Imagine all the delicious flavors of your favorite pizza packed into a juicy burger! Pizza Burgers combine a seasoned beef patty, melty mozzarella cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, all sandwiched between two crispy buns. These burgers are the ultimate family favorite, satisfying cravings for both pizza and burgers in a single bite. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or just when you want something extra special!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional but recommended)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking patties)
Optional toppings:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; don’t overwork the meat to keep the patties tender. - Form and Cook the Patties
Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. - Add the Toppings
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of each patty, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and 2-3 slices of pepperoni. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt. - Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Toast the hamburger buns (optional but delicious), then place each patty on a bun and add any additional toppings like fresh basil, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Top with the other half of the bun. - Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Pizza Burgers with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or even garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat!
Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overcooking the Patties: For juicy burgers, cook the patties until just done. Overcooking can make them dry.
- Go Light on the Sauce: Too much marinara can make the burger soggy; a little goes a long way.
- Customize Your Toppings: Just like a pizza, this burger welcomes all kinds of toppings – add mushrooms, olives, or even pineapple!
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese Options: Try provolone or even cheddar for a unique twist.
- Sauce Substitutes: Swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or wrap the patty in lettuce leaves.
- Plant-Based Option: Substitute with plant-based burger patties and vegan cheese to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes, you can make and shape the patties ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cook right before serving for best results.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A: Reheat them in a skillet over low heat, covering to allow the cheese to re-melt without drying out the patty.
Q: Can I cook these on a grill?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, and cook each side for 4-5 minutes over medium heat.
Pizza Burgers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Imagine all the delicious flavors of your favorite pizza packed into a juicy burger! Pizza Burgers combine a seasoned beef patty, melty mozzarella cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, all sandwiched between two crispy buns. These burgers are the ultimate family favorite, satisfying cravings for both pizza and burgers in a single bite. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or just when you want something extra special!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional but recommended)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking patties)
Optional toppings:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; don’t overwork the meat to keep the patties tender. - Form and Cook the Patties
Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. - Add the Toppings
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of each patty, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and 2-3 slices of pepperoni. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt. - Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Toast the hamburger buns (optional but delicious), then place each patty on a bun and add any additional toppings like fresh basil, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Top with the other half of the bun. - Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Pizza Burgers with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or even garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat!
Notes
- These Pizza Burgers are super versatile! Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for provolone or add sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- If you’re craving a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, use a plant-based burger patty and enjoy the same pizza-inspired flavors!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fry or Grill
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pizza burgers, burger recipes, fusion recipes, family dinner ideas