Pizza Burgers are the comfort-food mashup you never knew you needed—juicy, cheesy burgers with all the iconic flavors of a classic pizza, wrapped in a soft bun and ready in under 30 minutes. Imagine biting into a thick beef patty topped with gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni slices, all tucked between a perfectly toasted bun. Whether you’re serving them to kids or grownups, these irresistible Pizza Burgers will delight and surprise anyone who thought they had burgers (or pizza!) all figured out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a lengthy shopping list to make these, but each ingredient plays a starring role in building those signature pizza flavors and textures inside your favorite burger. The magic is all about balancing savory, tangy, cheesy, and a touch of herby goodness.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The traditional base for juicy burgers, rich and hearty—choose 80/20 for the perfect blend of flavor and tenderness.
Pizza Sauce (1/2 cup): Delivers classic tomato tang and an essential “pizza” taste to every bite.
Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs that instantly gives your burgers a pizza parlor aroma.
Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Punches up the savory flavor and adds depth—don’t skip it!
Onion Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the beef and pairs perfectly with garlic for classic Italian flair.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Brings everything together and brightens all the flavors.
Hamburger Buns (4): Soft, classic buns provide the structure and absorb all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully into gooey, stretchy deliciousness atop each patty.
Pepperoni Slices (12–16): Adds that bold, spicy punch that truly transforms burgers into Pizza Burgers.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Brushing on the buns gives you a toasty, golden crunch with extra flavor.

How to Make Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Season and Form the Patties

Start by mixing the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix until all the seasonings are evenly distributed. Then, form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, being careful not to pack them too tightly so they stay juicy.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill or Skillet

Get your grill or skillet nice and hot over medium heat. A preheated cooking surface will give your burgers a delicious, flavorful crust and cook them evenly all the way through.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Cook the patties for about four to five minutes on each side. You want them fully cooked but still moist and tender inside. Resist the urge to press down on them as they cook, so you don’t lose any flavorful juices.

Step 4: Add Pizza Layers

During the last minute of cooking, spoon about two tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each patty—this soaks right in and brings the pizza flavor to life. Sprinkle a generous heap of shredded mozzarella on top, then layer the pepperoni slices for that unmistakable pizza look and taste.

Step 5: Melt and Cover

Cover the pan or close the grill lid for a minute or two. This traps in heat and allows the cheese to melt into bubbling, gooey perfection while warming the pepperoni just enough to get slightly crispy at the edges.

Step 6: Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended!)

For those buttery, moreish buns, brush the insides lightly with olive oil, then toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden. This little touch ups the texture and adds a flavor boost that elevates the whole experience.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Place each finished patty on a toasted bun. Sandwich them closed and serve piping hot—be prepared for the oozing cheese and that heavenly pepperoni aroma! You’ll see why Pizza Burgers are so unforgettable.

How to Serve Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or a little grated Parmesan for a pop of color and a touch of Italian flair. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is fantastic. Even a drizzle of extra pizza sauce or garlic aioli makes these burgers extra special and ultra inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pizza Burgers with classic crispy fries, a tangy Caesar salad, or roasted garlic potatoes for an easy crowd-pleasing meal. For lighter fare, serve alongside a simple cucumber-tomato salad or fresh fruit to balance out the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making slider-sized mini Pizza Burgers for parties, or serve open-faced on toasted ciabatta for a fun, rustic twist. For a family-style feast, create a build-your-own Pizza Burger bar with extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños—all arranged buffet-style for everyone to customize their burger their way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Pizza Burgers, let them cool, then refrigerate the patties and buns separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep well for two to three days and are perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked patties (without the buns or fresh garnishes) for up to three months. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating to keep them from drying out.

Reheating

To reheat, place the patties in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick fix. Refresh the cheese and pepperoni topping if you want to revive that classic Pizza Burgers gooeyness, and toast new buns for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make these Pizza Burgers with ground turkey or a plant-based patty?

Absolutely! Just swap in ground turkey or your favorite vegetarian burger mix, and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps. The pizza toppings bring all the flavor, so everyone can enjoy their own version regardless of dietary preference.

Which pizza sauce works best for this recipe?

Use a thick, flavorful pizza sauce—either homemade or your favorite store-bought jar. Look for one with a good balance of tomato, herbs, and a little garlic. If you’re in a pinch, even marinara or spaghetti sauce will work nicely.

What are some fun toppings I can add to these Pizza Burgers?

Feel free to get creative! Sautéed mushrooms, sliced olives, roasted bell peppers, or a sprinkle of chopped onions are all delicious. Some folks even like adding fresh arugula, sliced jalapeños, or a few banana peppers for a tangy kick.

Can I grill these outdoors instead of cooking on a stovetop?

Yes—Pizza Burgers are delicious cooked over a real grill, giving them even more flavor and a hint of smokiness. Just make sure to use indirect heat when adding the cheese and pepperoni so everything melts nicely without burning.

How do I keep the burgers from getting soggy with sauce and cheese?

Toast those buns! A light toasting helps create a barrier so the sauce doesn’t soak in too quickly. Also, spoon on the sauce just before serving, and don’t overload it—just enough to cover the patty and create juicy bites.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your next burger night, give Pizza Burgers a try—they’re easy, endlessly customizable, and so fun to share. Bring that pizzeria magic to your own kitchen, and watch these oozy, cheesy burgers become a new family favorite!

Pizza Burgers Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Pizza Burgers combine the flavors of a classic pizza with a juicy burger for a delicious twist on a traditional favorite. These burgers are loaded with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for a fun dinner with family or friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Patties:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

1/2 cup pizza sauce
4 hamburger buns
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12–16 slices pepperoni
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for toasting buns)

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Heat the grill or skillet over medium heat.
Prepare the Patties: Mix the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
Cook the Patties: Grill or cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Add Toppings: Spoon pizza sauce on each patty, then sprinkle with mozzarella and top with pepperoni. Melt the cheese by covering the pan or grill.
Toast the Buns: Optionally, toast the buns with olive oil until golden.
Assemble the Burgers: Place the patties on the buns and serve hot.

Notes

Enhance the flavor with garlic butter on the buns before toasting.
Customize with toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a ‘supreme pizza’ twist.
Opt for turkey or plant-based patties for dietary variations.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Stovetop
Cuisine: American