Pizza Burgers
These Pizza Burgers are the ultimate mashup! They combine juicy beef, melty cheese, and spicy pepperoni for a delicious treat that suits any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or craving a fun weeknight meal, these burgers are sure to impress. Their unique flavor and ease of preparation make them a standout choice for anyone who loves pizza and burgers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of Italian seasoning, pizza sauce, and pepperoni delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, like mushrooms or bell peppers, to make these pizza burgers your own.
- Family Friendly: Kids love them! These burgers are a hit with both children and adults alike.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make extra patties for quick meals throughout the week—just reheat and enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious pizza burgers, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Perfect for cooking the burger patties evenly while adding that great grilled flavor.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for broiling the buns and ensuring they get toasty without burning.
- Small saucepan: Essential for warming the pizza sauce to enhance its flavors before spreading on the buns.
- Mixing bowl: Needed for combining ingredients easily without making a mess.
Ingredients
These pizza burgers are the ultimate mashup! Between the juicy beef, melty cheese, and spicy pepperoni, they’re impossible to top!
For the Beef Patties
- 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
For Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16-24 slices pepperoni
How to Make Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape this mixture into 4 patties. Let them rest while you prepare the grill.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Arrange the hamburger buns cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast them until golden brown. Once toasted, remove the top halves and set them aside.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
Place your burger patties on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Step 4: Heat the Pizza Sauce
While grilling, warm your pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once warm, spread half of this sauce over the bottom halves of your toasted buns.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Top half of the sauce-covered buns with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and some slices of pepperoni. Broil these in your oven for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza Burgers
Once patties are cooked through, place each one on top of its respective bottom bun. Spoon on more pizza sauce, then add remaining cheese and pepperoni on top. Broil again just until everything is melty and delicious. Finally, place the toasted top halves over each burger.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Enjoy these wonderful pizza burgers hot off the grill! They’re sure to be a hit at any meal gathering or cozy family dinner.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Pizza burgers are a fun and delicious twist on traditional burgers, perfect for any casual gathering or family dinner. Here are some creative ways to serve these mouthwatering creations.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh Basil – Add a few leaves of fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.
- Sliced Jalapeños – For those who like it spicy, jalapeños add a nice kick.
- Arugula – A handful of arugula gives a peppery crunch that complements the rich flavors.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Extra Pizza Sauce – Serve with additional pizza sauce for dipping; it’s always a hit!
- Creamy Ranch Dressing – A side of ranch dressing balances the richness of the burger.
- Garlic Aioli – This creamy sauce adds a gourmet touch that elevates your meal.
Create a Burger Bar
- Toppings Station – Set up a toppings station with options like onions, olives, and mushrooms for guests to customize their burgers.
- Variety of Cheeses – Offer different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or even blue cheese for unique flavor combinations.
How to Perfect Pizza Burgers
Perfecting your pizza burgers can elevate this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.
- Use Quality Beef – Opt for ground beef that is 80% lean to keep your patties juicy and flavorful.
- Let Patties Rest – Allow your formed patties to rest before cooking; this helps them retain moisture.
- Avoid Overcooking – Grill the patties just until they’re cooked through; overcooking can lead to dryness.
- Broil for Extra Melty Cheese – Broiling at the end ensures that your cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
- Toast Buns Lightly – Don’t skip toasting the buns; it adds texture and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
- Experiment with Toppings – Feel free to try different toppings like grilled vegetables or various types of sauces for added variety.
Best Side Dishes for Pizza Burgers
Serving sides with your pizza burgers can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- French Fries – Crispy fries are a classic choice that pairs well with any burger.
- Onion Rings – These crunchy rings provide an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the burgers.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad is hearty and complements the flavors in pizza burgers nicely.
- Caprese Salad – This light salad offers fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—perfect alongside savory burgers.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make a delicious dipper for leftover pizza sauce.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your burgers.
- Sweet Potato Fries – For a healthier option, sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pizza burgers, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Ignoring the seasoning – Failing to season the beef properly can lead to bland burgers. Always mix in Italian seasoning and spices for flavor.
- Overcooking the patties – Cooking the burgers too long can dry them out. Aim for 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat for juicy results.
- Skipping the toast – Not toasting the buns can result in soggy bread. Toasting helps maintain bun texture against the sauce and toppings.
- Using low-quality cheese – Cheaper cheeses may not melt well or have great flavor. Opt for good-quality mozzarella for that perfect stretch and taste.
- Neglecting the sauce temperature – Using cold pizza sauce can cool down your burger. Warm it up gently before spreading for a better experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked pizza burgers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pizza Burgers
- Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pizza Burgers
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes; check frequently to prevent overcooking.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about pizza burgers.
What are Pizza Burgers?
Pizza burgers are a delicious fusion of classic cheeseburgers and pizza flavors, featuring ingredients like ground beef, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.
How do I customize my Pizza Burgers?
Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as olives, jalapeños, or different types of cheese. You can also swap beef with turkey or veggie patties.
Can I make Pizza Burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and toppings ahead of time and assemble them just before grilling or baking.
What sides go well with Pizza Burgers?
Serve with simple sides like fries, salads, or chips. Garlic bread is also a great complimentary option!
Final Thoughts
These pizza burgers are perfect for any occasion, bringing together the best of both worlds—burgers and pizza! They’re easy to customize based on your preferences, making them a versatile choice for family meals or gatherings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Pizza Burgers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Pizza Burgers are a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and burgers. These juicy beef patties are topped with melty mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce, creating an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love. Perfect for casual gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving something fun for dinner, these Pizza Burgers are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; form into four patties.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Toast the cut sides of the hamburger buns on a baking sheet until golden brown.
- Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan and spread half on the bottom halves of toasted buns.
- Top with cheese and pepperoni; broil until cheese melts.
- Assemble by placing patties on bun bottoms, adding more sauce and toppings, and covering with the bun tops.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
