Okay, friends, let me tell you about something truly magical: the Pizza Burgers Recipe. Seriously, imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy burger that tastes EXACTLY like your favorite pizza. Yeah, you heard me right. This recipe is a total game-changer, especially on those nights when you just can’t decide between firing up the grill or ordering a pizza. Think of it as the lovechild of a classic cheeseburger and a pepperoni pizza, and trust me, it’s even better than it sounds. It’s like if a sloppy joe and a pizza had a baby – a delicious, kid-friendly baby that everyone will adore. This one is going to be a new family favorite, I promise!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is a pizza burger recipe?
So, what exactly are these Pizza Burgers? It’s essentially a burger patty infused with all the glorious flavors of a pizza. We’re talking seasoned ground beef mixed with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni (because, why not?), and a blend of Italian herbs. Think of it as taking all the best elements of a pizza and cramming them into a delicious, handheld burger form. The name, well, it’s pretty self-explanatory. It’s the perfect mashup of two iconic foods, and it works surprisingly well. It’s not just a burger withPizza toppings; it’s a burger.that is pizza! It’s an easy weeknight meal that will have everyone begging for more.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways why you’re going to become obsessed with this recipe. First off, the flavor! The combination of savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, salty pepperoni, and melty mozzarella is a symphony in your mouth. It’s like a pizza party, but in burger form! And it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, if you can make a basic burger, you can nail this. I’ve made this a million times, and it’s always a success, even when I’m short on time. What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. Ground beef is relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. Plus, you can customize it to your liking. Don’t like pepperoni? Use sausage! Want more veggies? Throw in some chopped bell peppers or onions. It’s totally versatile. This is SO much better than grabbing a frozen pizza or fast food. It’s a satisfying, home-cooked meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s right up there with my Taco Stuffed Peppers or my Chicken Alfredo Bake – comfort food at its finest!
How do I make a pizza burger?
Quick Overview
Making these Pizza Burgers is easier than you might think! You basically mix all the pizza-flavored goodness into your ground beef, form the patties, and cook them until juicy and delicious. I usually pan-fry them, but grilling or baking works too. Then, you top them with extra mozzarella cheese and let it melt to perfection. It’s a simple process, but the flavor payoff is HUGE! Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for them to cook. I find that prepping all the ingredients beforehand makes the whole process even smoother. Trust me; even a beginner cook can make these amazing pizza burgers.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Burgers:
* 1.5 pounds ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness).
* 1/2 cup tomato sauce (use a good quality one) (makes difference!
* 1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded melts the best)
* 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped (small pieces are easier to incorporate)
* 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (adjust to your taste)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt!)
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame seed are my favorites) * 1 fried egg or 1 beef bun.
Optional Toppings:
* Extra mozzarella cheese
* Marinara sauce for dipping
* Fresh basil leaves
* Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
If you’re pan-frying, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I always make sure my pan is nice and hot before adding the burgers; it helps get that perfect sear.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the burger mixture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the ground beef, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni to the bowl with the spices. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. How do I make a burger without overmixing? Is it easier to get everything mixed evenly?
Step 4: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent them from puffing up too much during cooking. I like to use a burger press for perfectly uniform patties, but it’s not necessary.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers
If pan-frying, cook the burgers for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. If grilling, cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If baking, bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through. I use a meat thermometer to make sure they’re cooked perfectly. Remember that carryover cooking will continue once you remove them from the heat.
Step 6: Add Cheese
In the last minute of cooking, top each burger with mozzarella cheese. How do you make the cheese melt on a grill? If you are baking, you can broil them for a minute or two to melt the cheese, but watch them carefully so that they don’t stick to the pan. They don’t burn.
Step 7: Assemble the Burgers
Place each burger on a bun and top with your favorite pizza toppings. Marinara sauce for dipping, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese are all great options. I like to toast the buns lightly for a little extra crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
What are some of the best pizza burgers? For a classic burger experience, serve them with French fries or onion rings. If you’re looking for something lighter, a side salad or coleslaw would be perfect. For a truly pizza-inspired meal, serve them with garlic bread or Caprese salad. I love serving these with a big bowl of homemade potato salad.
What is a casual cookout?Serve with corn on the cob, watermelon slices, and ice-cold lemonade.
What are some quick dinner ideas for a weeknight?What’s a good salad to serve with frozen fries?
What is a good alternative to pizza night?Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, pesto, and ranch dressing. What are the best burgers around?
My family loves when I serve these with sweet potato fries and a side of roasted broccoli. What is a good, well-rounded meal?
How do I make a perfect pizza burger?
Want to take your Pizza Burgers to the next level? Here are a few tips that I’ve learned over the years:
Choosing the Right Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. The higher fat content will keep the burgers moist and flavorful. You can use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but be sure to add a little extra olive oil or tomato sauce to the mixture to prevent them from drying out.
Don’t Overmix the Burger Mixture: Overmixing can result in tough burgers. Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. I always use my hands for this step to avoid overworking the meat.
Make an Indentation in the Center of Each Patty: This helps prevent the burgers from puffing up too much during cooking, ensuring that they cook evenly.
Don’t Press Down on the Burgers While Cooking: Pressing down on the burgers will squeeze out the juices, resulting in dry, tough burgers. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes per side to develop a nice sear.
Use Freshly Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese will melt beautifully and give you that perfect, gooey pizza experience.
Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds a little extra crunch and prevents them from getting soggy. You can toast them in a toaster oven, on the grill, or in a dry skillet.
I’ve also found that adding a little bit of breadcrumbs to the burger mixture can help bind everything together and prevent the burgers from falling apart. And if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pizza sauce instead of tomato sauce. It’s a great shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover Pizza Burgers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here’s how:
Storing Leftover Burgers: Let the burgers cool completely before storing them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out.
Storing Leftover Buns: Store the buns separately from the burgers to prevent them from getting soggy. Place them in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature.
Reheating the Burgers: You can reheat the burgers in the microwave, oven, or skillet. For the best results, I recommend reheating them in the oven or skillet. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through.
Freezing the Burgers: You can also freeze the burgers for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
I always make sure to label the containers with the date so I know how long they’ve been stored. And if you’re reheating the burgers in the microwave, I recommend adding a little bit of water to the plate to prevent them from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Pizza Burgers Recipe! It’s a fun, easy, and delicious way to satisfy your pizza and burger cravings all in one bite. Trust me; this is one recipe that you’ll be making again and again. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that everyone will love, and it’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen. If you love this, you might also enjoy my Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – another fun twist on a classic! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you tried it and what you thought. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Pizza Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
- 1 cup Pizza sauce
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 Burger buns Burger buns
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
- Grill or pan-fry the patties for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Spread pizza sauce over each patty, top with provolone cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Toast burger buns lightly. Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the bottom buns and adding your favorite pizza toppings.
