This recipe makes 4 pizza burgers — just enough to share, or keep them all to yourself (we won’t judge).
For the Patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage for added flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, bell peppers)
For the Buns:
- 4 burger buns (or ciabatta rolls for that authentic pizza shop vibe)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for toasting
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How to Make Pizza Burgers: Step-by-Step Instructions
These pizza burgers come together easily with minimal prep and lots of flavor-packed payoff. Here’s how to bring them to life in your kitchen.
1. Make the Burger Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef + sausage mix)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix just until combined — overmixing can make burgers tough. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into round patties about ¾-inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb (this helps them cook evenly without puffing up in the middle).
2. Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet, cast-iron pan, or grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties.
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- For food safety, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
If you’re using a grill, brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. For indoor cooking, a grill pan or heavy skillet works great.
3. Pizza-ize the Burgers
Once your patties are cooked through, lower the heat to medium-low.
- Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of marinara or pizza sauce over each patty.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Top each burger with 3–4 slices of pepperoni or your favorite toppings.
Cover the skillet or close the grill lid for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melty, gooey, and irresistible.
4. Toast the Buns
While the cheese is melting, brush the inside of your burger buns with olive oil or melted butter.
Toast them in a separate skillet, on the grill, or in the oven until they’re golden and crisp. This step adds crunch and prevents soggy buns — a must when dealing with saucy burgers!
5. Assemble Your Pizza Burgers
Now it’s time to build your masterpiece:
- Spread a bit of extra marinara sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place your cheesy, pizza-topped patty on top.
- Add any extra toppings or garnishes, like fresh basil or chopped parsley.
- Cap it off with the top bun and dig in!
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