These Pizza Burgers are a delightful fusion of flavors that everyone will love! Perfect for family dinners, game days, or summer barbecues, they bring the best of both worlds: classic burgers and pizza. With juicy beef patties, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni, these burgers are sure to be the star of any meal.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Beef Patties
- For Assembly
- How to Make Pizza Burgers
- Step 1: Prepare the Patties
- Step 2: Toast the Buns
- Step 3: Grill the Patties
- Step 4: Warm the Pizza Sauce
- Step 5: Assemble Pizza Burgers
- Step 6: Serve
- How to Serve Pizza Burgers
- With Extra Toppings
- On a Platter
- Creative Buns
- How to Perfect Pizza Burgers
- Best Side Dishes for Pizza Burgers
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Pizza Burgers
- Reheating Pizza Burgers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Pizza Burgers?
- Can I customize my Pizza Burgers?
- How do I know when my Pizza Burgers are done?
- Can I make Pizza Burgers ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: With seasoned beef and melted cheese topped with pepperoni, each bite is packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or switch up the cheese for a personal touch.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love burgers and pizza, so this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Great for Gatherings: These pizza burgers are ideal for parties or gatherings where everyone can enjoy a delicious handheld meal.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools before you start cooking will make this process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty pizza burgers.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Essential for cooking the patties evenly while giving them a delicious grilled flavor.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting the buns and broiling the cheese without making a mess.
- Small saucepan: Perfect for warming the pizza sauce without burning it.
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients effectively when preparing the 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 Beef Patties
- 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 together ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Shape this mixture into 4 equal patties and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Also preheat your broiler.
- Place the buns cut side up on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown.
- Remove the top halves of the buns and set them aside.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
- Place the burger patties on the grill or grill pan.
- Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they reach your desired doneness.
Step 4: Warm the Pizza Sauce
- While grilling, warm pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Spread half of this warmed sauce over the bottom halves of toasted buns.
- Top with half of mozzarella cheese and half of pepperoni slices. Broil for 2-3 minutes until melted.
Step 5: Assemble Pizza Burgers
- After grilling, place cooked burger patties on top of sauced bottom bun halves.
- Add remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni atop each patty.
- Broil again until everything is melty.
- Finally, cap with toasted top halves of buns.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your delicious pizza burgers immediately while hot and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Pizza burgers are a fun and tasty twist on traditional burgers, perfect for any gathering or family meal. You can enhance your serving experience with these creative suggestions.
With Extra Toppings
- Fresh Basil: Add a few fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
- Sliced Jalapeños: Spice things up by including sliced jalapeños on top.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds heat.
On a Platter
- Mixed Greens: Serve pizza burgers on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
- Fries or Chips: Accompany them with crispy fries or chips for that classic combo.
- Dipping Sauces: Include pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli as tasty dips.
Creative Buns
- Garlic Butter Buns: Brush the buns with garlic butter before toasting for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Buns: Sprinkle some cheese on the buns while toasting for melty goodness.
How to Perfect Pizza Burgers
To make sure your pizza burgers are always delicious, follow these simple tips.
- Use Quality Beef: Choose ground beef that is 80% lean for juiciness and flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it enhances the overall taste.
- Cook to Perfection: Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Toast the Buns Well: Toasted buns add crunch and prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Layer Strategically: Layering cheese and toppings properly helps everything stay in place.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy them hot off the grill for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Pizza Burgers
Pairing your pizza burgers with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping in pizza sauce; it adds an Italian touch.
- Caesar Salad: A light salad that complements the richness of the burger well.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness and balances flavors nicely.
- Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings provide a delightful crunch alongside your burger.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned wedges are hearty and satisfyingly filling with every bite.
- Caprese Salad Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a refreshing bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pizza burgers can be a fun and delicious experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using lean beef: Choosing a very lean ground beef can lead to dry burgers. Opt for 80% lean for a juicier result.
- Skipping seasoning: Failing to season the meat properly can result in bland burgers. Always mix in Italian seasoning and spices for flavor enhancement.
- Overcooking the patties: Cooking the patties too long can make them tough. Aim for 4-5 minutes per side for optimal juiciness.
- Neglecting the cheese melt: Not broiling the cheese can leave it unappetizing. Broil until bubbly and golden for that perfect melty texture.
- Ignoring bun quality: Using stale or low-quality buns can ruin the experience. Choose fresh, toasted hamburger buns for better taste and texture.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pizza burgers in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pizza Burgers
- Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pizza Burgers
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture; cover with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pizza Burgers?
Pizza burgers are a delightful fusion of traditional burgers and pizza flavors, featuring juicy patties topped with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Can I customize my Pizza Burgers?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms based on your preference.
How do I know when my Pizza Burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer; burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Can I make Pizza Burgers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
These pizza burgers are not only tasty but also versatile. They combine the best elements of both pizza and hamburgers, making them perfect for any gathering or casual dinner. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or spices to make them uniquely yours!
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Pizza Burgers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Pizza Burgers are a mouthwatering blend of two beloved favorites—burgers and pizza. With juicy beef patties, melty mozzarella, and tangy pepperoni, these burgers are a hit for family dinners, game days, or summer barbecues. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy the fun of handheld meals that everyone will love!
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, split and toasted
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Toast buns on a baking sheet until golden brown.
- Grill patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked to your liking.
- While grilling, warm pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Assemble by spreading sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted buns, topping with cheese and pepperoni, then broil until melted.
- Place grilled patties on top of the sauced buns, add remaining toppings, and broil again before capping with the top halves.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza burger (215g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
