaner works, but don’t skip seasoning.
-
Salt & pepper – Just eyeball it. This isn’t the time for precise pinches.
-
⅓ cup ketchup + 2 tbsp mustard – I know. I KNOW. It sounds like a mistake, but it ends up tasting like a Big Mac in the best way. If you hate mustard, swap it. But give it a shot first.
-
1 roll of pizza dough (14 oz) – I used the kind that comes in a tube and scares you when it pops. Let it sit out for a few minutes so it’s easier to work with.
-
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese – Don’t go mild. You need flavor here to cut through everything else. I used extra because… cheese.
-
½ cup chopped onions – Raw or sautéed. Depends on your mood. I like mine soft and just a little golden.
-
Pickles, lettuce, tomato – For topping. I almost skipped the lettuce once and regretted it. The freshness balances all the richness.
How To Make Cheeseburger Skillet Pizza?
Here’s the full play-by-play—straight from someone who made this while yelling at the dog to stop licking the floor.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Do this first so you don’t forget and end up wondering why the pizza isn’t cooking. (Been there.)
Step 2. Get your dough into the skillet.
Grab your cast iron pan—mine’s 10 inches, but anything similar works. Press the dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides. Don’t stress if it tears a little. Patch it. This isn’t pastry school.
Step 3. Brown the beef.
In another pan, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper until fully browned. No pink. Drain the grease, because greasy pizza is not the vibe here.
Step 4. Stir up your “burger sauce.”
Ketchup and mustard. That’s it. Mix it in a little bowl like you know what you’re doing, then spread it across the dough. Don’t go too thick—it’s not tomato sauce, and a little goes a long way.
Step 5. Layer time!
Sprinkle some cheese down first. Then add your beef, then the onions. Then more cheese. The double cheese layer is important. It melts better and holds everything together.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Step 6. Bake.
Pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes. Mine was perfect at 22, but your oven might have trust issues, so start checking around 18.
Step 7. Cool and top.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, even though you’ll want to dive in. Then add your pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. I’ve also added hot sauce once and don’t regret it.
Cut, serve, maybe whisper “I am a genius” under your breath. You earned it.
Storage Options:
We’ve never had more than one slice left. But if you do? Wrap it up and store in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat it in the oven or a skillet if you want to keep that crispy bottom.
Microwave works too, but it’ll be softer. Still tasty though. Especially late at night when you’re standing in the dark, eating cold pizza with your hands. No judgment.
Variations and Substitutions:
-
Ground turkey or chicken – Works fine, just season a bit more.
-
BBQ sauce instead of ketchup/mustard – Totally different flavor but amazing.
-
Add bacon – Obviously.
-
Use pickled jalapeños – Trust me, the spice plus cheese? Chef’s kiss.
-
Try a different cheese – Pepper jack or smoked gouda gives it a fun twist.
Go with what you love. Honestly, half the fun is making it your own.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Skillet Pizza?
I mean… it’s basically a full meal. But if you want to pad it out or make it feel more like a party:
-
French fries or tots – Because duh.
-
A quick slaw – Something acidic cuts through all the richness.
-
Chips & dip – Lazy night? Just open a bag and call it done.
-
A milkshake – If you really wanna channel burger joint energy. Vanilla is the move.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I really need to use a cast iron skillet?
Nope. But it helps. You can use a baking dish, but the crust won’t get that deep golden bottom. Cast iron’s the way.
What if I don’t like mustard?
Try it anyway—baked mustard is weirdly mellow. But you can skip or sub BBQ sauce if it’s a hard no.
Can I make this ahead?
Sort of. You can prep everything ahead and just assemble/bake right before dinner. But don’t add the lettuce and pickles until serving.
So that’s it—Cheeseburger Skillet Pizza, born from mild desperation and now one of my favorite comfort foods. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, it’s a little chaotic, and it just works. And honestly, isn’t that what we’re all going for with dinner these days?
If you make it, drop a comment, send a pic, or just tell me what wild topping you threw on. I wanna know. I’m not above stealing your good ideas.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 package 14 oz ready-made pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 6 –7 dill pickle slices
- ¼ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup diced fresh tomatoes
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), allowing it to reach full temperature while you prepare the remaining components.
Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Press the pizza dough into a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly and reaches slightly up the sides. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a separate skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned. Drain and discard any excess fat. Remove from heat.
Combine the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and yellow mustard until smooth. Spread this sauce evenly across the surface of the prepared dough in the skillet.
Assemble the Pizza
- Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef and chopped onion on top of the cheese. Finish by adding the remaining cup of cheddar cheese as the final layer.
Bake
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pizza to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with dill pickle slices, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!