Craving the taste of pizza but also in the mood for a burger? Why not combine the best of both worlds with this delicious Pizza Burgers recipe! This dish brings together juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and savory pizza toppings, all nestled in a toasted bun. Perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a fun weekend meal, these Pizza Burgers are sure to be a hit. Read on to learn how to create this mouthwatering meal.

What are Pizza Burgers?
Pizza Burgers are a creative fusion of classic cheeseburgers and the flavors of a pizza. Imagine a juicy burger patty topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers. All of this deliciousness is served in a toasted bun, creating a unique and satisfying meal thatโs easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Pizza Burgers
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ยฝ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ยฝ cup sliced pepperoni
- ยฝ cup sliced mushrooms
- ยฝ cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- ยฝ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For the Buns:
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties as a substitute for ground beef.
- Cheese Options: Swap out mozzarella for provolone or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Sauce Variations: Use Alfredo sauce or pesto instead of marinara for a unique twist.
- Additional Toppings: Add black olives, jalapenos, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
- Cook the Patties:
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover to melt the cheese.
- Prepare the Buns:
- While the patties are cooking, brush the cut sides of the burger buns with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Toast the buns on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
- Place each cheese-topped patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top with pepperoni slices, mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onion.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves for garnish and place the top half of the bun on the burger.
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the Pizza Burgers hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
How to Cook Pizza Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Season the Meat: Properly season the ground beef mixture to ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Cook to Perfection: Aim for a juicy patty by cooking to your preferred level of doneness and adding cheese towards the end to melt properly.
- Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds texture and flavor, enhancing the overall burger experience.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Arrange toppings carefully to ensure a balanced bite of burger, cheese, and pizza toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Meat: Mixing the ground beef too much can make the patties tough. Combine ingredients gently.
- Skipping the Bun Toast: Toasting the buns prevents them from becoming soggy and adds a delightful crunch.
- Not Melting the Cheese: Ensure the cheese is melted properly by covering the patties in the last minute of cooking.
- Uneven Toppings: Distribute toppings evenly to ensure each bite is flavorful and balanced.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Serve Hot: Pizza Burgers are best enjoyed hot off the grill or skillet.
- Pair with Sides: Serve with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Add Extra Sauce: Offer additional marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza flavor.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
- Family Style: Arrange the assembled burgers on a large platter and let everyone help themselves.
- Individual Plates: Serve each burger on a plate with a side of your choice.
- Party Sliders: Make mini patties and use slider buns for a fun party appetizer.
Presentation Ideas for Pizza Burgers
- Rustic Look: Serve on wooden boards with a side of dipping sauce in small ramekins.
- Elegant Plating: Use white plates to make the colors of the toppings pop, and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.
- Casual Style: Serve with a basket of fries and napkins for a relaxed, casual meal.
Pizza Burgers Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: Form the patties and prepare the toppings ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- Experiment with Flavors: Donโt hesitate to try different cheeses, sauces, and toppings to create your perfect Pizza Burger.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I cook the patties in the oven? A: Yes, you can bake the patties at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 20 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness. Add cheese in the last few minutes.
Q: Whatโs the best way to reheat Pizza Burgers? A: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC), or in a microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I make these burgers vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Use plant-based patties and load up on the pizza toppings for a delicious vegetarian option.
Q: How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart? A: Make sure not to overwork the meat when forming patties and chill them for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
Q: Can I add other toppings like olives or jalapenos? A: Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings. Just be mindful of how they blend with the other flavors.
Q: Can I make these burgers on a stovetop if I donโt have a grill? A: Yes, a skillet or griddle on the stovetop works perfectly fine for cooking the patties.
Conclusion
Pizza Burgers combine the best elements of two beloved comfort foods into one delicious meal. With juicy beef patties, flavorful marinara, melted cheese, and classic pizza toppings, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Easy to make and fun to eat, Pizza Burgers are perfect for any occasion. Follow this guide, and you'll be serving up these tasty burgers in no time. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
PrintPizza Burgers Recipe
ย
This pizza burger recipe blends the best of both worlds, featuring juicy beef patties seasoned with Italian spices, topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and veggies. Perfect for a fun and tasty meal, these pizza burgers are sure to be a hit. Keywords: pizza burgers, pizza-inspired burgers, Italian burgers, easy burger recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ยฝ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ยฝ cup sliced pepperoni
- ยฝ cup sliced mushrooms
- ยฝ cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- ยฝ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For the Buns:
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined. Form into 4 equal patties.
- Cook the Patties: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- Prepare the Buns: While the patties are cooking, brush the insides of the burger buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder. Toast the buns on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
- Add Toppings: Once the patties are cooked, place them on the toasted buns. Top each patty with a spoonful of marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onion.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled burgers back on the grill or under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the toppings to your preference.
- Use turkey or chicken patties for a lighter option.
- Serve with a side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1050mg
Leave a Reply