Description
Pizza burgers combine two beloved classics into one irresistible meal. Seasoned ground beef patties are topped with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, then sandwiched between toasted buns for a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop/Grill
- Cuisine: American