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Pizza burgers are a fun twist on classic burgers and pizza, bringing the best of both comfort foods together for a meal that never fails to please everyone at my table
Ingredients
- Ground beef: use eighty percent lean for juicy flavorful patties that stay tender
- Italian seasoning: brings classic pizza flavor to the meat dried herbs work best
- Garlic powder: adds savory depth pick a fresh bottle so the taste pops
- Salt: brings out all the flavors try sea salt for a fuller finish
- Black pepper: gives a mild heat fresh cracked is worth the effort
- Hamburger buns: soft but sturdy ones hold all the layers without getting soggy
- Pizza sauce: choose one with rich tomato flavor or make your own for a personal touch
- Mozzarella cheese: provides that classic melty stretch whole milk mozzarella melts best
- Pepperoni: use thin or thick slices depending on your preference for spice and texture look for ones with bright color and no greasy residue
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix and Shape the Patties:
- Combine the ground beef Italian seasoning garlic powder salt and pepper in a large bowl Use your hands to mix gently until just combined so you do not overwork the meat Shape into four equal patties flattening them slightly for even cooking Let sit for five minutes to help the flavors meld and the patties hold together better
- Toast the Buns:
- Heat your grill or grill pan and the broiler to medium high Lay the split hamburger buns cut side up on a baking sheet Broil for two to three minutes watching closely so they turn golden but not burnt Remove the top halves after toasting to keep them from getting soggy in later steps
- Grill the Patties:
- Place the patties on the hot grill or grill pan Cook each side for about four to five minutes until deeply browned and cooked to your desired level Use a meat thermometer if you can aiming for one hundred sixty degrees for safety
- Warm the Sauce and Prep the Bottom Buns:
- While the burgers grill pour the pizza sauce into a small saucepan Set it over low heat and stir every so often so it does not scorch Spread half the sauce onto the bottoms of the toasted buns Sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese and layer on several slices of pepperoni
- Melt the Cheese:
- Slide the sauced bottom buns under the broiler for two to three minutes The cheese should bubble and the edges of the pepperoni crisp up leaving you with a pizza like base that smells incredible
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
- Set the finished burger patties on top of the cheesy pizza bun bases Spoon the rest of the sauce over each patty scatter over the rest of the mozzarella and pepperoni Pop back under the broiler just until everything melts together then top with the other halves of the buns
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Bring the pizza burgers to the table while they are hot and gooey ready for everyone to dig in
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My favorite part is always piling on extra pepperoni My daughter always jokes that I sneak more on mine than on anyone else’s We started making these every Super Bowl Sunday and now the whole family looks forward to it as part of our tradition
Storage Tips
Store leftover pizza burgers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to two days They reheat best in a warm oven uncovered for about ten minutes so the buns stay toasty and the cheese gets melty again
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef though you may want to add a splash of olive oil for moisture If you don’t have Italian seasoning a pinch of dried oregano and basil works As for cheese sharp provolone or Monterey Jack brings a nice twist
Serving Suggestions
These burgers are fantastic with a simple green salad or oven baked fries For a fun touch serve with extra warm pizza sauce on the side for dunking You can also add sautéed mushrooms or onions for more flavor
Cultural Note
Pizza burgers were a diner favorite in the sixties and seventies a clever mashup when pizza was gaining popularity in the US Reimagining them at home brings a bit of retro love to the table plus the chance to tweak toppings to suit your crew
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you keep the burger patties juicy?
Use ground beef with a moderate fat content (like 80/20) and avoid overmixing the meat. Rest the patties briefly before grilling to help retain juices.
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, provolone or cheddar works well if mozzarella isn't available. They melt nicely and complement the Italian flavors.
- → What's the best way to toast the buns?
Broil or grill the buns cut side up until they're golden brown. This adds texture and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
- → How can I add more flavor to the patties?
Try mixing in chopped fresh basil, a pinch of oregano, or a few red pepper flakes with the beef for an extra kick.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the burger?
Absolutely! Swap the beef patties with grilled portobello mushrooms or veggie patties. Use the same pizza toppings for a delicious result.