I just combined two of my all-time favorites—pizza and burgers—into one irresistible meal: pizza burgers! Imagine biting into a juicy burger loaded with melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite pizza place and burger joint all at once.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Burgers
- Flavor Explosion: The best of both worlds—classic pizza flavors meet juicy, savory burgers.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love these fun, handheld comfort foods.
- Versatile & Easy: Great for grilling outside or cooking indoors all year round.
- Leftover Friendly: Use up extra hamburger buns and pizza toppings in a delicious new way.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for juicy burgers)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 sturdy hamburger buns, split and toasted
- ½ cup pizza sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
How to Make Pizza Burgers
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix and shape into 4 even patties. Let them rest a few minutes.
- Toast the Buns: Preheat your grill or broiler. Place buns cut side up on a baking sheet and toast until golden. Remove and set aside the top halves.
- Cook the Burgers: Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Assemble the Bottom Buns: Warm the pizza sauce over low heat. Spread half the sauce over each bottom bun, then layer with half the mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Build the Burgers: Place cooked patties on the cheesy bottoms. Top with remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Broil again until bubbly and melty. Finish by placing the toasted bun tops on the burgers.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy immediately with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Pizza Burgers
- Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) to reduce grease and help patties hold their shape.
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep burgers tender.
- Make a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing while cooking.
- Toast buns for extra crunch and flavor.
- Customize toppings: sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions, or even pineapple for a fun twist!
- Try swapping ground beef with Italian sausage or mixing meats for added flavor.
- Pair with garlic fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap each burger tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes (buns may soften).
These pizza burgers are a surefire crowd-pleaser that combine the best of two beloved dishes. Give them a try and watch them become a new family favorite!