pizza burger recipe
Oh, you guys! I have to share this with you. Seriously. This pizza burger recipe is one of those things that just… well, it makes life better. It’s a little bit of magic for those nights when you want something ridiculously comforting, ridiculously flavorful, and ridiculously easy. You know those nights? Where the fridge looks a little sparse, and the thought of a complex meal feels like climbing Everest? Yeah, this is your Everest summit without all the freezing temperatures. I first stumbled upon the idea years ago, a culinary fusion that sounded almost too good to be true. Think of your favorite juicy burger patty, but then imagine it’s smothered in rich marinara, melted mozzarella, and all the classic pizza toppings you adore. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, a symphony of savory, cheesy goodness that satisfies every single craving. It’s definitely earned its spot as a family favorite, right up there with my legendary chocolate chip cookies.
What is a pizza burger?
So, what exactly is a pizza burger, you ask? It’s the best of both worlds, a brilliant mashup of two universally loved comfort foods. Essentially, it’s a juicy, perfectly cooked hamburger patty that’s topped not with the usual ketchup and mustard, but with a robust pizza sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza accoutrements. We’re talking pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, maybe even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick! The “burger” part gives you that satisfying, hearty base, while the “pizza” elements bring in all those familiar, irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. It’s not just a burger with sauce on it; it’s an experience. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen – that deep, savory beef mingling with sweet tomato and fragrant herbs. It’s pure culinary bliss, and trust me, it’s way more than just a novelty. It’s a legitimate, delicious meal that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why I keep coming back to this pizza burger recipe, and I just know you’re going to fall in love with it too. First off, the flavor explosion is unreal. You get that classic, satisfying beefy goodness from a perfectly grilled or pan-fried burger, and then BAM! You hit it with that rich, zesty marinara sauce. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited. The gooey, stretchy mozzarella cheese is just the cherry on top, tying everything together. It’s pure comfort food bliss, hitting all the right savory notes. But beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is a lifesaver when it comes to simplicity. We’re talking minimal prep, especially if you have some pre-made pizza sauce on hand. You can whip these up on a weeknight without breaking a sweat, which, let’s be honest, is gold in my book. And surprisingly, it’s quite budget-friendly too! Ground beef, a jar of sauce, some cheese – these are all pantry staples that won’t break the bank, making it a fantastic option for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself without a big splurge. What I love most about this recipe, though, is its sheer versatility. You can totally customize it! Don’t like mushrooms? Skip ’em! Love olives? Add them in! You can even switch up the cheese – provolone, a sprinkle of parmesan, whatever floats your boat. It’s a foundation for your pizza burger dreams. If you’re a fan of my Mini Meatloaf Muffins, you’ll appreciate this for its equally satisfying, yet wonderfully different, flavor profile and ease of preparation. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and makes everyone feel a little bit happier.
How do I make a pizza burger?
Quick Overview
Making these amazing pizza burgers is surprisingly straightforward. We’re essentially building a flavor-packed patty, topping it with classic pizza ingredients, and letting the oven do its magic. The key is to get a good sear on your burgers, then layer on that delicious sauce and cheese, letting it bubble and melt to perfection. It’s a simple assembly that yields incredibly rewarding results, perfect for even the most beginner cooks. This method ensures a juicy burger with all the delicious pizza flavors you crave, all in one glorious bite.
Ingredients
For the Main Burger Patties:
1 pound ground beef (80/20 is my go-to for flavor and juiciness)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
*Tip: Using good quality ground beef makes a huge difference. I usually get mine from the local butcher if I can, but any fresh, good-quality beef will work wonders.
For the Pizza Toppings:
1/2 cup pizza sauce (your favorite kind!)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped pepperoni (optional, but highly recommended!)
Other favorite pizza toppings, like sliced mushrooms, diced onions, black olives, etc. (use sparingly so they don’t overpower the burger)
*Tip: Make sure your pizza sauce isn’t too watery, or it can make the burger a little soggy. A thicker sauce works best!
For Serving:
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Optional: Extra marinara for dipping, a sprinkle of dried oregano or red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get our oven ready to do some magic. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup – trust me on this one! If you have an oven-safe skillet you love to use for burgers, that works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s ready to go.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is where we build the foundational flavor for our burger. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. The key here is to not overmix, as that can make the burgers tough. You just want to distribute those seasonings evenly. Be gentle, like you’re coaxing them into being the best burger they can be!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
While we don’t have “wet ingredients” in the traditional sense for the burger patty itself, this is where we get our toppings ready. Have your pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and any other chosen toppings chopped and ready. It’s like setting up your personal pizza-making station, but for burgers!
Step 4: Combine
Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4-inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb – this helps prevent them from puffing up too much in the middle as they cook, ensuring a nice, even patty. If you’re pan-searing them first (which I often do for an extra crispy edge), heat a tablespoon of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Now for the fun part! Once your patties are seared (or if you’re going straight to the oven without searing), place them on your prepared baking sheet or in your oven-safe skillet. Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce over the top of each patty, spreading it out to cover most of the surface but leaving a little border so it doesn’t all run off. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese liberally over the sauce, and then add your favorite chopped pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or onions.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
This step is all about building those delicious pizza flavors right onto your burger! Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto the top of each patty. Don’t be shy! Then, pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese. If you’re adding other toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or onions, sprinkle them evenly over the cheese. The cheese will melt and hold everything together beautifully.
