Pizza Burgers
These Pizza Burgers are the perfect treat for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or looking for a fun weeknight meal, these burgers will impress everyone. They combine the best elements of pizza and burgers into one delicious creation. With juicy beef, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni, you won’t be able to resist this mouthwatering mashup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these pizza burgers are a breeze to make.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and pepperoni delivers an incredible taste that’s hard to beat.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces to personalize each burger.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love diving into these tasty treats. Perfect for picky eaters!
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you have any leftover pizza sauce or ingredients, you can easily repurpose them for future meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious pizza burgers, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Achieves that perfect char on your burger patties while keeping them juicy inside.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting buns evenly in the oven during preparation.
- Small saucepan: Great for warming up pizza sauce without burning it.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ground beef and seasonings thoroughly.
Ingredients
These pizza burgers are the ultimate mashup! Between the juicy beef, melty cheese, and spicy pepperoni, they’re impossible to top!
- 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
- 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 Beef Patties
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Shape this mixture into 4 patties and set them aside to rest while you prepare your grill.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. For the buns, arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast until golden brown. Once done, remove the top halves of the buns and set them aside.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
Place the patties on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Step 4: Warm the Pizza Sauce
While grilling the patties, pour the pizza sauce into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Spread half of this sauce over each toasted bottom bun. Top with half of your mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices before broiling.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers
Once your patties are cooked through, place them on top of the sauced bottom buns. Add the remaining pizza sauce followed by more mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices on top. Broil until everything is melty.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Carefully place the top halves of the buns over your assembled burgers. Serve your delicious pizza burgers hot and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Pizza burgers are a fantastic blend of two favorite foods, making them perfect for any casual meal or gathering. Here are some delightful ways to serve these scrumptious creations.
Pair with Classic Sides
- French Fries: Crispy golden fries are the perfect accompaniment, offering a satisfying crunch.
- Onion Rings: These add a flavorful bite and extra texture that complements the pizza burger.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing side that provides a cool contrast to the hot, cheesy burger.
Add Fresh Toppings
- Fresh Basil: Sprinkle chopped basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like it spicy, jalapeños bring heat and zing to your pizza burgers.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the flavors nicely.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A classic dipping sauce that pairs well with the savory flavors of pizza burgers.
- Marinara Sauce: To enhance the Italian flair, serve alongside marinara for extra dipping fun.
How to Perfect Pizza Burgers
Perfecting your pizza burgers is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for an unbeatable flavor experience.
- Use Quality Beef: Start with fresh ground beef for juicy patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning; well-seasoned meat enhances the overall taste of your pizza burgers.
- Toast Your Buns: Toasting adds texture and prevents sogginess from the sauce, keeping each bite satisfying.
- Layer Ingredients Wisely: Distributing cheese and toppings evenly ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavor combinations.
Best Side Dishes for Pizza Burgers
Pairing sides with your pizza burgers can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: This classic side is easy to prepare and complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds a hearty element next to your juicy burger.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light, refreshing complement to rich pizza burgers.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a slightly sweet twist while still providing that crispy satisfaction.
- Pickles: Adding tangy pickles brings a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the burger.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy pasta salad is another great option that’s both filling and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pizza burgers can be fun, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overmixing the meat: This can lead to tough burgers. Mix just until combined for a juicier texture.
- Skipping seasoning: A lack of seasoning can make your burgers bland. Don’t forget the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Not preheating the grill: Cooking on a cold grill results in uneven cooking. Always preheat to ensure perfect grilling.
- Using stale buns: Stale buns can ruin the overall taste. Use fresh, toasted hamburger buns for the best flavor and texture.
- Rushing to serve: Letting the burgers rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute. This enhances flavor and moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pizza burgers in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Pizza Burgers
- Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pizza Burgers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat burgers for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about pizza burgers that might help you with your cooking journey.
What are Pizza Burgers?
Pizza burgers are a delicious combination of traditional hamburgers topped with pizza flavors like sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Can I customize my Pizza Burgers?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms or substitute different cheeses based on your preference.
How do I ensure my Pizza Burgers stay juicy?
Use higher fat ground beef (like 80/20) and avoid overcooking them. Letting them rest after cooking also helps retain moisture.
Are Pizza Burgers kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids usually love the combination of familiar burger flavors with pizza toppings, making them a great meal option.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Certainly! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives for a lighter option while still enjoying that pizza flavor.
Final Thoughts
These pizza burgers are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for everyone’s taste buds. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces. Try this recipe today for a fun twist on traditional burgers!
Pizza Burgers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Pizza Burgers, where the classic flavors of pizza meet juicy beef patties! Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, barbecue, or casual weeknight meal—these burgers are sure to impress. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, zesty pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce, they deliver a flavor explosion that both kids and adults will love. This quick recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Feel free to customize each burger with your favorite toppings for a personal touch!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and toast buns on a baking sheet until golden.
- Grill patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Warm pizza sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
- Assemble by spreading half of the sauce on toasted buns, adding cheese and pepperoni, then broil until melted.
- Place grilled patties on the assembled buns with remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
