Pizza Burgers

Introduction

Pizza Burgers combine two classic comfort foods in one easy meal. Juicy seasoned ground beef patties are topped with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni, then tucked into toasted hamburger buns.

The beef is seasoned with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, giving the burgers a pizza-inspired flavor from the first bite. They’re quick to prepare and make a fun weeknight dinner when you can’t decide between burgers and pizza.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course, Dinner
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 610 per serving

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Ground Beef

Place the ground beef in a large bowl.

Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Avoid overmixing the beef, as this can make the burgers firm instead of juicy.

2. Form the Patties

Divide the seasoned beef into 4 equal portions.

Shape each portion into a burger patty slightly wider than the hamburger buns. The patties will shrink a little as they cook.

Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

3. Cook the Burgers

Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat.

Cook the patties for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, depending on their thickness and your preferred doneness.

For food safety, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

4. Add the Pizza Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Spoon the pizza sauce over each cooked burger patty.

Spread it evenly across the top.

5. Add Mozzarella and Pepperoni

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pizza sauce.

Arrange 4–6 pepperoni slices on top of each burger.

Cover the skillet with a lid for about 1–2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.

6. Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Place the cheesy pizza burgers onto the toasted hamburger buns.

Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and stretchy.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Don’t overwork the beef. Mix the seasonings in gently for a tender burger.
• Use 80/20 ground beef. The extra fat helps keep the patties juicy and flavorful.
• Toast the buns. Toasting adds texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the pizza sauce.
• Don’t use too much sauce. A thin, even layer gives you pizza flavor without making the burger difficult to eat.
• Cover the skillet while melting the cheese. This helps the mozzarella melt evenly without overcooking the beef.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella. It melts smoothly and gives the burgers a great cheesy texture.
• Let the patties stay relatively thick. Very thin patties can dry out more quickly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground Beef

You can use ground turkey or ground chicken, although the burgers will be leaner and slightly less juicy.

Mozzarella

Use provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend instead of mozzarella.

Pepperoni

Turkey pepperoni can be used as an alternative.

Pizza Sauce

Marinara sauce can be substituted if you don’t have pizza sauce.

Hamburger Buns

Brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, or other sturdy sandwich rolls can also work.

Recipe Variations

Extra Cheesy Pizza Burgers

Add a second layer of mozzarella or combine mozzarella with provolone for an extra cheesy topping.

Supreme Pizza Burgers

Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions along with the pepperoni.

Spicy Pizza Burgers

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or use spicy pepperoni.

Mushroom Pizza Burgers

Top each burger with sautéed mushrooms before adding the mozzarella.

Hawaiian Pizza Burgers

Add small pieces of cooked pineapple along with the pepperoni for a sweet and savory variation.

Garlic Butter Pizza Burgers

Brush the toasted buns with a little garlic butter before assembling the burgers.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cooked burger patties separately from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

When ready to eat, reheat the patties in a skillet or oven until heated through.

Toast fresh buns before assembling for the best texture.

If possible, store the sauce, cheese, and buns separately so the burgers don’t become soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Pizza Burgers with:

• French fries
• Potato wedges
• Onion rings
• Garlic fries
• Caesar salad
• Coleslaw
• Green salad
• Pickles
• Extra pizza sauce for dipping

For a fun pizza-night meal, serve them with mozzarella sticks or a simple side salad.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 37g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1,180mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the brands of buns, pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and ground beef used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pizza Burgers?

Pizza Burgers are hamburgers topped with pizza-style ingredients such as pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. They combine the flavors of a classic burger and pizza in one sandwich.

Can I grill the burgers?

Yes. The seasoned beef patties can be cooked on an outdoor grill instead of a skillet. Add the pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni after the burgers are cooked.

How do I keep Pizza Burgers from becoming soggy?

Toast the hamburger buns before assembling and avoid adding too much pizza sauce. Serving the burgers immediately also gives you the best texture.

Can I use turkey pepperoni?

Yes. Turkey pepperoni is an easy substitute if you prefer it.

Can I make these burgers without pepperoni?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the pepperoni or replace it with other pizza toppings such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions.

What cheese is best for Pizza Burgers?

Mozzarella is the classic choice because it melts well and has a mild flavor. Provolone or an Italian cheese blend also works nicely.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes. Shape and season the patties, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. For best results, cook them within 1 day.

Print

Final Thoughts

Pizza Burgers are an easy way to bring pizza night and burger night together. Juicy 80/20 ground beef is seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, then topped with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni before being served on toasted buns.

They’re quick, cheesy, and easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings. Serve them with fries or a simple salad for a fun family dinner.