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

Scale

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)

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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