Pizza Burgers

Pizza burgers are juicy, cheesy, and packed with all your favorite pizza flavors right on a bun! This easy recipe combines seasoned ground beef patties with gooey mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and pepperoni for a dinner that feels like a special treat.

Love More Burgers? Try My Black Bean Burgers or this White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers next.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two classics in one — All the savory goodness of pizza meets the satisfying heartiness of a juicy burger
• Kid-approved and parent-friendly — Even picky eaters love this one, and it comes together in under 30 minutes
• Totally customizable — Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, peppers, or olives to make it your own
• Perfect for casual gatherings — Great for game day, family cookouts, or when you want something a little different

Print

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Burgers:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, but adds a nice pizza-parlor flavor)
• 4 hamburger buns (sesame seed buns work beautifully here)

For the Pizza Topping:

• ½–¾ cup pizza sauce or marinara (use your favorite jar or homemade)
• 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8–12 pepperoni slices (optional, but highly recommended!)
• Optional add-ins: sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, olives, onions

To Assemble:

• Butter or oil for toasting buns
• Optional garnish: fresh basil, oregano, crushed red pepper

Why These Ingredients Work

The ground beef is the foundation here, and using an 80/20 blend gives you patties that are juicy and flavorful without being greasy. The salt, pepper, and garlic powder keep things simple, while the Italian seasoning adds a subtle hint of herbs that ties everything to the pizza theme.

Pizza sauce brings that tangy, slightly sweet tomato flavor we all crave, and mozzarella melts into gooey perfection. Pepperoni adds a little salty, spicy bite that makes each mouthful feel indulgent.

Toasting the buns in butter creates a golden, crispy barrier that keeps them from getting soggy under all that sauce and cheese.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or grill pan
• Spatula
• Small brush or knife for spreading butter
• Baking sheet (if finishing in the oven)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Patties

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat or your burgers will turn out tough.

Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink a bit as they cook). Press a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add your patties and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.

If you like a little cheese melted right on the patty itself, add a sprinkle of mozzarella in the final minute of cooking and cover the pan so it gets all melty and wonderful.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

While the patties are cooking (or right after), spread a thin layer of butter or brush a little oil on the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Toast them in a skillet or on the grill until they’re golden and slightly crisp.

This step makes all the difference—it keeps your bun sturdy and adds a lovely buttery flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Place each cooked burger patty on the bottom bun. Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce over each patty—don’t be shy!

Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, add pepperoni slices, and pile on any other toppings you like (mushrooms, peppers, olives—go wild!). Place the top bun on and admire your creation.

Step 5: Optional Melt Step

If you want the cheese extra melty and everything nice and hot, place the assembled pizza burgers on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated 350°F oven or under a broiler for 2–3 minutes.

Watch them closely so the buns don’t burn. This step isn’t necessary, but it does give you that perfect pizza-parlor cheese pull.

You Must Know

The key to juicy pizza burgers is not overworking your meat when you’re mixing in the seasonings. Handle it gently, shape your patties, and then leave them alone while they cook.

Resist the urge to press down on them with your spatula—that just squeezes out all the flavorful juices. Also, make sure your skillet or grill is properly heated before adding the patties; a good sear locks in moisture and creates a delicious crust.

Personal Secret: I always make an extra batch of seasoned patties and freeze them uncooked between sheets of parchment paper. On those crazy weeknights when I have zero energy, I can pull them out, cook them up, and have pizza burgers on the table in 15 minutes flat. It’s like having a secret weapon in the freezer.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Use room temperature meat — Take your ground beef out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before forming patties. It cooks more evenly.
• Try different cheeses — Mix mozzarella with a little provolone or even some sharp cheddar for extra flavor depth.
• Prevent sticking — If you’re worried about patties sticking to the grill or pan, lightly oil the surface first or use a non-stick spray.
• Don’t flip too soon — Let the patties develop a good crust before flipping. If they’re sticking, they’re not ready yet.
• Warm your sauce — Heat the pizza sauce slightly before spooning it on. It melts the cheese faster and tastes better.
• Make sliders — Use this same recipe but make 8 smaller patties for adorable pizza burger sliders that are perfect for parties.

Flavor Variations & Suggestions

If you want to switch things up, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—just add a little extra seasoning since these meats are milder. For a breakfast-style pizza burger, top with a fried egg and swap the pepperoni for crumbled sausage.

You can also go full veggie-lover’s style by loading up on sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives. Want it spicy? Add sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of hot honey over the cheese.

If you have leftover cooked bacon, crumble some on top alongside the pepperoni for a meat-lover’s dream. You can even use different sauces—try pesto, Alfredo, or a spicy arrabbiata instead of traditional pizza sauce for a fun twist.

Make-Ahead Options

These pizza burgers are perfect for meal prep. You can season and shape the patties up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

They also freeze beautifully—just stack them between sheets of parchment or wax paper, slip them into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, you can cook them straight from frozen (just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time) or thaw them in the fridge overnight.

If you’re planning a party, you can even assemble the entire burgers (without the final melt step) and keep them warm in a low oven until serving time.

What to Serve With Pizza Burgers

Pizza burgers are hearty and satisfying on their own, but they’re even better with a few classic sides. Serve them with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a diner-style meal.

A simple green salad with Italian dressing keeps things light and refreshing, or try coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast. Potato chips or kettle chips are perfect if you’re going for a casual vibe, and pickles or pickle spears add a nice tangy crunch.

For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or even an ice-cold root beer feels just right. If you want to round out the meal with something sweet, brownies or cookies are always a hit.

Allergy Information

This recipe contains gluten (in the buns), dairy (mozzarella cheese), and may contain pork (pepperoni). For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns—they work just as well.

If you need dairy-free, swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether and add extra toppings for flavor. Turkey pepperoni or plant-based pepperoni are great alternatives if you’re avoiding pork.

The recipe is naturally nut-free and egg-free, making it suitable for many common allergies with just a few simple swaps.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to store the components separately if possible—keep the patties and toppings separate from the buns so nothing gets soggy.

To reheat, place the burger (without the bun if you separated them) on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1–2 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat. Toast fresh buns right before serving for the best texture and taste.

Questions I Get Asked A Lot

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork work wonderfully here. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may need a little extra oil or butter in the pan to prevent sticking, and you might want to add an extra pinch of seasoning since they’re milder in flavor than beef.

My cheese isn’t melting—what should I do?

If your cheese is staying stubbornly solid, try the optional melt step by placing your assembled burgers in a 350°F oven or under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. You can also cover the pan with a lid during the last minute of cooking the patties to trap heat and encourage melting.

Can I make these on the grill?

Yes! Pizza burgers are fantastic on the grill. Just preheat your grill to medium-high heat, cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, and toast the buns on the grill grates. The smoky flavor adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can make your own by mixing together equal parts dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of thyme. Or simply use extra garlic powder and a sprinkle of dried oregano—it’ll still taste amazing.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely! This is a great recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen. They can help mix the seasonings into the meat, shape the patties (with supervision), and definitely have fun adding the toppings. Just keep them away from the hot stove and grill.

💬 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below! I’d love to hear how your pizza burgers turned out and what toppings you used.