Step 7: Bake
Pop your baking sheet or skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through to your liking and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get those gorgeous golden-brown spots. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your patties and your oven, so keep an eye on them. You want that cheese to be perfectly gooey!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once they’re out of the oven, let the pizza burgers rest for just a minute or two. This is crucial! It allows the juices to redistribute, making them extra tender and moist. If you’re adding any extra fresh herbs or a final sprinkle of red pepper flakes, now’s the time.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
While the burgers are resting, lightly toast your hamburger buns. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy. Place each hot pizza burger on the bottom half of a toasted bun. You can add a dollop of extra marinara on the side for dipping if you like, or even a little extra sprinkle of oregano. Top with the other half of the bun and prepare for pure happiness. Serve immediately while the cheese is still wonderfully melty!
What to Serve It With
These pizza burgers are practically a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a few things to round out the experience. For a quick and easy dinner, I often serve them with a big, fresh salad. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect, cutting through the richness of the burger and cheese. My kids absolutely love them with a side of crispy oven-baked fries or sweet potato fries – it feels like a special treat! If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, a small side of garlic bread or even some simple roasted broccoli or green beans works wonderfully. For a fun game day spread or a casual get-together, these burgers are fantastic alongside some cheesy garlic knots or a bowl of classic potato salad. Honestly, the best side dish is whatever your family loves and whatever makes mealtime a joy. I’ve even served them open-faced on toasted ciabatta for a more elegant brunch, with a side of caprese salad. It’s all about what makes you happy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pizza Burgers
I’ve made these pizza burgers more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that I think really make a difference. When it comes to the ground beef, don’t be afraid to get a little bit of fat in there – 80/20 is my sweet spot. It makes the burgers so much juicier and more flavorful. If you use super lean beef, they can end up a bit dry, and nobody wants that! My trick for perfectly shaped patties is to make that little thumbprint in the center; it really does stop them from doming up like a football. It’s a small step, but it ensures you get even cooking and a patty that sits nicely on the bun. When it comes to the pizza sauce, use one you really love! Whether it’s a store-bought favorite or a homemade secret, the quality of the sauce significantly impacts the final flavor. I’ve found that a slightly thicker sauce is better, as it won’t make the bun soggy. If your sauce is a little thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it down. For the cheese, I always go with good old mozzarella, but for an extra flavor boost, sometimes I’ll mix in a little bit of provolone or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before it goes in the oven. And for the toppings? Less is often more. You want to taste the burger and the sauce, not just a pile of toppings. Chop your veggies finely so they cook through quickly and evenly. Finally, don’t skip the toasting of the buns! It’s a simple step that adds a crucial textural element and prevents that dreaded soggy bottom. Trust me on these little things; they elevate a good pizza burger to an absolutely unforgettable one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If, by some miracle, you have leftover pizza burgers (which rarely happens in my house!), storing and reheating them is pretty simple. For room temperature storage, honestly, I wouldn’t leave them out for more than two hours. They’re best enjoyed fresh! If you’re planning to store them, the refrigerator is your best bet. Let the burgers cool down completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They should stay good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. The key to keeping them from getting too soggy is to store the bun and the burger separately if you can, or at least make sure the cheese and sauce haven’t completely soaked through the bun. When it comes to reheating, I have a couple of methods that work well. The oven is probably my favorite. You can reheat them on a baking sheet at around 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. This helps keep the bun from getting too soft. Alternatively, you can use a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, to gently warm them through, or even pop them in a toaster oven. For freezing, I’d recommend assembling them without the buns, wrapping each burger tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for about 1-2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the oven or skillet method. If you’re reheating, I recommend adding any fresh toppings like lettuce or tomato *after* reheating to keep them from wilting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – the pizza burger recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a little bit of comfort, a whole lot of flavor, and a fantastic way to bring smiles to the table. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does. It’s those simple, delicious recipes like this that make cooking so rewarding. If you love this, you might also enjoy my recipes for Cheesy Garlic Bread Pasta or my Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan. They’re all about that satisfying comfort food vibe! I can’t wait to hear what you think, so please leave a comment below and let me know how your pizza burgers turned out! And if you get creative with your toppings, definitely share your variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Pizza Burger Deliciousness Made Easy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz Angus beef burgers
- 1 can Pizza sauce
- 0.25 cup Pepperoni
- 2 Mild Italian sausages
- 12 slices Fully cooked bacon
- 1 cup Diced onions
- 6 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 2 Green peppers (sliced)
- 0.25 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup White button mushrooms (sliced)
- 6 Hamburger buns
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Add onions and 1 tbsp butter to a grill basket lined with aluminum foil. Preheat BBQ on high. Reduce heat to medium and place grill basket, covered with aluminum foil, on the grill. Stir occasionally. Cook for 10 minutes and remove from heat.
- While the onions are cooking, place mushrooms and green peppers on a ceramic BBQ grid (or directly on the grill) and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- Turn the grill down to medium low. Place pepperoni and bacon on a ceramic BBQ grid or grill basket and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the sausages to the grill and cook for 20 minutes, turning frequently. Let cool a little and slice.
- Turn the grill up to medium heat. Add the Angus Burgers and cook 7 minutes per side or until done. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese to each burger during the last minute of cooking.
- Spread pizza on the bottom of each of the six hamburger buns.
- Top each with a burger with the melted mozzarella cheese.
- Spread onions and top with green pepper and mushrooms.
- Add pepperoni slices, sausage slices and two strips of bacon to each burger. Finish off with the top half of the bun and serve.
