All American Cheeseburger Casserole

Let's put it out there straight away folks, this recipe was my husband's brainchild.  It "came to him in a dream".  Who am I to argue with the subconscious mind?  I just thought it sounded good, and when we hammered out the deets, well, this is what we got.  It really is delicious but there are a few things you should know about this little beauty.

This is done in about 30-40 minutes.  Easy, peasy, nice and cheesy!  You can use whatever kind of cheese you like, I used American cheese.  This is basically one big cheeseburger with only a top bun, and everyone can dress it up how they like it.  Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and maybe even...wait for it....waaaaiiit for it...........BACON?  This is sure to please everyone and the burger has great favor.  So thanks to my husband, you are going to enjoy this as much as we did!!  There are a couple of steps, nothing major, just steps that need to be taken for maximum, yumminess!

First mix up your sauce:
1/2 cup (heaping) of ketchup
2 T. mustard

Mix to combine and set aside.

Now for the rest of the recipe you will need:
2 lbs. VERY lean ground beef.  (if you don't have it on hand and use a fattier ground beef I got yer' back no worries)
1 T Worcestershire
1 tsp.. salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
6 slices of cheese (your choice) I used American
1 tube of pizza dough (Pillsbury for me)
1 egg (for egg wash)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  In a large bowl add in ground beef, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder and mix until combined.  I use my hands, I even washed them first.  Then place in the bottom of  a 9x9 or 7x10 (or something like that) and smoosh.  Yes, I said smoosh.  Smoosh it the left, smooth it to the right, smoosh it evenly.  (Note: If you like a thinner burger use a bit bigger of a pan, but my directions are for this size, so your on your own if you do!) 

Bake for 20 minutes and remove from the oven.  This is the point where, if you used ground beef with a higher fat content, take the flaming hot casserole dish to the sink and tip out the fat into the sink.  Sounds so gross, but just do it, trust me, it will be better in the end!  If you in fact used very lean ground beef, there should be no worries.  Now take your sauce and cover the top. 
It isn't uncommon for the meat to pull away a bit if there is a lot of fat in it, from the sides.  No problem.  Now, cover the top with your cheese, on top of the sauce. 

Now, roll out your pizza dough to fit the size of your casserole dish and place it on top.  As you can tell, no need for meticulous neatness, unless you suffer OCD and then just let it rip.  Perfect it until it can no longer be made any more perfect in your world.  I. Am. OCD.  But wasn't so much on this one!  I think the meds are working! (you think I am joking?) HA!  Anyway..........

Whisk an egg up and add a splash of water, brush the top and throw this puppy back in the oven for about 15-18 more minutes.  Make sure that crust isn't gooey in the middle and is golden brown deliciousness all over!  Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting.

Make sure to have a bounty of sides to add to your piece of "cheeseburger"!!!  It was a hit at my house and I hope it is at yours as well!!

ENJOY!