If you’re craving the savory satisfaction of a hearty burger but can’t get pizza off your mind, let me introduce you to Pizza Burgers — a bold, family-friendly mashup that unites all the best parts of these two comfort food classics. Juicy seasoned beef, bubbling mozzarella cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and a playful pepperoni kick, all sandwiched in a perfectly toasted bun: Pizza Burgers bring the party to your plate, no delivery required! With each bite, you’ll get those nostalgic pizzeria flavors you love in an easy-to-make, customizable meal that’s guaranteed to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s round up our cast of characters! Every ingredient in Pizza Burgers pulls its weight—whether it’s amping up juiciness, layering in classic pizza flavor, or giving you that irresistible cheese pull. Here’s the lineup (with a few pro tips sprinkled in).
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star of our show, providing robust flavor and a juicy base for classic burger texture.
- Finely chopped onion (1/4 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and keeps the patties tender and moist.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This brings that signature pizzeria aroma and flavor right into your burger.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a mellow, garlicky bite that underscores the “pizza” vibe.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning your patties and bringing out every other flavor.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Sweet, tangy, and loaded with Italian herbs—be generous for real pizzeria spirit.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): The gooey, melty magic that ties the whole Pizza Burger together.
- Pepperoni, chopped (1/4 cup): A punch of salty, spicy flavor—like pepperoni pizza, but on a burger!
- Hamburger buns (4): Your sturdy, fluffy vehicle for all that deliciousness—go with classic, whole wheat, or even brioche!
- Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon, for toasting): Fragrant, golden brown buns just make everything better.
- Optional toppings (olives, bell peppers, mushrooms): Channel your inner pizza artist and load your burgers with extra favorites.
How to Make Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining your ground beef with the finely chopped onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything gently—just until the ingredients are incorporated, but don’t overwork the mixture or your patties might turn out dense. Shape the seasoned beef into four thick, even patties and set them aside while you heat up your skillet or grill. The anticipation is already building!
Step 2: Cook the Patties
Place the patties onto a hot skillet or grill set over medium-high heat. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side to develop a nice brown crust. Flip them over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until they reach your preferred doneness (just make sure they’re fully cooked through—the cheese and sauce will come next!). The aroma at this stage is pure comfort food bliss.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
While the burgers sizzle away, heat up a separate pan with a little olive oil or butter. Place the split buns cut-side down and toast them until golden brown and crispy around the edges. This step keeps your Pizza Burgers sturdy and prevents any soggy bun disappointments—it’s a small detail with a big payoff.
Step 4: Top with Pizza Essentials
Now comes the fun part: pizza-fying your burgers! Once the patties are almost done, top each one with a generous spoonful of pizza sauce, a good sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and a scattering of chopped pepperoni. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid for 1 to 2 minutes so the cheese melts into a glorious, gooey layer and the pepperoni warms through.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Set each cheesy, saucy patty onto a toasted bun. If you’re feeling extra, pile on your choice of optional toppings like black olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms—whatever would make your dream pizza burger complete! Serve them piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up at first bite.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Garnishes
Finish your Pizza Burgers with a flurry of fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, or maybe a dusting of red pepper flakes for extra zing. These garnishes add color, aroma, and that irresistible “just like pizza night” feel—don’t skip them if you want to impress!
Side Dishes
You can never go wrong with old-school sides like crispy oven fries, a zesty Caesar salad, or crunchy garlic bread sticks. Want something lighter? Pair Pizza Burgers with a bright arugula salad or roasted veggies to balance all those rich, melty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Pizza Burgers in half and arranging them on a platter with a variety of toppings in small bowls for a DIY burger bar—great for parties or family gatherings. Or wrap each burger in wax paper, pop them in a basket, and serve deli-style for a fun and casual weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Pizza Burgers (which is rare in my house!), simply let them cool to room temperature and wrap each burger tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s the ultimate savory snack or lunch the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked patties (without sauce or cheese) by wrapping them individually and placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and topping with sauce and cheese for that just-cooked taste.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burger and microwave in short bursts until just heated through, or pop it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side. If reheating with cheese and sauce, cover loosely with foil and use a 350°F oven to gently melt everything back to gooey goodness without drying the bun.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully if you’re after a lighter version of Pizza Burgers. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may cook a bit faster, so watch the timing to avoid dryness.
How can I make Pizza Burgers vegetarian?
For a meatless twist, substitute your favorite plant-based ground “beef” or use large portobello mushroom caps as the base. The pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings still shine and everyone can dig in!
Is it possible to cook Pizza Burgers in the oven?
Yes, you sure can! Arrange the patties on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, then add the sauce, cheese, and pepperoni and bake until the cheese is melty. This method is especially great for serving a crowd or avoiding stovetop splatter.
What’s the secret to keeping burger patties juicy?
Mix the seasonings in gently and avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to dense burgers. Including a bit of onion also adds moisture, and resting the patties for a couple minutes before serving lets the juices redistribute.
Can I prep Pizza Burgers in advance for a party?
Definitely! Shape and season the patties up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When it’s party time, cook the burgers, add toppings, and let guests customize with their favorite sides and garnishes for a festive, low-stress spread.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood to shake up burger night, Pizza Burgers are an absolute must-try—speedy, fun, and loaded with flavor the whole family will love. They never fail to put a smile on my face (and satisfy even the pickiest eaters). Give them a go and get ready for rave reviews around your table!
Print
Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pizza Burgers combine the flavors of a classic pizza with the convenience of a juicy burger. Perfect for a quick and delicious family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni, chopped
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms
For the burgers:
For assembling:
Instructions
- Prepare the burgers: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Form into 4 patties.
- Cook the burgers: Cook the patties in a skillet or on a grill for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Toast the buns: Toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan with olive oil or butter.
- Assemble: Top each burger with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Melt the cheese and then assemble on toasted buns with optional toppings.
- Serve: Enjoy hot!
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For more flavor, spread pizza sauce on the buns before assembling.
- Burgers can be baked in the oven at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
