Pizza Burgers
These Pizza Burgers are the perfect blend of flavors that everyone will love! With juicy beef, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni, they make a great meal for game days, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners. The best part? They are quick to prepare and satisfy everyone’s cravings for pizza and burgers all in one bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These burgers come together quickly, making them perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of beef, cheese, and pizza toppings creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spices to suit your preferences.
- Great for Everyone: Ideal for kids and adults alike; a sure hit at any gathering.
- One-Pan Cooking: Minimal cleanup is required since you can cook everything on the grill or in one pan.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious pizza burgers, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: This tool is essential for achieving the perfect sear on your burger patties.
- Baking sheet: Great for toasting the buns and broiling the cheese evenly without mess.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for warming up the pizza sauce without burning it.
- Large mixing bowl: Helps combine all your ingredients thoroughly to ensure flavorful 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 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 the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape into 4 patties and set aside to rest.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
Preheat a grill or grill pan and the broiler to medium-high heat. Arrange the buns cut side up on a baking sheet and toast until golden. Remove the top halves and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until they achieve a nice charred color.
Step 4: Warm Up Pizza Sauce
While the burgers are cooking, warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Step 5: Assemble with Cheese and Pepperoni
Spread half of the warmed sauce over the bottom buns. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese followed by pepperoni slices. Broil for 2-3 minutes until melted.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Place cooked burger patties on top of the bottom halves. Add remaining sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Broil once more until everything is melty. Then place on top halves over each burger.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your delicious pizza burgers immediately while they’re hot! Enjoy this delightful fusion dish with friends or family.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 693 cal
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Serving pizza burgers is all about enhancing their deliciousness with the right accompaniments. Here are some creative ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Pairing with Classic Sides
- French Fries: Crispy and golden, they provide the perfect crunch to complement the juicy burger.
- Onion Rings: Thick-cut onion rings add a sweet, crispy texture that pairs well with the savory flavors of pizza burgers.
Adding Freshness
- Coleslaw: A refreshing side that brings a crunchy texture and tangy flavor, balancing the richness of the burgers.
- Garden Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can lighten up the meal.
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy dip that adds a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy burger.
- Marinara Sauce: Extra pizza sauce for dipping enhances the Italian flavors in your pizza burgers.
Fun Presentation Ideas
- Skewered Mini Burgers: Serve smaller versions on skewers for a fun party appetizer.
- Sliders: Present them as sliders for a trendy twist that’s great for sharing.
How to Perfect Pizza Burgers
Making perfect pizza burgers involves a few key techniques to ensure flavor and texture. Follow these tips for success.
- seasoning: Use enough Italian seasoning and garlic powder to enhance the beef’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Proper cooking temperature: Ensure your grill or pan is hot enough to sear the patties, locking in juices while achieving a nice crust.
- Don’t overcook: Grill only until medium-rare to medium; this keeps the beef juicy and tender.
- Use quality cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for optimal melting and flavor.
- Toast buns properly: Lightly toast the buns before assembling; this prevents them from becoming soggy when topped with sauce.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers or olives for extra flavor!
Best Side Dishes for Pizza Burgers
A well-rounded meal is always more satisfying. Consider these side dishes that pair perfectly with pizza burgers.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread will complement your meal beautifully and soak up any extra sauce.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a hearty side that’s easy to prepare and goes well with any burger.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze create a light yet flavorful side option.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs make an excellent appetizer before diving into your main dish.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of pizza burgers.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles add an extra crunch and acidity that balances out rich flavors in your burger.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad adds comfort food vibes alongside your juicy burgers.
- Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa bring a fun twist to your meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pizza burgers can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Boldly skip the seasoning: Forgetting to season the ground beef can lead to bland burgers. Always mix in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
- Boldly undercook the patties: Cooking the patties for too short a time can result in raw beef. Ensure each side is grilled for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked.
- Boldly rush the cheese melting: Skipping the broiling step may leave you with unmelted cheese. Broil just long enough until the cheese is gooey and delicious.
- Boldly ignore bun prep: Neglecting to toast your buns can lead to soggy sandwiches. Toast them cut side up for a crispy texture.
- Boldly overstuffing with toppings: Adding too many toppings can make your burgers fall apart. Stick to a balanced amount of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pizza burgers in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pizza Burgers
- Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pizza Burgers
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about pizza burgers that you might find helpful.
What are Pizza Burgers?
Pizza burgers are a delicious fusion of traditional hamburgers and pizza flavors, featuring seasoned beef patties topped with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
How do I customize my Pizza Burgers?
You can customize your pizza burgers by using different cheeses like cheddar or adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option while still enjoying this tasty dish.
How do I know when my Pizza Burgers are done?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
Pizza burgers bring together two beloved meals into one irresistible dish. Their versatility allows you to customize toppings and flavors based on your preferences. Try making these mouthwatering creations at home for a fun family dinner or a casual get-together!
Pizza Burgers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Pizza Burgers are a delightful fusion of two favorite comfort foods—pizza and burgers! These mouthwatering creations feature juicy beef patties topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a rich pizza sauce all nestled between toasted buns. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners, they’re quick to prepare and will surely satisfy everyone’s cravings. With customizable toppings and minimal cleanup, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Treat yourself to this easy-to-make dish that’s bound to be a hit at your next meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape into four patties.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Toast the cut side of the hamburger buns on a baking sheet until golden.
- Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side until charred but juicy.
- Meanwhile, warm pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Assemble by spreading half of the sauce on the bottom buns, adding cheese and pepperoni, then broil until melted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Place cooked patties on top, add remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, and broil again until everything is hot and bubbly.
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (approx. 220g)
- Calories: 693
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1060mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
