Pizza Burgers – You ever had those nights when you’re standing in front of the fridge, just stuck on what to make? That’s exactly how these pizza burgers happened. It was late, everyone was hungry (and a little cranky), and, honestly, there was a bit of a debate in the house—half wanted pizza, half wanted burgers. As any indecisive person would, I figured, “Why not both?” So, boom, pizza burgers were born! I whipped them up, and the moment that first bite hit, it was like a lightbulb went off. Juicy beef, melty mozzarella, and, oh yeah, pepperoni all on a toasted bun? It became an instant family favorite, and now, we make them every chance we get.
And maybe it’s a little overboard to call them “genius,” but I mean… if the shoe fits.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Burgers Recipe?
- Ultimate Flavor Combo: There’s something about the juicy burger meeting cheesy pizza flavors that just works. If you love both, you’re going to be in heaven here.
- Perfect for Sharing: These are the kind of burgers that turn a simple meal into a mini-event. Great for game days, movie nights, or when you just want to surprise everyone with something a little extra.
- Quick Fix: Need dinner in a hurry? These come together in about 30 minutes, no marathon cooking session needed!
- Totally Flexible: You’re in the driver’s seat. Want mushrooms? Throw ‘em on. Jalapeños? Go wild. This recipe is like a blank canvas, ready for your cravings.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s a closer look at what goes into making these pizza burgers so darn good:
- Ground Beef (80/20): There’s a lot to be said for choosing beef with a little more fat here. It keeps the patties juicy without feeling too heavy. Leaner beef can be a bit of a letdown (sorry, but it’s true).
- Italian Seasoning: This is the secret weapon. It’s like a little sprinkle of that Italian pizza-shop vibe in every bite.
- Garlic Powder and Black Pepper: These two just elevate the beef, giving it a little kick without overpowering the pizza flavors.
- Pizza Sauce: You could make your own or grab a jar—it’s up to you. Just make sure it’s good quality because it’s what turns a regular burger into a pizza burger.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Stretchy, gooey, essential. It brings the cheese pull factor that’s just so satisfying.
- Pepperoni: Ah, the pizza topping to rule them all! A few slices under the broiler, and it add a bit of crisp and a salty, spicy punch.
How To Make Pizza Burgers?
Let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through it—it’s easy, I promise.
- Mix and Shape Your Patties: Toss the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a big bowl. Get your hands in there and mix everything together. Yes, you’ll get messy, but isn’t that part of the fun? Shape the mixture into four patties, pressing a slight dent in the center of each (they’ll cook more evenly this way).
- Toast the Buns: Preheat your grill or grill pan, and get the broiler going too. Lay your buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet and broil until golden brown. The toasty buns give a nice little crunch that holds up to all the juicy toppings.
- Grill the Patties: Throw those patties on the grill for 4-5 minutes per side. You want that juicy, slightly charred outside. Not to get too “chef-y” on you, but that crust on the burger really takes it up a notch.
- Warm the Pizza Sauce: While the burgers are sizzling away, heat up your pizza sauce in a small pan over low heat. No one wants cold sauce on a hot burger, right?
- Assemble and Broil: Spread some of that warm pizza sauce over the toasted bottom buns, then sprinkle on a bit of mozzarella and top with a few pepperoni slices. Broil until the cheese is just melting and bubbly—don’t walk away because this happens fast!
- Stack ‘Em Up and Serve: Pop the grilled patties onto the saucy, cheesy buns. Add another layer of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, then a final broil to get everything melty and delicious. Top with the other half of the bun, and dig in while it’s all warm and gooey.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you. These actually hold up pretty well for a next-day treat.
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to dive back in. The oven keeps things from getting too soggy, so it’s worth the extra few minutes.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap each burger in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you’re craving one, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. Almost like fresh!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make it your own? Here’s a few ideas to switch things up:
- Switch the Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but don’t be afraid to try cheddar or even provolone. Adds a little twist to the pizza vibes.
- More Toppings: Craving mushrooms, onions, or maybe a little bacon? The sky’s the limit here.
- Extra Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or even a few pickled jalapeños for some heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Grab some gluten-free buns, and you’re all set!
Want To Save This Recipe?
What to Serve with Pizza Burgers?
Round out your meal with these crowd-pleasing sides:
- Fries or Tots: Is it really burger night without them? And hey, they’re great for mopping up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A little fresh, crunchy balance to all that cheesy, meaty goodness.
- Garlic Knots: If you’re leaning into the pizza theme, why not go all out? They’re perfect for soaking up every last bit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the patties in advance?
Yep, you can! Shape and cover them in the fridge for up to two days. You could even prep the buns with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni so everything’s ready to roll.
How do I keep the patties from shrinking?
Ah, the classic shrinking burger dilemma! Pressing a little indent in the center of each patty before grilling helps it hold its shape. No more golf-ball burgers.
Can I cook these indoors?
Absolutely. A cast-iron skillet works wonders. Heat it nice and hot before adding the patties for that crispy sear.
So, what do you think? Feel like whipping these up for dinner? If you try them, I’d love to hear how it goes! And hey, if you get creative with toppings, definitely share—I’m always looking for new ideas!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Pizza Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80% lean / 20% fat
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns split and toasted
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16-24 slices pepperoni
Instructions
Prepare the Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties, pressing a slight indent in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.
Toast the Buns:
- Preheat the broiler on high heat. Place the hamburger buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler until the edges are golden, approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove the top halves and set them aside.
Cook the Patties:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the prepared patties on the grill, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Warm the Pizza Sauce:
- While the patties cook, gently warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Bottom Buns:
- Spread half of the warmed pizza sauce evenly across the toasted bottom buns. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and top each bun with 4-6 slices of pepperoni.
Broil the Bottom Buns:
- Place the assembled bottom buns under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pepperoni begins to crisp slightly. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
Add the Patties and Complete Assembly:
- Once the patties are cooked, place one patty on each prepared bottom bun. Add the remaining pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni on top of the patties. Broil again briefly to melt the cheese, if needed, then finish by placing the top buns over each burger.
Serve:
- Serve the pizza burgers immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
