Pizza Burgers

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Pizza Burgers are the ultimate mashup of two comfort food classics, combining the juicy, satisfying bite of a burger with all the cheesy, saucy goodness of a pizza. These indulgent creations start with seasoned beef patties cooked to perfection, topped with marinara or pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers. Served on a toasted bun, these burgers bring bold flavors and serious satisfaction in every bite.

The first time I made Pizza Burgers, it was for a family cookout, and they were an instant hit! The combination of the smoky, grilled burger and the tangy, melty pizza flavors is simply irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize—swap the beef for chicken or turkey patties, add fresh basil for a Margherita-style twist, or use garlic butter on the buns for extra flavor. Whether for game day, a weekend treat, or a quick dinner, Pizza Burgers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the best of both worlds!

Perfect for:

• Game nights
• Backyard barbecues
• Family dinners
• Quick weekday meals
• Pizza and burger enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Pizza Burgers will win your heart:

• Best of Both Worlds: Combines the bold flavors of pizza with the satisfying heartiness of burgers.
• Customizable Toppings: Personalize with your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives.
• Juicy Patties: The seasoned beef patties are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
• Gooey Cheese: Melted mozzarella or provolone cheese adds a rich, creamy texture.
• Savory Marinara Sauce: Brings the signature taste of pizza to every bite.
• Quick to Make: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun and delicious option the whole family will love.
• Easy to Double: Great for serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
• Versatile Recipe: Works with beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based patties.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit for casual gatherings or game day parties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 burgers
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

the Toppings:

• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 12 slices pepperoni (optional)
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers (optional)

For the Assembly:

• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for toasting buns)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich and juicy base for the burgers.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for a classic pizza flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds tanginess and depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Enhances the burger patties with a hint of pizza essence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Burger Patties:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the buns.
3. Cook Patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness.

Prepare the Toppings:

4. Warm Marinara Sauce: Heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
5. Melt Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the skillet to melt.

Toast the Buns:

6. Butter the Buns: Brush the cut sides of the buns with melted butter.
7. Toast: Toast the buns in a skillet or on the grill until golden and slightly crisp.

Assemble the Burgers:

8. Layer the Base: Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
9. Add the Patty: Place the cheese-topped patty on the sauced bun.
10. Top It Off: Add optional toppings like pepperoni, sautéed veggies, or fresh basil. Spread more marinara sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve:

11. Garnish and Plate: Garnish with grated Parmesan or fresh basil. Serve warm with a side of fries, salad, or chips.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Pizza Burgers:

• With Garlic Fries: Pair with crispy garlic-parmesan fries for a complete meal.
• On a Salad: Serve the patty and toppings over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
• With Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings complement the bold burger flavors.
• As Sliders: Make mini pizza burgers for a party-friendly appetizer.
• With Coleslaw: Add a tangy slaw on the side for a refreshing contrast.
• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra marinara or ranch for dipping.
• Open-Faced: Skip the top bun for a lighter option.
• With a Side of Chips: Classic potato chips or tortilla chips work well.
• On Ciabatta Bread: Swap the buns for toasted ciabatta for a rustic twist.
• With Mozzarella Sticks: Double down on cheesy goodness with mozzarella sticks.

Additional Tips

• Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns for added texture and to prevent them from getting soggy from the sauce.
• Customize the Cheese: Swap mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
• Add a Crunch: Include toppings like crispy onions, banana peppers, or pickled jalapeños for added texture and zing.
• Homemade Pizza Sauce: Use a rich homemade marinara or pizza sauce for a fresher, more flavorful taste.
• Grill for Smokiness: Grill your burger patties for a smoky, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with pizza toppings.
• Use a Pizza Stone: Heat the buns on a pizza stone in the oven for a lightly crisped, pizzeria-like finish.
• Stuffed Patties: Take it up a notch by stuffing the burger patties with cheese or pepperoni before cooking.
• Layer Strategically: Spread the sauce directly on the patty to keep the bun from absorbing too much moisture.
• Experiment with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning on top for an authentic pizza vibe.
• Dipping Sauce Bonus: Serve your pizza burgers with sides of garlic butter, ranch, or extra marinara for dipping.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey Pizza Burgers: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Plant-Based Option: Substitute with a veggie burger patty and dairy-free cheese.
• Hawaiian Style: Add pineapple slices and ham for a tropical twist.
• Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the marinara or use spicy pepperoni.
• Breakfast Pizza Burgers: Top with a fried egg and crispy beef bacon.
• Four Cheeseburger: Combine mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and cheddar for extra cheesiness.
• Stuffed Burgers: Fill the patties with cheese or marinara for a surprise center.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns or serve over a lettuce wrap.
• Beef Bacon Lover’s Version: Add crispy beef bacon strips for an extra savory bite.
• Extra Veggies: Load up with grilled zucchini, eggplant, or spinach for added nutrition.

Special Equipment

• Cast-Iron Skillet: For a perfectly seared burger.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Ideal for achieving a smoky, charred flavor.
• Spatula: For flipping the patties with ease.
• Saucepan: To warm the marinara sauce.
• Pastry Brush: For buttering the buns.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the patties and toppings in advance. Cook and assemble just before serving.
2. Can I freeze the patties?
   Absolutely! Freeze uncooked patties with parchment paper between them.
3. What’s the best way to reheat the burgers?
   Reheat in a 350°F oven or skillet to keep the buns crispy and patties juicy.
4. Can I use store-bought marinara?
   Yes, high-quality store-bought marinara works perfectly.
5. What’s a good vegetarian option?
   Use a plant-based patty and dairy-free mozzarella for a vegetarian version.
6. How do I prevent the patties from shrinking?
   Make an indentation in the center of each patty before cooking.
7. Can I use pre-cooked patties?
   Yes, heat pre-cooked patties and add the toppings as instructed.
8. What’s the best cheese alternative?
   Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses works well.
9. Can I grill the buns?
   Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor and crisp texture.
10. What side dishes pair well with Pizza Burgers?
    Garlic bread, pasta salad, or Caesar salad are excellent choices.

Conclusion

Pizza Burgers are the ultimate mash-up of two comfort food favorites, combining the juicy satisfaction of a burger with the cheesy, saucy flavors of pizza. A flavorful beef patty, seasoned with Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic, serves as the base. It’s topped with melty mozzarella cheese, savory pizza sauce, and classic pizza toppings such as pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. All this deliciousness is sandwiched between toasted buns brushed with garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.

You can customize your Pizza Burgers by adding extras like black olives, banana peppers, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a truly indulgent experience. For a healthier twist, swap the beef patty for a turkey or veggie patty, or serve the burger on a lettuce wrap. These burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or game day feasts. Pair them with a side of garlic fries, a simple salad, or even some marinara for dipping!

I can’t wait to see how your Pizza Burgers turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your cheesy, pizza-inspired creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!