Easy Pizza Burgers Recipe

Sizzling Easy Pizza Burgers Recipe: Family-Favorite Fusion Fun

Pizza burgers blend two beloved comfort classics into one mouthwatering meal that screams deliciousness.

Crispy buns cradle melted cheese and zesty marinara with a tangy twist.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting for hungry families.

Quick and simple ingredients transform ordinary sandwiches into something extraordinary.

Kids will absolutely go crazy for these cheesy, saucy creations.

Packed with flavor and ready in minutes, these burgers promise to become a new household favorite.

Grab a napkin and get ready to devour this epic mashup of pizza and burger magic.

Easy Pizza Burgers With A Cheesy Twist

  • Savor Unique Flavor Fusion: Combines classic burger and pizza tastes into one delicious meal, creating an exciting twist on traditional recipes.
  • Speedy Weeknight Winner: Takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families needing quick and satisfying dinner options.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Packed with familiar pizza ingredients like pepperoni and cheese that children love, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Simple one-skillet preparation means even beginner cooks can confidently create a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

How Pizza Burgers Come Together

Meat and Protein:
  • Lean Ground Beef: Provides the base for the burger patty, lean cuts ensure a healthier option.
  • Pepperoni (Finely Diced), Pepperoni Slices: Adds classic pizza flavor and extra protein with a spicy kick.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Brings a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the burger mixture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture.
  • Garlic Butter or Butter: Adds richness and helps toast the buns for extra flavor.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Green Bell Pepper (Finely Diced): Provides fresh crunch and slight sweetness to the burger mix.
  • Pizza Sauce: Core ingredient that brings authentic pizza taste to the burger.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds classic pizza-style flavor profile.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances overall savory taste with its intense garlic notes.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor during cooking.
  • Brioche Buns or Hamburger Buns: Soft, sturdy base for the pizza burger.

Pizza Burgers Simple Steps

Step 1: Create Flavorful Burger Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped pepperoni, diced green bell pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Gently mix the ingredients until well incorporated.

Shape the mixture into four uniform patties, making sure to press them together firmly so they hold their shape during cooking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Patties

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the prepared patties into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, allowing a beautiful golden-brown crust to develop.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level for ground beef.

Step 3: Melt and Top

Spoon pizza sauce over each cooked patty.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes, creating a steamy environment that helps the cheese melt perfectly and become wonderfully gooey.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

Spread a layer of garlic butter on both halves of the burger buns.

Place the buns butter-side down in the same skillet, allowing them to turn a crispy golden color and absorb the delicious flavors left from cooking the patties.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Transfer the cheesy patties onto the toasted buns.

Add extra pizza sauce for those who love a saucy burger.

Garnish with additional pepperoni slices for an extra punch of flavor.

Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Pizza Burgers – Cooking Tips

  • Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for juicier burgers that hold together well during cooking.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, romano, or a pizza cheese mix to enhance the burger's flavor profile.
  • Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat to maintain a tender texture and prevent tough, compact patties.
  • Use measured amounts of Italian seasoning and garlic powder to complement the pepperoni's bold flavor without overwhelming the meat.
  • Maintain medium heat while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent burning, creating a perfectly caramelized burger exterior.

Pizza Burgers Store Well For The Next Meal

  • Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Place burger on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
  • Consume reheated pizza burgers immediately for best taste and texture. Discard if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Best Served With Easy Pizza Burgers

  • Pair with Crisp Italian Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the pizza burger's rich, savory flavors and cuts through the fatty meat with its bright acidity.
  • Create Fresh Garden Salad Side: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a light balsamic vinaigrette to balance the burger's intense, cheesy profile and add refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that stands up to the burger's bold pepperoni and cheese notes, providing a robust and complementary drinking experience.
  • Serve with Zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick homemade marinara with extra herbs and a touch of red pepper flakes to intensify the pizza burger's Italian-inspired character and add an extra layer of flavor.

Tomato Beef Pasta Variants

  • Veggie Lovers' Burger: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat substitute or black bean patties, keeping pepperoni and cheese options vegetarian.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free burger buns or lettuce wraps, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives in patty mixture.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip buns entirely, serve patties over cauliflower rice or mixed salad greens, reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining pizza burger flavors.
  • Spicy Southwest Variant: Add diced jalapeños to beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, include chipotle sauce for extra heat and southwestern flair.

FAQs

  • What makes the pizza burger unique?

The combination of ground beef with pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce creates a fun fusion of burger and pizza flavors in one delicious meal.

  • Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps the flavors meld together.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the pizza-style toppings and the familiar burger format, making it a perfect meal that children will enjoy eating.

  • What type of ground beef works best?

Use ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the juiciest and most flavorful pizza burgers that won’t dry out during cooking.

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Easy Pizza Burgers Recipe

Easy Pizza Burgers Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pizza burgers merge classic comfort with Italian-inspired flavors, creating a mouthwatering mashup that promises pure deliciousness. Crispy buns, melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce make this quick meal an instant crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
  • 1 cup (226 grams) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 4 brioche buns or hamburger buns

Pizza Toppings and Seasoning:

  • 1/3 cup (53 grams) pepperoni (finely diced)
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) thin pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) green bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese (grated)

Sauces and Spices:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pizza sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) garlic butter or butter

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine ground beef with finely chopped pepperoni, minced green bell pepper, grated Parmesan, aromatic Italian herbs, and pungent garlic powder. Gently blend ingredients and shape into four uniform patties, ensuring even distribution of flavor components.
  2. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium flame. Carefully place prepared patties into the pan, allowing them to sizzle and develop a rich, caramelized exterior. Cook approximately 4-5 minutes per side until meat reaches optimal doneness and displays a tempting golden-brown crust.
  3. Crown each seared patty with a generous dollop of zesty pizza sauce, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the surface. Momentarily cover the skillet, creating a steamy environment that encourages complete cheese melting and flavor infusion.
  4. Transform burger buns by spreading a layer of garlic-infused butter, then introduce them to the skillet’s residual heat. Toast until edges become crisp and surfaces turn a delectable golden hue, absorbing the pan’s savory essence.
  5. Assemble burgers by nestling cheese-topped patties onto toasted buns. Enhance the experience by adding extra pizza sauce and garnishing with additional pepperoni slices for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more robust taste.
  • Customize meat mixture by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier options.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting Italian seasoning and adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Prevent burger patties from falling apart by chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before forming and gently handling the meat during shaping.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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