Pizza Burgers
These Pizza Burgers are the perfect blend of classic cheeseburger flavor and beloved pizza toppings. Ideal for game days, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, these burgers are sure to impress friends and family alike. With juicy beef patties, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni, each bite will have you savoring the essence of both a burger and a pizza.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of seasoned beef, melty mozzarella, and zesty pizza sauce creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile: Customize your pizza burgers with your favorite toppings like bell peppers or olives for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy movie night at home, these burgers fit right in.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love this fun twist on their favorite meals, making it a hit for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of Pizza Burgers, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the burger patties while infusing them with smoky flavor.
- Baking sheet: Used to toast the buns evenly in the oven, ensuring they stay crispy and hold up against the toppings.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for gently warming the pizza sauce without burning it, enhancing its flavor before serving.
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients easily when preparing your burger patties.
Ingredients
These pizza burgers are the ultimate mashup! Between the juicy beef, melty cheese, and spicy pepperoni, they’re impossible to top!
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16-24 slices pepperoni
How to Make Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Shape this mixture into 4 patties. Let them rest while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Also preheat your broiler. Place the buns cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast them until golden brown. Remove the top halves after toasting and set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
Grill each patty for about 4-5 minutes per side until they reach your desired doneness.
Step 4: Warm the Pizza Sauce
While grilling the patties, warm up your pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pizza Burgers
Spread half of the warmed pizza sauce over each bottom bun. Top them with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and as many pepperoni slices as you like. Broil this assembly for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, place each burger patty onto its respective bottom bun. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella cheese, and more pepperoni if desired. Broil briefly until everything is melty together. Place top halves on each burger and serve immediately!
Enjoy your flavorful Pizza Burgers, perfect for sharing or savoring solo!
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Pizza burgers are a fun and delicious meal that can be customized in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a casual dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your pizza burgers experience.
Add Flavorful Toppings
- Fresh Basil: Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love spice, add pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Sautéed Onions: Caramelized onions can add sweetness and depth.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of pizza burgers.
- Ranch Dressing: This classic dipping sauce complements the rich cheese and pepperoni.
- Hot Sauce: For heat lovers, offer a variety of hot sauces to enhance the flavor.
Serve with Fresh Salads
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad can balance the richness of the burger.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make a refreshing side.
How to Perfect Pizza Burgers
Perfecting your pizza burgers is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to achieve burger perfection.
- Use High-Quality Beef: Choose ground beef that is 80% lean for juiciness without being too fatty.
- Chill Your Patties: Letting the patties rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better on the grill.
- Don’t Overcook: Aim for medium doneness to keep your burgers juicy; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try using provolone or cheddar alongside mozzarella for more complex flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Pizza Burgers
Pairing side dishes with pizza burgers can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic choice that everyone loves. Consider seasoning them with garlic powder or parmesan.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the burger.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges can provide a hearty complement to your pizza burgers.
- Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings bring a satisfying crunch and flavor boost.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet contrast that pairs well with savory toppings on your pizza burger.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pizza burgers can be a fun and delicious experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly mix your ingredients: Failing to properly mix the seasonings with the beef can lead to uneven flavor. Ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
- Boldly choose your beef: Using too lean beef will result in dry burgers. Aim for an 80/20 blend for juiciness.
- Boldly skip the resting time: Not allowing the burger patties to rest can cause them to lose juices when cooked. Let them sit for a few minutes after shaping.
- Boldly overlook bun quality: Using stale or low-quality buns will ruin the texture of your pizza burgers. Choose fresh, toasted hamburger buns for the best results.
- Boldly neglect the toppings: Forgetting to layer sauce and cheese can lead to a boring burger. Be generous with your pizza sauce and cheese for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the burgers separate from the buns if possible to maintain their texture.
Freezing Pizza Burgers
- Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pizza Burgers
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover the burger with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making pizza burgers that you might find helpful.
What are Pizza Burgers?
Pizza burgers are a delightful combination of classic cheeseburgers and pizza toppings, featuring seasoned beef patties topped with marinara sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
How do I customize my Pizza Burgers?
You can customize pizza burgers by adding different toppings like vegetables, other types of cheese, or even switching up the sauces used.
Can I make Pizza Burgers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the burger patties in advance and store them in the fridge or freeze them until you’re ready to cook.
What should I serve with Pizza Burgers?
Pizza burgers pair well with fries, salads, or even onion rings for an added crunch.
Are Pizza Burgers kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the combination of flavors, making these an exciting meal option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
These pizza burgers are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for a quick dinner idea, give this recipe a try!
Pizza Burgers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with these Pizza Burgers, a delicious fusion of cheeseburger goodness and savory pizza toppings. Perfect for game days or family dinners, each bite offers a burst of juicy beef, melty mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni—all nestled in a toasted bun. This easy-to-make recipe is not only kid-friendly but also allows for customization with your favorite toppings. Whether paired with crispy fries or a fresh salad, these Pizza Burgers are sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into four patties.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat; toast buns on a baking sheet until golden.
- Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness.
- Warm pizza sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
- Assemble burgers: spread sauce on bottom buns, add cheese and pepperoni, then broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Top with grilled patties and remaining toppings; serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (with bun)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
