If you’re like me and can never decide between a burger or pizza, why not have the best of both worlds? These Pizza Burgers are the perfect combo of a juicy burger and all your favorite pizza toppings. From the melted mozzarella to the tangy marinara sauce, these burgers will have you craving them again and again. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make this easy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious dish together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Who doesn’t love a good pizza? And who doesn’t love a juicy burger? Now, imagine combining both into one delicious creation. These Pizza Burgers bring all the flavors you love from a pizza and pack them into a perfectly seasoned burger. With melty mozzarella, savory marinara sauce, and all the classic pizza toppings, this burger will be your new favorite weeknight meal or weekend indulgence. It’s simple, satisfying, and super fun to eat!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick peek at the ingredients you’ll need. For the full list, keep reading!
- Ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, or olives
Check out the full ingredient list below to get started!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties
Start by seasoning your ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix the meat, or your burgers will be tough. Divide the mixture into equal portions and form patties, making them about 1 inch thick. Set them aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the patties and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. The goal is to get a nice brown crust on the outside and ensure the burgers are cooked through. You can also grill them if you prefer that smoky flavor!
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
When the burgers are almost done, top each patty with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt by covering the pan with a lid for a minute or two. This will give you that melty, cheesy goodness that makes these burgers irresistible.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the burgers are finishing up, toast your burger buns. You can do this in the skillet or on the grill for a few minutes until they’re golden brown. Toasting the buns adds a little extra crunch and keeps them from getting soggy once you add all your toppings.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Now for the fun part! Place each cheesy burger on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the melted cheese, then add any optional toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives. Finally, top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For the juiciest burgers, make sure to cook them just enough to avoid drying them out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- If you’re using store-bought marinara sauce, look for a high-quality brand for the best flavor. Or better yet, make your own simple marinara sauce at home!
- If you’re grilling, keep an eye on the burgers to prevent flare-ups, as the cheese can cause some extra sizzle.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza burgers, feel free to mix it up! Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses will add a different twist.
- Meat Choices: Try using ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter burger. You can also make it a vegetarian option with a veggie burger or portobello mushrooms as the patty.
- Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizza toppings! You can add bell peppers, onions, olives, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a little extra flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Pizza Burgers are great on their own, but you can easily make them into a full meal. Pair them with crispy fries, a side salad, or even some garlic bread for that ultimate pizza-inspired feast. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a side of cheesy breadsticks would complete the pizza party vibes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the cooked patties and toppings separately in airtight containers. The patties will keep for about 2-3 days in the fridge. To reheat, you can microwave the burger patties or heat them in a skillet to keep them juicy. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the patties (without the toppings) for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven or skillet when you’re ready to eat!
4 FAQs
- Can I make the burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes meal prep easy and quick on busy days! - What can I do if my burgers are too thick?
If you find that your patties are too thick and aren’t cooking evenly, simply flatten them a little with a spatula while they cook, or consider making slightly thinner patties next time. - Can I use a veggie burger for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of veggie or plant-based burger patty as a substitute for the ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of patty you’re using. - Can I use a different type of sauce?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of marinara, you can switch it up with pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
Conclusion
These Pizza Burgers are the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the delicious flavors of pizza with the satisfying bite of a juicy burger. They’re easy to make, fully customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving something a little out of the ordinary, these pizza burgers are a surefire hit. Enjoy!
Print
Pizza Burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (4-5 minutes per side for patties)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Grill
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Description
A delicious mashup of a juicy burger and all your favorite pizza toppings! With melted mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and the option to add classic pizza toppings, these Pizza Burgers are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 8 oz (225g) Mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- 1/2 cup Marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (or to taste)
- 4 Burger buns
- Optional toppings:
- Pepperoni
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Olives
Instructions
-
Prepare the Burger Patties:
Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and form into 4 equal patties, about 1 inch thick. -
Cook the Patties:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). Alternatively, grill the patties for a smoky flavor. -
Melt the Cheese:
Once the burgers are nearly cooked, top each with mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese for 1-2 minutes. -
Toast the Buns:
Toast the burger buns in the skillet or on the grill until golden brown. -
Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
Place the cheesy patties on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Spoon marinara sauce over the cheese, and add any optional toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, olives). Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.
Notes
- For juicier burgers, be sure not to overcook the patties. A meat thermometer is helpful—160°F (71°C) is ideal for ground beef.
- For an extra delicious touch, make your own marinara sauce or use a high-quality store-bought one.
- If grilling, watch for flare-ups as cheese can cause extra sizzling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (without bun)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg