Meet your new weeknight favorite: Pizza Burgers! These iconic creations bring together the juicy satisfaction of a classic burger with everything you love about pizza — zesty sauce, gooey cheese, and bold pepperoni, all tucked into a perfectly toasted bun. With only a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you get a clever, crave-worthy main dish that’s as fun for a casual family dinner as it is for impressing friends. If you’ve ever wished for that pizza-party magic in burger form, you’re in the right place.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Pizza Burgers so spectacular is how simple the lineup is — yet each individual ingredient brings crucial flavor, hearty texture, or just a little pizzazz to the final bite. Let’s break it all down, so every bite sings with unmistakable pizza-burger bliss.
- Ground beef: Go for an 80/20 blend for maximum juiciness and flavor, but ground turkey or chicken works well too.
- Pizza sauce: This is the soulful, savory heart of each burger patty—use your favorite jarred sauce or make a quick homemade one for something extra special.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that classic, melty stretch and rounds out the pizza vibe.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that takes these burgers straight to the next level.
- Chopped pepperoni: For true pizza flavor, don’t skip it—mini pepperonis are extra fun, but chopped regular slices work beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Infuses gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dried oregano: Gives that unmistakable “pizza parlor” aroma with every bite.
- Salt: Brings all the ingredients together and amps up the savory notes.
- Black pepper: Adds a bit of background heat to balance all the richness.
- Hamburger buns: Any sturdy, soft bun will work; try brioche or potato buns for a little extra indulgence.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the buns before toasting provides beautiful color and flavor.
- Optional toppings: Sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, or extra cheese can personalize every burger, mimicking your go-to pizza order!
How to Make Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Mix Up the Perfect Pizza Burger Patty
In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pizza sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped pepperoni, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. There’s no need for fancy gadgets—a spoon or your hands work perfectly. Gently mix everything just until it’s combined. The less you handle, the more tender your Pizza Burgers will be. You’ll notice the mix already smells like a pizzeria, and the flecks of cheese and pepperoni throughout are a sure sign you’re on the right track.
Step 2: Shape and Prepare the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. With damp hands, gently form each portion into a patty slightly wider than your buns (they shrink a bit during cooking). Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb — this simple trick helps them cook evenly and keeps them from puffing up in the middle.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill or Skillet
Preheat your grill or a sturdy skillet over medium heat. You want a nice, even sizzle but not a blast of high heat, so things cook through without burning. Add your patties and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once. If you love an even crispier crust, use a cast-iron pan for that unbeatable golden edge. Burgers are done when fully cooked through and the cheese within is deliciously melty.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While your patties are cooking, it’s toast time! Brush the insides of your hamburger buns with a touch of olive oil — they’ll get beautifully golden and just a little crispy. Toast them directly on the grill or in a pan until warm and lightly browned. This small step keeps the buns from getting soggy once you sandwich in the hot, saucy patties.
Step 5: Build Your Pizza Burgers
Now comes the fun part! Place each pizza burger patty on a toasted bun, then top with any optional toppings you love — extra mozzarella, black olives, or bell peppers channel that supreme pizza feeling. Pop on the top bun, grab some napkins, and get ready for that first glorious, cheesy, meaty bite.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Garnishes
Sprinkle each Pizza Burger with a little extra Parmesan or a few ribbons of fresh basil right before serving for an irresistible Italian touch. A light dusting of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of garlic-infused oil is fantastic if you’re craving a bit of heat or extra flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
Pair these beauties with classic sides like garlic-parmesan fries, Caesar salad, or even mozzarella sticks for the ultimate pizza-party meal. A bright, crisp salad also balances the richness of the burgers and keeps the meal feeling fresh. And if you’re truly going all out, a small bowl of marinara for dipping is pure nostalgic comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving mini slider versions of Pizza Burgers on a platter with different colored cocktail picks matching various toppings. Or, split the burgers and arrange them open-faced, pizza-melt style, under the broiler with more cheese for dramatic flair. You can even pile extra sautéed veggies on top for a “deluxe” pizza effect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with extra Pizza Burgers, wrap them individually in foil or airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate so the buns stay fresh and nothing turns soggy.
Freezing
Fully cooked and cooled pizza burger patties freeze beautifully! Wrap each in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use. For best results, freeze the cooked patties without the buns so they taste just as fantastic when reheated.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, adding a splash of water for moisture if needed. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, though for the best texture, a quick trip in the oven (350°F for about 10 minutes) crisps everything back up. Toast fresh buns for a revitalized burger experience.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the burger patties up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just cook, assemble, and serve fresh for top-notch flavor and texture.
How do I make Pizza Burgers healthier?
Try lean ground turkey or chicken, use reduced-fat cheese, and pile on fresh veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for an even lighter but still generous, pizza-inspired bite. You could also serve them open-faced to cut down on refined grains.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
No problem at all — swap in your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative and skip or use vegetarian pepperoni. All the cheesy, saucy joy remains, and everyone gets to join in!
Can I cook Pizza Burgers in the oven?
Yes, just place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll cook through beautifully, and you can even slide the buns under the broiler for a last-minute toast.
What toppings go best with Pizza Burgers?
The best part is mixing it up to match your favorite pizza! Classic combos like bell peppers and olives are always a hit, but try sautéed onions, jalapeños, or even pineapple if you’re a Hawaiian pizza fan. Let everyone customize their own burger for maximum fun.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up dinnertime with something outside the ordinary, Pizza Burgers are your ticket. They combine the best elements of a pizzeria feast and a backyard cookout in one easy-to-love meal. Give them a whirl—trust me, they’re destined to become a repeat request!
Print
Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pizza Burgers are a delicious combination of two favorite comfort foods – pizza and burgers. Juicy burger patties loaded with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, grilled to perfection and served on toasted buns. A fun twist on a classic dish!
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, bell peppers, or extra cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pizza sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped pepperoni, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Shape into four patties.
- Cook the Burgers: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Toast the Buns: Brush the insides of the buns with olive oil and toast until golden.
- Assemble: Place each patty on a toasted bun, add optional toppings, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground and omit the pepperoni.
- Pair with marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
