Save Cheeseburger Garlic Naan Pizzas are a playful and delicious fusion of two comfort food favorites. By combining juicy seasoned beef, tangy pickles, and a velvety cheese sauce on aromatic mini garlic naan breads, you get a creative twist on the classic cheeseburger that is absolutely perfect for sharing.
Save Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for your next gathering, these mini pizzas deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The pre-made garlic naan acts as a sturdy and flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Topping:
- 250 g (9 oz) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- For the Naan Bases:
- 4 mini garlic naan breads (approx. 12 cm/5 in each)
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 80 g (3 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 40 g (1.5 oz) American cheese, chopped
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Topping & Garnish:
- 40 g (1.5 oz) dill pickles, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp ketchup (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped scallions or chives
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Place naan breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 2 minutes. Add onion and cook until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 4-5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 3
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard. Stir well and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
- Step 4
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then cook until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes). Add cheddar, American cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5
- Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce on each naan. Top with cooked beef mixture, more cheese sauce, and pickle slices.
- Step 6
- Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the naan edges are crisp and toppings are bubbling.
- Step 7
- Remove from oven. Drizzle with ketchup if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions or chives.
- Step 8
- Slice and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, cook the beef until it is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft, making sure to drain any excess fat so the naan stays crispy. When preparing the cheese sauce, whisk the milk in gradually to create a smooth base before stirring in the cheddar and American cheese.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter or vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. If you prefer a bit of spice, try swapping the dill pickles for sliced jalapeños to give the pizzas a spicy kick.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these pizzas warm with an optional drizzle of ketchup and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions for a classic burger look. These mini pizzas pair wonderfully with a crisp lager or a light red wine for a complete meal experience.
Save Enjoy this fun and easy meal that brings a fresh perspective to pizza night. These Cheeseburger Garlic Naan Pizzas are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with their savory, cheesy, and tangy goodness.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the beef gently, warm the cheese sauce until pourable, then assemble and bake the naan pizzas fresh for the crispiest results.
- → What cheese works best for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor while American cheese delivers the smooth, melty texture essential for that classic cheeseburger taste. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy, so grate your own cheese blocks for the silkiest results.
- → Can I use regular naan instead of garlic naan?
Garlic naan adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the beef beautifully, but plain naan works perfectly fine. To mimic the garlic naan taste, simply brush regular naan with melted butter mixed with minced garlic before assembling your pizzas.
- → How do I prevent the naan from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the naan for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings helps create a crisp base. Also, be sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef and don't overload with sauce—a thin, even layer ensures the cheese melts without making the bread soggy.
- → Can I freeze these for later?
Assembled but unbaked pizzas freeze well for up to 2 months. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Already baked pizzas can be frozen and reheated in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8-10 minutes.