Pizza Burgers Recipe
If you wish every bite of a classic cheeseburger could taste like your favorite Friday night pizza, you absolutely must try Pizza Burgers. This irresistible mashup delivers all the meaty satisfaction of a juicy burger layered with gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni, all on a perfectly toasted bun. What I love most about Pizza Burgers is how fun and family-friendly they are: you get comfort food nostalgia plus endless ways to customize, and the whole meal comes together ridiculously fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every Pizza Burger starts with simple staples you probably already have on hand, but don’t be fooled—each one brings something special. Here’s what you’ll need and why it deserves a spot in the lineup:
- Ground beef: Lean and juicy, it’s the hearty base that holds all those bold flavors together.
- Salt: Just the right amount to make those beefy flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild, peppery kick that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Italian seasoning: This herb blend makes your burgers instantly reminiscent of pizza—no delivery required.
- Garlic powder: Brings background warmth and depth, the secret to that signature pizzeria aroma.
- Pizza sauce: Zesty, tangy, and absolutely essential; spoon some extra on the side for dipping!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream into stretchy, cheesy goodness—don’t skimp!
- Pepperoni slices (optional): A savory, spiced flourish for true pizza lovers—layer on as much as you want.
- Hamburger buns: Soft but sturdy enough to capture every juicy, saucy bite.
- Olive oil or butter (for toasting): Ensures your buns are golden, crisp, and irresistibly flavorful.
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil (optional): For garnish—these elevate your Pizza Burgers with a touch of freshness and flair.
How to Make Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Burger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine your ground beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Keep a light touch; over-mixing makes burgers dense rather than tender. Shape into four equal patties, making them just a little wider than your buns so they shrink to the perfect size when cooked.
Step 2: Sear and Cook the Patties
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You want a caramelized crust and an internal temperature of 160°F for safe, juicy burgers. Resist flipping more than once—let that beautiful crust form!
Step 3: Add Pizza Sauce and Cheese
During the final minute of cooking, spoon about two tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each patty, then pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with pepperoni, if you like things extra-pizza-y. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid so the cheese melts into bubbly, gooey bliss.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the patties finish up, brush the insides of your hamburger buns lightly with olive oil or butter. Toast them, cut-side down, in a separate skillet or on a cooler part of the grill until they’re golden and crisp. The contrast of the hot, crispy bun with those saucy, cheesy burgers is out of this world!
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Layer each Pizza Burger patty on a toasted bun. Add a little more pizza sauce if you like things saucy. Just before serving, shower the tops with grated Parmesan and scatter fresh basil leaves for a final touch of Italian flavor. Serve immediately while everything is perfectly hot and melty.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of grated Parmesan brings a savory, salty finish that ties everything together, while a few leaves of fresh basil make your Pizza Burgers taste like they’re straight from an old-school trattoria. If you’re feeling bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of garlic oil can really kick things up a notch.
Side Dishes
Serve up your Pizza Burgers alongside crispy oven fries, a bright Caesar salad, or classic garlic knots to keep that Italian-American feast going. If it’s movie night, a plate of crunchy veggie sticks and ranch dip adds fun color and a refreshing crunch. Of course, you can never go wrong with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Pizza Burgers into a full-on dinner party centerpiece by letting everyone build their own with bowls of toppings—think sautéed mushrooms, sliced olives, roasted peppers, or even pineapple. For a retro vibe, serve them on red-and-white checkered paper with mini flags on top. Sliders are perfect for a crowd or game day snack board, letting everyone try a few flavor combos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Pizza Burgers individually in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, keep the buns and cooked patties separate and assemble just before eating so nothing gets soggy.
Freezing
If you want to stash away a batch, freeze the cooked burger patties (without toppings) tightly wrapped in plastic and then foil for extra protection. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Freeze buns separately if you plan to toast them fresh later.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the patties in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through, then add the sauce, cheese, and toppings. Microwave works in a pinch, but the texture is best if you keep buns and patties separate and assemble just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Burgers with other kinds of meat?
Absolutely—turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground “meat” work just as well. Just adjust your cooking time as needed to make sure they reach a safe temperature and stay juicy.
What pizza sauce should I use?
Your favorite jarred pizza sauce, homemade marinara, or even a spicy arrabbiata will all taste delicious. If you like a sweeter or chunkier sauce, go with what makes you crave another bite.
How do I keep my Pizza Burgers from falling apart?
Use a gentle hand when mixing and forming the patties, and don’t overwork the beef. Cooking at medium-high heat helps create a crust that keeps them together, and flipping only once prevents them from breaking.
What toppings work best for custom Pizza Burgers?
Try sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, sliced black olives, caramelized onions, or even pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous! Just layer them on top of the cheese so everything gets warm and melty.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! You can form the raw burger patties a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook, then set up a toppings bar and let everyone build their own Pizza Burgers fresh off the grill or skillet.
Final Thoughts
Pizza Burgers are hands-down one of the most fun ways to shake up your burger night—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or a group of pizza-loving friends, this recipe always gets rave reviews. Give them a try and don’t be surprised if they become a new go-to favorite at your table!
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Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pizza Burgers combine the best of both worlds – juicy burgers with all the flavors of a delicious pizza. Perfect for a fun twist on a classic cheeseburger!
Ingredients
Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices pepperoni (optional)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)
- grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Mix Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Form into 4 burger patties.
- Cook Burger Patties: Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side. Top each patty with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. Add pepperoni slices if using. Melt cheese by covering the pan or grill.
- Toast Buns: Toast the buns with olive oil or butter until golden.
- Assemble Burgers: Place cheesy, saucy patty on toasted bun. Add extra pizza sauce if desired. Garnish with Parmesan and basil.
Notes
- You can customize with your favorite pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms, olives, or green peppers.
- Try using marinara or spicy arrabbiata sauce for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
