Pizza Burgers Recipe

If you’ve ever faced the impossible choice between a cheesy, saucy slice of pizza and a juicy burger, Pizza Burgers are your dinnertime dream come true! Imagine all the gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and robust pizza sauce you love—stacked high on a perfectly seasoned beef patty, all sandwiched between toasty, golden buns. This is comfort food magic, and every bite delivers an explosion of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Pizza Burgers is that the ingredients are humble, familiar, and pure comfort. Every element serves a purpose—from the juicy beef patties to the melty cheese—making each bite taste like your favorite pizzeria and burger joint got together for a delicious collaboration.

• Ground beef (1 pound, 80% lean/20% fat): This ratio keeps the burgers extra juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of richness.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings in those essential herby, garlicky notes you expect from classic pizza.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the patties a surprisingly deep savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to pull out the best from the beef and season every layer.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth and a little kick in the background.
• Hamburger buns (4, split and toasted): Golden, toasty buns hold up to the sauce and cheese—no soggy disasters here!
• Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): That’s where the pizza magic happens: zippy, sweet-tangy, and saucy.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): For that irresistible stretch and gooey melt with every bite.
• Pepperoni (16-24 slices): You’re adding big, bold pizza flavor and a little crispy-chewy texture to every burger.

Variations

The beauty of Pizza Burgers is how easy it is to put your own spin on them. There are endless ways to play with toppings, cheeses, or even the kind of meat you use, so you can fit any taste or dietary need in a snap.

• Veggie Supreme: Swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a meatless twist packed with pizzeria vibes.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or layer on a few pickled jalapeño slices for fire-lovers.
• Chicken or Turkey Swap: Use ground chicken or turkey in place of beef for a lighter option that still soaks up all the pizza flavors.
• Cheese Lover’s Edition: Mix in some provolone or fontina with your mozzarella for an extra-melty cheesy crown.

How to Make Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently—just until blended—so your patties stay tender, not tough. Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties and let them rest while you prep the other ingredients. This little breather helps them stay juicy when you cook them.

Step 2: Toast the Buns

Set your broiler to medium-high and arrange the split buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Toast them until golden—watch closely, because this happens fast! Removing the top halves at this stage keeps them from getting soggy once the toppings go on.

Step 3: Grill the Burger Patties

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the patties on and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your perfect level of doneness. You want a nice sear on the outside for that crave-worthy burger texture.

Step 4: Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni Party

While your burgers are sizzling, warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. On the bottom halves of your toasted buns, spoon half the sauce, sprinkle half the mozzarella, and pile on half the pepperoni. Slide them under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes, melting the cheese until bubbly and irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil Again

Nestle your grilled patties onto the cheesy, saucy bun bottoms. Top each patty with the rest of the pizza sauce, another generous handful of mozzarella, and more pepperoni. Broil once more until everything is melty, gooey, and absolutely impossible to resist. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately for maximum pizza burger joy!

How to Serve Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

Take these Pizza Burgers over the top by finishing them with a scatter of fresh basil or parsley. For a final pizzeria flourish, grate Parmesan over the melted cheese, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice lovers. These finishing touches make each bite pop with color and flavor!

Side Dishes

Pair your pizza burgers with crisp oven fries, a classic Caesar salad, or roasted garlic broccoli to round out the meal. Even a simple side of crunchy pickles or kettle chips can add that perfect, casual touch—just like your favorite burger joint.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these burgers “open-faced” for a pizza-melt vibe, or slice them into halves or quarters and set out as a party platter—perfect for game day! For a fun twist, offer a mini pizza burger bar with toppings so family or guests can build their own dream creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover pizza burgers cool to room temperature, then wrap them individually in foil or store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cheese might set but the flavor gets even more savory after marinating overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze assembled (but unbroiled) pizza burgers for up to 2 months—wrap each tightly in plastic and foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and broil until hot and melty. Alternatively, freeze cooked patties and assemble fresh for best texture.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat pizza burgers in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese re-melts (about 10 minutes). Skip the microwave if possible—it can make the buns soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a seriously fun, flavor-packed meal, Pizza Burgers are exactly what you need. Gather your family, pile on your favorite toppings, and take that first melty, saucy, juicy bite—you might never look at burger night the same way again!

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