Pizza Burgers
These Pizza Burgers are a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love! Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings all the classic pizza elements into a juicy burger. With melty cheese and spicy pepperoni, these burgers are truly a standout dish that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory beef, zesty pizza sauce, and gooey mozzarella delivers an irresistible taste.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers for a personalized touch.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun twist on traditional burgers and pizzas.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Serve these at parties or cookouts for something unique that will keep guests coming back for more.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything on hand will make it easier to whip up these delicious Pizza Burgers.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Ideal for achieving those perfect burger grill marks while keeping the patties juicy.
- Baking sheet: Essential for toasting the buns evenly in the oven.
- Small saucepan: Used for warming the pizza sauce without burning it.
- Mixing bowl: Crucial for combining all your ingredients thoroughly before shaping them into 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 Burger 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 with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape this mixture into 4 equal patties and set them aside to rest.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Also, set your broiler to medium-high heat. Arrange the buns cut side up on a baking sheet to toast until golden brown. Once done, remove the top halves of the buns and set them aside.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
Place the shaped patties on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Step 4: Warm the Sauce
While cooking the burgers, take a small saucepan and warm the pizza sauce over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Spread half of this sauce over the bottom halves of your toasted buns. Then top with half of your mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Broil this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers
Once your burger patties are cooked through, place them directly onto the bottom halves of each bun. Top with any remaining pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Broil once more until everything is melty and delicious.
Step 6: Serve
Place the top halves of each bun over your assembled burgers. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy every bite of these tasty Pizza Burgers!
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Pizza burgers are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and sides to enhance your meal experience.
Classic Side Options
- French Fries: Crispy fries pair perfectly with the juicy pizza burgers.
- Onion Rings: Crunchy onion rings add a delightful texture contrast.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are a hearty option that complements the flavors.
Toppings and Condiments
- Extra Pizza Sauce: Serve additional pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy, a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the flavor.
- Chopped Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a nice herbaceous touch.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Slider Style: Make mini pizza burgers for a fun appetizer at parties.
- Pizza Burger Salad: Serve deconstructed pizza burgers over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
How to Perfect Pizza Burgers
To make your pizza burgers truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that each burger is packed with flavor and perfectly cooked.
- seasoning: Use more Italian seasoning if you enjoy strong flavors. This enhances the overall taste of the beef.
- Rest the patties: Allowing them to rest before cooking helps retain juices, making them more flavorful.
- Cheese choices: Experiment with different cheeses, like provolone or cheddar, for unique flavor combinations.
- Grill marks: Ensure your grill is preheated for great sear marks and extra flavor on the patties.
Best Side Dishes for Pizza Burgers
Pairing side dishes with your pizza burgers can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that go well with this dish.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw provides a crunchy contrast to the richness of the burger.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks spread with garlic butter are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Caprese Salad: This light salad adds freshness and balances the heaviness of the burger.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements savory burgers nicely and is easy to prepare on the grill.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms make an excellent appetizer or side dish option.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a healthier alternative while still being deliciously satisfying.
- Pickles: Crunchy pickles provide acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness of cheese and beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pizza burgers can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin the experience. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Overworking the meat: Mixing ground beef too much can make your patties tough. Combine the ingredients just until blended for a tender burger.
- Skipping seasoning: Failing to season your beef properly will lead to bland burgers. Don’t forget the Italian seasoning and garlic powder for that pizza flavor!
- Not preheating the grill: Cooking on a cold grill can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill or pan for perfect sear marks.
- Ignoring cheese melting: If you don’t broil long enough, your cheese won’t melt properly. Keep an eye on it; 2-3 minutes should do the trick.
- Using stale buns: Old or stale buns will detract from your pizza burgers’ overall taste. Always use fresh hamburger buns for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pizza burgers in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pizza Burgers
- Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pizza Burgers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making pizza burgers that might help you out!
What are Pizza Burgers?
Pizza burgers are a delightful combination of hamburger patties topped with classic pizza ingredients like sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, all served on toasted buns.
Can I customize my Pizza Burgers?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even different types of cheese for a unique twist.
How do I know when my burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer; burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
What sides pair well with Pizza Burgers?
Serve these delicious pizza burgers with fries, a simple salad, or even garlic bread for a full meal experience.
Are Pizza Burgers suitable for meal prep?
Yes! They store well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making them great for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
These pizza burgers are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying! They’re perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings to create your own version. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Pizza Burgers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Pizza Burgers are the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and burgers. Imagine biting into a juicy burger patty, topped with melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and spicy pepperoni—all nestled in a toasted bun. Whether you’re hosting a game night or looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, these pizza burgers promise to delight everyone at the table. They’re quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Get ready to elevate your burger game with this fun and delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Form into four equal patties.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Toast the buns on a baking sheet under the broiler until golden brown.
- Grill the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked to your liking.
- Warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Spread half of the sauce on the bottom halves of toasted buns; top with half of the cheese and pepperoni. Broil until cheese melts.
- Assemble by adding cooked patties on top of the bun bottoms, followed by remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Broil again if desired until everything is melty.
- Top with bun halves and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (185g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
