Description
Pizza Burgers combine the juicy goodness of classic hamburgers with the bold flavors of a traditional pizza. Ground beef patties are seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, topped with pepperoni, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all nestled between toasted hamburger buns for a mouthwatering twist on two beloved favorites. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Bread
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Form patties: Shape the seasoned ground beef mixture into four evenly sized patties. Set them aside while you prepare other components.
- Toast buns: Preheat your broiler to medium-high. Place the split hamburger buns on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler until golden brown. Remove the top halves and set aside for later use.
- Grill patties: Cook the beef patties on a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, grilling each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they reach your preferred doneness.
- Warm pizza sauce: While the patties cook, gently heat the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Assemble burgers – first layer: Spread half of the warm pizza sauce evenly on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange half of the pepperoni slices on top.
- Broil bottom bun halves: Place the assembled bottom halves under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Layer patties and toppings: Place a grilled beef patty atop each cheesy bottom bun half. Then, spread the remaining pizza sauce over each patty, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, and top with the rest of the pepperoni slices.
- Broil completed burgers: Return the fully assembled burgers to the broiler for a few minutes, just until the additional cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
- Serve: Cap each burger with the reserved toasted bun tops and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sliced onions or bell peppers inside the burger before broiling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the patties in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms or olives.
- To make this recipe quicker, use pre-toasted buns or prepare the toppings while the patties cook.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American-Italian
