Pizza Burgers

Pizza Burgers are the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites—juicy burgers and cheesy, saucy pizza.

These burgers are loaded with Italian-seasoned beef, melty mozzarella cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all served on a toasted bun. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or backyard barbecues, this recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of a classic pizza in burger form.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or grill
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Baking sheet (for toasting buns, optional)

Ingredients Overview

• Ground beef: A juicy and flavorful base for the burgers.
• Italian seasoning & garlic: Enhance the burger with pizza flavors.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly, creating that classic pizza feel.
• Marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor.
• Burger buns: Soft, toasted buns hold everything together.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For Assembling the Burgers

• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
• 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
• Fresh basil or oregano (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Burger Patties
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined. Form into 4 evenly sized patties.
2. Cook the Patties
   • Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
   • Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Melt the Cheese
   During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and cover with a lid to melt.
4. Toast the Buns
   Spread butter on the cut sides of the burger buns. Toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
5. Assemble the Pizza Burgers
   • Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on the bottom bun.
   • Place the cooked patty with melted mozzarella on top.
   • Add a few slices of pepperoni (if using).
   • Spoon more marinara sauce over the burger.
   • Sprinkle with fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.
   • Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~550
• Fat: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~35g

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Beef: Mix just until combined to keep the burgers juicy.
• Extra Crispy Pepperoni: Crisp up the pepperoni in a skillet before adding for extra crunch.
• Thicker Sauce: If your marinara is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to thicken before adding to the burger.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Toast the buns separately for best results.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze raw burger patties between parchment paper in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Substitutions & Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Serve in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
• Stuffed Pizza Burgers: Add shredded mozzarella inside the patty before cooking for a cheesy surprise.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based burger patty and vegan cheese.

Pizza Burgers

Pizza Burgers are the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites—juicy burgers and cheesy, saucy pizza. These burgers are loaded with Italian-seasoned beef, melty mozzarella cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all served on a toasted bun.

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Equipment

• - Large skillet or grill
• - Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• - Baking sheet (for toasting buns, optional)

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Burger Patties
• - 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
• - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• #### For Assembling the Burgers
• - 4 hamburger buns
• - 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• - 4 slices mozzarella cheese or provolone
• - 1/4 cup pepperoni slices optional
• - 2 tablespoons butter for toasting buns
• - Fresh basil or oregano optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Burger Patties**
• In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined. Form into 4 evenly sized patties.
• **Cook the Patties**
• - **Grill Method**: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
• - **Skillet Method**: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side.
• **Melt the Cheese**
• During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and cover with a lid to melt.
• **Toast the Buns**
• Spread butter on the cut sides of the burger buns. Toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
• **Assemble the Pizza Burgers**
• - Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on the bottom bun.
• - Place the cooked patty with melted mozzarella on top.
• - Add a few slices of pepperoni (if using).
• - Spoon more marinara sauce over the burger.
• - Sprinkle with fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.
• - Place the top bun on and serve immediately.