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This pizza burger recipe marries two family favorites into one delicious meal. The juicy beef patties are infused with Italian seasoning and topped with melty mozzarella and crispy pepperoni for a dinner that satisfies both burger and pizza cravings at once.
I created these pizza burgers during a rainy weekend when we couldn't decide between ordering pizza or grilling burgers. My teenagers now request them at least twice a month and even their pickiest friends clean their plates when these are served.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: with 80/20 fat ratio provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without becoming too greasy
- Italian seasoning blend: adds authentic pizza flavor to the beef patties
- Garlic powder: infuses the meat with aromatic depth without the bite of fresh garlic
- Pizza sauce: creates the signature tomato base that defines a good pizza
- Mozzarella cheese: delivers that stretchy melty goodness essential for both pizzas and great burgers
- Pepperoni slices: bring spicy flavor and crisp texture when broiled to perfection
- Hamburger buns: toasted under the broiler create the perfect vessel for holding all these delicious toppings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the patties:
- Combine ground beef with all seasonings in a large bowl using clean hands to evenly distribute the spices without overworking the meat. Form into four equal patties making a slight indentation in the center with your thumb to prevent the burgers from puffing up during cooking. Let them rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Toast the buns:
- Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat. Place all bun halves cut side up on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until they reach a golden brown color. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. Remove the top halves and set aside while keeping the bottom halves on the baking sheet.
- Grill the burgers:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat about 400°F. Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for 4 to 5 minutes before flipping. Avoid pressing down on the burgers with a spatula as this releases valuable juices. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Prepare the pizza base:
- While the burgers cook gently warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Spread a tablespoon of warm sauce over each bottom bun creating an even layer that reaches the edges. Sprinkle a small amount of mozzarella over the sauce then add 2 to 3 pepperoni slices on each. Place under the broiler for about 2 minutes until the cheese begins to bubble and the pepperoni edges curl slightly.
- Assemble and finish:
- Place the grilled patties on top of the melted cheese layer then add another spoonful of pizza sauce over each burger. Top with the remaining cheese and 2 to 3 more pepperoni slices per burger. Return to the broiler for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and begins to develop golden brown spots. Add the toasted top buns and serve immediately.
You Must Know
My favorite part of this recipe is watching the cheese bubble and brown under the broiler. That moment when the mozzarella starts to blister reminds me of watching pizzas come out of wood fired ovens in Italy during our family vacation. The combination of that creamy cheese with the spicy bite of pepperoni creates the perfect balance of flavors.
Make Ahead Options
These pizza burgers can be prepped in advance to make weeknight dinners even faster. Form the seasoned patties up to 24 hours before cooking and store them separated by parchment paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even pre-measure the toppings and store them separately so assembly becomes quick and easy when you're ready to cook.
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Perfect Pairings
These robust pizza burgers pair beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing with their bold flavors. A crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich burger. For a more substantial meal garlic parmesan potato wedges or a light pasta salad with Italian dressing make excellent accompaniments. For beverages consider serving with a cold craft root beer for the kids and a medium bodied red wine or amber ale for the adults.
Customization Ideas
The beauty of these pizza burgers lies in their versatility. Create a supreme pizza version by adding sautéed mushrooms green peppers and onions between the patty and cheese layer. For heat lovers incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the meat mixture. Vegetarians can enjoy this concept by substituting the beef patty with a grilled portobello mushroom cap or plant based burger. The toppings work equally well on chicken burgers for those looking to reduce red meat consumption.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you prevent the burger patties from shrinking?
Use ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio and form patties slightly larger than the buns. Avoid over-mixing the meat to maintain a tender texture.
- → What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Substitute pepperoni with salami, turkey pepperoni, or vegetarian options like roasted red peppers for a similar bold flavor.
- → Can I make these burgers without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, then assemble and broil the buns as directed.
- → What sides pair well with these burgers?
Crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables make fantastic accompaniments to balance the bold flavors.
- → Can I prepare these burgers ahead of time?
You can prep the patties and toppings in advance. When you’re ready, simply cook the patties, assemble, and broil for fresh results.