Pizza and burgers are two of America’s favorite comfort foods, so why not combine them into one mouthwatering masterpiece? The Pizza Burger brings together the juicy, savory goodness of a perfectly seasoned beef patty with the beloved flavors of pizza – tangy sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings.
This creative mashup is perfect for those nights when you can’t decide between pizza or burgers, and it’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter at your next cookout or family dinner. Plus, it’s customizable enough that everyone can build their own pizza burger exactly how they like it!
Why You’ll Love This
- Two favorite foods in one – no more choosing between pizza or burgers
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings for endless variations
- Kid-friendly recipe that the whole family will enjoy
- Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 2 tsp pizza seasoning blend (oregano, basil, garlic)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 12-16 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tbsp butter for toasting buns
Instructions
- Fire up your grill, grill pan, or regular skillet to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for those perfect burger patties.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, Italian sausage, and pizza seasoning until just combined. Don't overmix or you'll get tough burgers. Divide into 4 portions (about 8 oz each) and shape into patties slightly larger than your buns.
- Press a small indent into the center of each patty with your thumb. This little trick prevents the burgers from puffing up like a ball while cooking.
- Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for about 4 minutes on the first side. Resist the urge to press down on them – let them do their thing.
- While the burgers cook, warm your marinara sauce in a small pan over medium-low heat. Toss the pepperoni slices on a pan or piece of foil on the grill for a couple minutes to get them slightly crispy.
- Flip the burgers and cook for another 2-4 minutes until they reach your desired doneness (140°F for medium). About a minute before they're done, top each patty with a slice of mozzarella to melt.
- Butter the cut sides of your buns and place them face-down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and toasty.
- Place each cheesy burger on a toasted bun bottom. Spoon warm marinara sauce over the top, add the warmed pepperoni, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Top with the other bun half and dig in!
Tips & Variations
- For a lower-carb option, serve on lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps instead of buns
- Try different cheeses like provolone or a pizza blend for variety
- Add Italian sausage to the beef mixture for an extra flavor boost
- Make mini sliders for a fun party appetizer
- For extra pizza flavor, mix 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce directly into the burger meat
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the beef patty with a grilled portobello mushroom or plant-based burger
Serving Suggestions
These pizza burgers pair perfectly with classic sides like garlic parmesan fries, a simple green salad with Italian dressing, or some roasted vegetables. For an extra touch of pizzeria authenticity, serve with a small bowl of warm pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
For beverages, try an Italian soda, cold beer, or a robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the Italian flavors in the burger.
Notes
- Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For food safety, burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)
- The patties can be formed ahead of time and refrigerated, separated by parchment paper
- If using a leaner beef blend, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to maintain juiciness
FAQs
Can I make these burgers in advance?
You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. For best results, bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
What’s the best way to prevent the burgers from falling apart?
Handle the meat gently when mixing and forming patties, and don’t press down on the burgers while cooking as this releases the juices that keep them together.
Can I freeze these pizza burgers?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Separate them with parchment paper and thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – burgers should reach 160°F (71°C) internally. Without a thermometer, cook until the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.
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