If you’re craving something that blends the saucy, cheesy comfort of pizza with the juicy thrill of a burger, the Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine savoring melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and hearty ground beef all sandwiched in a toasty bun—it’s a fun twist that will satisfy both pizza lovers and burger enthusiasts alike. Perfect for family dinners, backyard cookouts, or a quick weeknight treat, this recipe comes together in just about 25 minutes and is gloriously adaptable for every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe is how these familiar, everyday ingredients come together to make something special. Each one brings a burst of flavor, oozy texture, or vibrant color—there’s no fluff here, just pure delicious necessity!
- Ground beef (1 pound): Use 80/20 for juicy, flavorful patties that hold up to all those melty toppings.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Simple but essential for highlighting the beefy goodness.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a warm, peppery kick without overpowering the classic flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers that nostalgic, pizzeria flair right into your burger mix.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Packs in that distinctive pizza flavor with a blend of herbs.
- Pizza sauce (1/4 cup plus more for serving): Infuses every bite with tangy, tomatoey goodness; plus, it’s perfect for slathering on the buns.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Makes the patties extra gooey and satisfying inside.
- Chopped pepperoni (1/4 cup): Tiny bursts of classic pizza flavor right in the burger.
- Hamburger buns (4): Choose soft, fresh buns—they’ll soak up all the saucy, cheesy magic.
- Mozzarella or provolone cheese slices (4): For that irresistible melty topping on each burger.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Ensures your burgers and buns get that perfect sear and extra richness.
- Optional toppings (extra pepperoni, fresh basil, red pepper flakes): These let you personalize each burger for a truly unforgettable experience.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill or Skillet
Start by heating your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. This gets you those crave-worthy grill marks and ensures your burgers develop a nice crust while staying juicy inside. If you’re going the indoor route, a grill pan works wonders.
Step 2: Mix the Beef and Seasonings
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and 1/4 cup of pizza sauce. Use your hands or a spatula, mixing just until everything comes together—resist the urge to overmix, as that can make your patties tough rather than tender.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Now, gently fold in the shredded mozzarella and chopped pepperoni. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little lumpy; those cheese pockets will turn gooey as they cook, and the pepperoni will deliver spicy, meaty surprise in each bite.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Divide your burger mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about the same size as your buns. Try not to pack them too tightly, so they stay juicy and tender.
Step 5: Grill and Top with Cheese
Lightly brush the grill or skillet with olive oil, then add your patties. Cook each one for 4–5 minutes per side, flipping only once. In the last minute, lay a slice of mozzarella or provolone on each burger and cover to melt the cheese to perfection.
Step 6: Toast the Buns and Assemble
While the burgers finish, quickly toast your buns to a golden brown—trust me, it adds just the right crunch. Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each bun, pop a burger on top, and let the fun begin! Add extra pepperoni, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want to turn these up to pizza-supreme status.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe is where you can let your inner pizzaiolo shine. Go for classic extra pepperoni, fresh basil leaves for a fragrant pop of green, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you love some heat. Don’t skip that extra swirl of pizza sauce—it’s the perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These burgers pair fantastically with crispy oven fries, a simple Caesar salad, or even some garlicky roasted veggies on the side. For a true pizza-night experience, whip up a platter of mozzarella sticks or pass around a tangy coleslaw for crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the burgers in halves or quarters and serve them party-style on a platter with plenty of napkins. Or, transform them into bite-sized sliders for game day. You can even serve them open-faced with extra marinara for dunking—no utensils required!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe, let them cool to room temperature and store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess, and stash any extra toppings in small containers.
Freezing
Want to meal prep? Shape and cook your burger patties ahead of time, then let them cool completely before wrapping individually in foil or plastic wrap. Tuck them into a freezer-safe bag and keep frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe back to melty perfection, reheat patties gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a fresh slice of cheese for extra gooeyness, then pile onto toasted buns with your favorite toppings and a little extra pizza sauce.
FAQs
Can I make these burgers with turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter but just as flavorful version of this burger. Since poultry tends to be leaner, add a drizzle of olive oil to the mix for extra juiciness, and be mindful not to overcook.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart on the grill?
Be sure not to overmix your burger mixture; handle it just enough to combine everything. If your patties still feel a bit loose, try chilling them in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before grilling, which helps them hold their shape.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy buns?
Toasted buns are the secret! Give them a quick turn on the grill or in a toaster before assembly. If you’re adding lots of sauce, start with a thin layer or serve extra on the side for dipping.
Can these burgers be made ahead for a party?
Yes, you can shape the patties in advance and store them covered in the fridge until it’s time to cook. For serving a crowd, keep cooked patties warm in a low oven, then set up a burger bar with all the toppings.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe?
Of course! Substitute your favorite plant-based ground meat for the beef, and use vegetarian pepperoni. The flavors hold up beautifully, so everyone can enjoy a pizza burger night.
Final Thoughts
This cheerful mashup of burger and pizza favorites is just too much fun not to try. Round up your ingredients and give this Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe a go—whether you’re cooking for the family or throwing a backyard bash, it’s sure to win plenty of smiles. Happy cooking!
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Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Burgers are a delicious twist on classic burgers, infused with the flavors of pizza. Juicy beef patties are seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, stuffed with gooey mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, and topped with more cheese. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a backyard barbecue!
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
For serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: extra pepperoni slices, fresh basil, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or skillet: Preheat grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
- Prepare the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce. Gently fold in shredded mozzarella and chopped pepperoni. Shape into 4 patties.
- Cook the patties: Brush grill or skillet with olive oil. Cook burgers for 4–5 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Top each patty with a slice of mozzarella or provolone in the last minute of cooking to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the burgers: Toast the hamburger buns. Spread pizza sauce on the bottom half of each bun, place a patty on top, and add extra toppings if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- For a crispier texture, pan-fry some pepperoni and add it as a topping.
- These burgers can also be made indoors using a grill pan or broiler.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
