Pizza Burgers Recipe

Juicy Pizza Burgers Recipe: Two Family Favorites in One Bite

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this mouth-watering pizza burgers recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create an irresistible fusion of two classic favorites.

Ground beef meets marinara sauce in a delightful mash-up that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of juicy burger and zesty pizza flavors.

Layered with pepperoni, mozzarella, and tangy sauce, these burgers transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

The combination is so delicious, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a new family staple.

Pizza Burgers Unique Flavor Fusion

  • Whip Up Crowd-Pleaser: These pizza burgers blend two favorite foods into one exciting meal that'll make everyone at the table cheer with delight.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap pepperoni for different toppings like mushrooms, olives, or extra cheese to match your family's taste preferences and keep things interesting.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe transforms ordinary burger night into a restaurant-worthy experience without complex techniques.
  • Kid and Adult Approved: Children will love the pizza-style toppings while adults appreciate the gourmet twist on classic comfort food, making it a universal hit for any gathering.

What You Need for Pizza Burgers

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A juicy protein base that serves as the foundation for these pizza-inspired burgers.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the beef.
Pizza Toppings:
  • Pizza Sauce, Pepperoni, Mozzarella Cheese: Traditional pizza ingredients that transform a classic burger into a pizza-style creation.
Bread:
  • Hamburger Buns: A soft carrier that provides structure and complements the burger's rich flavors.

Steps for Homemade Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Blend Meat Mixture

Mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.

Gently combine ingredients without overmixing.

Shape into 4 evenly sized burger patties.

Let patties rest at room temperature to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients:
  • Ground beef
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Surfaces

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Set broiler to high.

Place baking sheet near broiler.

Slice hamburger buns and lightly butter cut sides.

Toast buns under broiler until golden and crispy.

Step 3: Grill Burger Patties

Place burger patties on preheated grill.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, achieving a nice char and reaching medium doneness.

While burgers cook, warm pizza sauce in a small saucepan.

Step 4: Create Pizza Base

Spread warm pizza sauce on bottom bun halves.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce.

Add pepperoni slices on top of cheese.

Place under broiler until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 5: Assemble Final Burgers

Place grilled burger patties on prepared pizza-style bun bottoms.

Drizzle additional pizza sauce over patties.

Add extra mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.

Return to broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is completely melted and slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer pizza burgers to serving plates.

Top with bun tops.

Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot and melty.

Pair with crispy french fries or side salad.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Burgers

  • Let beef patties rest after mixing to allow seasonings to penetrate and enhance taste.
  • Lightly butter bun surfaces before toasting for extra crispiness and golden-brown color.
  • Watch carefully under broiler to prevent burning and achieve ideal gooey cheese consistency.
  • Swap pepperoni with spicy salami or add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Make patties and mix seasonings in advance to save time during cooking process.

Flavor Twists for Pizza Burger Fans

  • Vegetarian Burger Version: Replace ground beef with black bean patties or plant-based meat alternatives for a meatless pizza burger experience.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap burger buns with large lettuce leaves or use portobello mushroom caps as burger bases, maintaining pizza flavor profile.
  • Chicken Pizza Burger Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option with classic pizza toppings.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free burger buns or almond flour-based buns to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals while preserving the pizza burger concept.

Ideas for Serving Pizza Burgers

  • Pizza Party Platter: Slice burgers diagonally and arrange on a large wooden board with extra pepperoni, marinara dipping sauce, and crispy garlic breadsticks for a shareable game day spread.
  • Comfort Classic Combo: Pair these burgers with chilled pasta salad, crispy seasoned french fries, or a fresh green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
  • Side Kick Suggestion: Serve alongside tangy coleslaw or roasted vegetable medley to add fresh crunch and nutritional balance to this indulgent burger creation.
  • Drink Pairing: Complement the bold pizza burger flavors with a cold craft beer, sparkling soda, or zesty iced tea for a satisfying meal experience.

Storing Your Pizza Burgers Right

  • – Refrigerate Promptly store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • – Chill Quickly cool burgers to room temperature before refrigerating, which helps preserve texture and flavor for up to 3-4 days.
  • – Freeze Wrap individual pizza burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for long-term storage up to 2 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn.
  • – Reheat Warm refrigerated or frozen pizza burgers in the oven at 350°F for best results, maintaining crispy edges and melted cheese texture.

FAQs

  • What makes the patties flavorful?

Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs mixed directly into ground beef create a robust, savory taste that complements the pizza-inspired toppings.

  • Can I use different ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes, keeping the protein lean while maintaining the burger’s delicious pizza-style flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent burgers from falling apart?

Mix seasonings gently and form patties without overworking the meat. Letting patties rest before grilling helps them hold together and develop better texture.

  • What cheese works best for pizza burgers?

Mozzarella is traditional and melts beautifully, but provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can add extra depth and authentic pizza-like flavor to the burgers.

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Pizza Burgers Recipe

Pizza Burgers Recipe


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4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering Pizza Burgers blend classic American comfort food with Italian-inspired flavors, creating a perfect crossover meal. Cheesy, savory patties topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella will satisfy cravings and elevate your dinner game.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1624 slices pepperoni

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper

Toppings and Bread:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pizza sauce
  • 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Blend ground beef with selected herbs and spices, carefully shaping into 4 uniform patties. Allow meat mixture to rest and develop flavors at room temperature.
  2. Prepare grill to medium-high heat around 400°F. Simultaneously, activate broiler. Lightly toast bread buns on cut side until achieving a golden-brown crisp texture.
  3. Position patties on preheated grill, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety. Concurrently, gently warm pizza sauce in a small saucepan.
  4. Spread a layer of heated pizza sauce on bottom bun surfaces. Strategically arrange shredded cheese and pepperoni slices. Transfer to broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
  5. Carefully place grilled meat patties atop prepared bun bases. Drizzle additional warm sauce over burgers, then crown with extra cheese and pepperoni. Return to broiler for final 1-2 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges crisp slightly.

Notes

  • Seasoning Boost intensify burger flavor by mixing Italian herbs like oregano and basil directly into ground beef for a pizza-inspired taste profile.
  • Cheese Variety experiment with different melting cheeses such as provolone or mozzarella to enhance the pizza burger’s authentic Italian feel.
  • Gluten-Free Option swap regular buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free rolls to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising deliciousness.
  • Prep Ahead make patties in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and saving time during meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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