Pizza Burger Recipe
If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines the best of two iconic favorites, look no further than this delightful Pizza Burger Recipe. It takes the juicy, savory satisfaction of a classic burger and kicks it up a notch by layering on pizza sauce, melty cheese, pepperoni, and fresh basil, all nestled in a soft bun. Whether you need a fun weeknight meal or want to impress at a casual gathering, this recipe is pure comfort food magic that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pizza Burger Recipe are simple yet essential in creating those irresistible layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the savory meat blend to the tangy pickled banana peppers that add a surprising zing.
- Ground beef and Italian sausage: Combining these gives your patties a rich, juicy, and well-seasoned base.
- Italian bread crumbs: They help bind the meat while adding just the right amount of texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the meat mixture without overpowering.
- Hamburger buns: Soft buns that cradle your burger and toppings perfectly.
- Pizza sauce: The quintessential pizza flavor that brings acidity and herbs to the mix.
- Mozzarella or provolone cheese slices: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy delight.
- Pepperoni slices: Crisped under the broiler for that classic pizza topping crunch.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a refreshing herbal note to brighten the whole burger.
- Pickled banana peppers: Offers a tangy, slightly spicy contrast that lifts each bite.
How to Make Pizza Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Begin by combining the ground beef, Italian sausage, Italian bread crumbs, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly but gently to keep the meat tender while ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the meat mix into six equal parts and shape them into patties slightly wider than your buns. Press a small indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly and stay flat, preventing that trademark burger dome.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Broiler
Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat to sear the patties beautifully. At the same time, set your oven’s broiler to 500°F. Alternatively, these burgers can be cooked on a grill or griddle set between 350 and 400°F.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Place your patties in the hot skillet and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to develop a lovely crust. Flip them and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
After flipping, start layering each patty with a slice of mozzarella and three pepperoni slices. They will melt and crisp just right under the broiler.
Step 6: Broil to Perfection
Carefully transfer the entire skillet to the oven’s top rack. Broil the patties for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the pepperoni turns slightly crisp. Keep a close eye on them here to avoid burning.
Step 7: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the hot patty on top, then layer with pickled banana pepper slices and a few fresh basil leaves. Finish with the bun top and serve right away for maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve Pizza Burger Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil is more than just for aroma; it brings a peppery brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. Feel free to sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for an extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This Pizza Burger Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or even some garlicky roasted vegetables. Choose sides that complement the bold flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these pizza burgers open-faced on toasted focaccia instead of buns. You can also stack two thinner patties for a double-decker style that’s visually impressive and extra satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pizza burgers, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the patties juicy and protects the fresh toppings.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties before assembling the burgers by placing them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and building your burger.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, reheat the patties gently in a skillet over low heat and add cheese if desired. Assemble your pizza burger fresh so the buns don’t become soggy. Microwave works in a pinch but can affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use all beef or all sausage instead of mixing both?
Absolutely! Using all beef or all Italian sausage will change the flavor slightly but still result in a delicious pizza burger. The mix adds complexity, but feel free to customize based on your taste preference.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
If you lack a broiler, you can melt the cheese and crisp the pepperoni by covering the skillet with a lid for a couple of minutes or finishing the patties on your grill with the lid closed.
Are pickled banana peppers essential?
They add a wonderful tang and slight heat that balances the richness, but you can substitute with pickled jalapeños or even skip them if you prefer a milder burger.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and verify that your buns are gluten-free to keep this pizza burger recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Spread the pizza sauce on the bun shortly before serving and add the toppings just before eating. Toasting the buns lightly also helps create a moisture barrier to keep everything crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Burger Recipe is a delightful and unexpected way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors with the hearty satisfaction of a burger. It’s an easy recipe to make, share, and customize, ensuring it quickly becomes a staple that friends and family will beg you to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it will be a go-to when you want comfort food with a fun twist!
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Pizza Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Pizza Burger recipe combines the best of two classic favorites—juicy burger patties blended with Italian sausage, topped with melted mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and fresh basil, all nestled in a warm hamburger bun with zesty pizza sauce and tangy pickled banana peppers. Perfect for a fun and flavorful 30-minute meal that impresses both burger and pizza lovers alike.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
Burger Toppings and Assembly
- 6 hamburger buns
- 6 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 6 mozzarella slices (sandwich-size) or provolone slices
- 18 pepperoni slices
- 12–18 fresh basil leaves
- ¾ cup pickled banana peppers (drained)
Instructions
- Mix the Meat: Set out a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, Italian breadcrumbs, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the meat and seasonings are well combined, ensuring even flavor throughout each patty.
- Shape Patties: Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty slightly larger (about 1 inch wider) than the hamburger buns to accommodate shrinking during cooking. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty to help it stay flat and cook evenly.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. At the same time, preheat your oven’s broiler to 500°F. Alternatively, these burgers can be cooked on a grill or griddle at medium heat (350-400°F).
- Cook Patties on Skillet: Once the skillet is hot, place the patties in the pan and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: After the patties have cooked for 3 minutes on the second side, place one slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese and three pepperoni slices on each patty, allowing the cheese to soften slightly before broiling.
- Broil to Melt Cheese and Crisp Pepperoni: Carefully transfer the skillet to the top rack of the oven, placing it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Monitor closely to melt the cheese thoroughly and crisp the pepperoni without burning.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Place a hot burger patty on top of the sauce. Add pickled banana pepper slices and fresh basil leaves over the patty. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a better sear for the burger patties.
- Adjust the broiling time carefully to avoid burning the pepperoni; keep a close eye while broiling.
- Feel free to substitute provolone cheese if mozzarella slices are unavailable.
- You can customize toppings with additional pizza favorites such as sautéed mushrooms or onions if desired.
- These burgers can also be grilled or cooked on a griddle; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
