Sizzling Pizza Burgers Recipe: A Mash-Up You Can’t Resist

Crispy, melted cheese and juicy meat create a magical pizza burgers experience that blends two classic comfort foods into one incredible meal.

Hungry diners crave something different from standard burger fare.

Soft bakery buns provide the perfect canvas for this culinary mashup.

Layers of marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella transform an ordinary sandwich into a flavor explosion.

Savory beef patties get an italian-inspired twist with robust seasonings and zesty toppings.

Rich, gooey textures mingle with sharp herb notes that dance across your palate.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for weekend gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

How to Prepare Pizza Burgers Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whip Up the Patty Mixture

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning

Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until the ingredients are perfectly combined.

Shape the mixture into four equal, juicy burger patties.

Step 2: Sizzle the Patties

Fire up your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.

Place the patties on the cooking surface and let them sizzle for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Cook until they reach your preferred level of doneness, ensuring a delicious golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Transform the Buns

While the patties are cooking, create magic with the burger buns.

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder

Toast the buns on the grill or in a skillet until they turn a beautiful golden brown, creating a crispy base for your pizza burgers.

Step 4: Layer on the Pizza Flavors

Once the patties are cooked, assemble your burger masterpiece.

• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Sliced mushrooms
• Bell pepper pieces
• Red onion slices

Step 5: Melt the Cheese to Perfection

Return the assembled burgers to the grill or place under the broiler.

Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese becomes gloriously melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Plate

Pull the burgers off the heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.

Serve these pizza burgers hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips for Juicy and Cheesy Pizza Burgers

• Add Italian seasoning to ground beef for an authentic pizza-inspired taste profile.
• Broil burgers briefly to achieve that perfect, gooey melted cheese coverage without overcooking the meat.
• Shape patties in advance and refrigerate to help them hold together better during cooking.
• Dice mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions uniformly for even cooking and balanced topping distribution.
• Use garlic-butter mixture on buns to elevate the overall flavor and create a crispy, golden-brown texture.

Fun Variations to Customize Your Pizza Burger

• Vegetarian Pizza Burger: Replace ground beef with black bean patties or grilled portobello mushrooms. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and classic pizza toppings.
• Mediterranean Spin: Use lamb meat instead of beef. Add feta cheese, sliced olives, and tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve patties on a bed of mixed greens. Use lettuce wraps or create a pizza burger salad with all the classic toppings.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Mix jalapeños into the meat, use pepper jack cheese, and add salsa or chipotle marinara sauce for extra heat and flavor.

Serving Ideas for Pizza Burger Night

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these pizza burgers with crispy garlic fries for an extra crunch that complements the melted cheese and savory patties.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside marinara sauce or herb-infused ranch dressing to enhance the pizza-inspired flavor profile and add an exciting dipping experience.
• Family-Style Spread: Create a build-your-own burger station with extra toppings like sliced olives, additional cheese varieties, and fresh herbs to let everyone customize their pizza burger adventure.
• Italian-Inspired Side: Serve with a light caprese salad or antipasto platter to bring more Mediterranean flair to the meal and balance the hearty burger.

Best Storage Tips for Pizza Burgers

• Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe bag and store up to 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place burger on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to prevent overcooking. Add splash of water to maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap burger in foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil last 2-3 minutes to crisp buns.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked to the proper internal temperature for food safety.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook the patties in a skillet or cast-iron pan on the stovetop. The key is to get a nice sear and cook them evenly.

• How can I make these burgers spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce. You can also include hot pepperoni or add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love pizza flavors, and these burgers combine two favorite foods. You can adjust toppings to suit picky eaters’ preferences.

Why Pizza Burgers Are a Must-Try

• Elevate Pizza Night: Transform traditional pizza into a handheld burger, creating a fun and delicious crossover meal that combines two beloved comfort foods.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add different toppings, or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible and personalized.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Prepare these pizza burgers in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cooking equipment required, with simple grilling or skillet techniques that reduce cleanup and make cooking stress-free for home chefs.

Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Pizza Burgers

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the core of the pizza burger patties.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that enhances the overall taste and provides depth to the burger meat.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a classic pizza-like flavor and creamy texture.
• Butter: A rich ingredient used to add flavor and help toast the buns.

• Marinara Sauce: A tangy tomato sauce that brings authentic pizza flavor to the burger.
• Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that adds spicy and savory notes.
• Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide additional flavor and texture.

• Burger Buns: The foundation for holding the pizza burger and providing a crispy base.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the pizza burger.

Pizza Burgers Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory pizza burgers blend classic Italian and American flavors into one irresistible dish. Cheese-topped beef patties layered with marinara sauce create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80% lean)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
2. Shape the seasoned meat mixture into 4 uniform patties, pressing gently to maintain even thickness.
3. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature (around 400°F), creating a hot cooking surface for optimal searing.
4. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and desired internal doneness.
5. Melt butter and mix with garlic powder, then carefully brush the interior of burger buns with the aromatic mixture.
6. Toast buns on grill or skillet until edges turn crisp and golden, creating a crunchy base for the burger.
7. Transfer cooked patties onto toasted buns, creating a sturdy foundation for pizza-inspired toppings.
8. Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over each patty, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the sauced patties.
10. Artfully arrange pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onion atop the cheese layer.
11. Return assembled burgers to grill or place under broiler for 2-3 minutes at 450°F, allowing cheese to melt and toppings to warm.
12. Carefully remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.
13. Serve immediately while hot and cheese remains gloriously melted.

Notes

• Master the meat mixing by gently combining ingredients to prevent tough burgers, ensuring a light and tender texture.
• Customize cheese choices by swapping mozzarella with provolone or adding smoked gouda for deeper flavor complexity.
• Control heat levels when grilling to prevent burning, using medium-high temperature for perfect caramelization and juicy patties.
• Accommodate vegetarian preferences by substituting beef with plant-based patties or portobello mushroom caps for similar hearty experiences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 287 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 581 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg