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
- 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.
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.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **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.
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