Pizza Burger Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads, craving both a juicy burger and a gooey slice of pizza, allow me to introduce you to the wondrous Pizza Burger. This fun, flavor-packed mashup brings together everything we adore about both classics—melty mozzarella, zesty marinara, sizzling pepperoni, and a perfectly grilled, sausage-infused beef patty—right inside a toasted bun. It’s pure comfort food excitement, ready in just about half an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Pizza Burger is that every ingredient does some heavy lifting for flavor and texture. All you need are these simple supermarket staples to channel both your inner grill master and Italian pizzaiolo in under 30 minutes.

• Ground Beef (80% lean/20% fat): Delivers rich, juicy flavor and that classic burger bite—don’t go too lean or you’ll miss out on tenderness.
• Ground Italian Sausage: Infuses the patties with savory, herby character reminiscent of your favorite pizza toppings.
• Pizza Seasoning (oregano, basil, marjoram, garlic): This blend really brings the “pizza” personality; use a premixed blend or sprinkle in your own.
• Hamburger Buns: A classic, fluffy bun soaks up all the delicious saucy, cheesy goodness, holding it all together.
• Marinara Sauce: A good, thick marinara is key for that nostalgic pizzeria flavor—homemade or store-bought both work!
• Mozzarella Cheese (slices): Essential for gooey, stretchy melt on each burger patty.
• Pepperoni: Provides extra punchy, smoky, and spicy notes, just like a classic pizza.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): For a salty, nutty finish—just a sprinkle brings everything together.
• Butter: Brushed onto the buns for golden, toasty perfection.

Variations

The Pizza Burger universe is infinitely customizable, so let your imagination (and fridge!) run wild. Whether you need a twist for dietary preferences or want to amp up the flavor profile, these swaps make it easy to craft your own version at home.

• Veggie Supreme: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles and add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the burger or as toppings.
• Spicy Pizza Burger: Add chopped jalapeños to the meat mix or sprinkle red pepper flakes into your sauce for a fiery kick.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the regular buns for your favorite gluten-free or low-carb buns—these burgers are all about the fillings anyway!
• Extra Cheesy: Melt a combo of mozzarella and provolone or swap in pepper jack for a zingy twist.

How to Make Pizza Burger

Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, and a generous sprinkle of pizza seasoning until just mixed. Take care not to overwork the meat! Then, divide your mix into four even portions—about 8 ounces each for big, burger-joint style patties, or go smaller if you prefer. Pat them into discs just a bit wider than your buns (they’ll shrink slightly as they cook), and don’t forget to press a thumbprint into the center of each to keep them from puffing up.

Step 2: Grill or Pan Sear the Burgers

Get your grill or skillet hot and ready—the sizzle is what seals in all those pizza-inspired flavors. Grill each patty for about 4 minutes on the first side, resisting the urge to press them down (you want juicy burgers, not dry hockey pucks!). While they cook, enjoy the tantalizing aroma of Italian spices wafting through your kitchen.

Step 3: Heat the Marinara and Pepperoni

While the burgers work their magic on the grill, warm your marinara sauce gently in a small pan over medium-low heat until just simmering. For extra flavor, toss your pepperoni slices into a hot pan or place them on tinfoil on the grill for a minute or two—just enough to crisp the edges and intensify the taste.

Step 4: Cheese & Flip

Flip the patties and let them cook another 2 to 4 minutes, just until done to your liking (aim for around 140°F for medium). In the last minute of cooking, crown each patty with a slice of mozzarella, giving it time to melt and blanket the juicy meat.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Butter the insides of your hamburger buns and toast them, face down, on the grill or in a hot skillet for a minute or two. You’re looking for golden edges and that satisfying crunch—just like pizza crust!

Step 6: Assemble & Finish

Set your melty, cheesy Pizza Burger patties onto the toasted buns. Spoon a spoonful (or two!) of hot marinara over each, pile on the crisped pepperoni, and finish with a dramatic flourish of grated parmesan. Now take a big bite—pure pizzeria bliss!

How to Serve Pizza Burger

Garnishes

Go wild with a scatter of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, herby aroma right before serving. A final snowstorm of grated parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes can really turn your Pizza Burger into a restaurant-worthy showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pizza Burgers with crispy oven fries, a garlicky Caesar salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal. For extra fun, serve with mozzarella sticks or a little bowl of extra marinara for dipping. It’s comfort food heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking mini Pizza Burger sliders for party platters, or slice regular burgers in halves or quarters and arrange them in a circle for a “burger pizza” effect. For a dramatic flair, layer toppings in front of guests at the table so everyone gets their perfect custom creation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Pizza Burgers cool fully, then wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit after a night’s rest.

Freezing

Burger patties (without sauce or cheese) freeze beautifully—wrap each tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost completely before reheating and topping as usual.

Reheating

To reheat a Pizza Burger, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 10-12 minutes for best, juicy results. For a quick fix, a minute or two in the microwave also works, but keep an eye so the cheese doesn’t overheat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that promises smiles around the table and completely crushes any indecision between pizza night and burger night, this Pizza Burger is your answer. Give it a try—the only thing better than how it tastes is seeing everyone’s face light up at first bite!

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