Pizza Burgers

Pizza Burgers are a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and burgers. This recipe combines the juicy, savory goodness of a burger with the rich, cheesy flavors of pizza, creating a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of classic cheeseburgers or a pizza lover, Pizza Burgers are sure to satisfy your cravings.

What are Pizza Burgers?

Pizza Burgers are essentially burgers that are topped with traditional pizza ingredients like marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. They bring together the best of both worlds, delivering the flavors of a pizza in the form of a hearty burger.

The Origin of Pizza Burgers

The exact origin of Pizza Burgers is unclear, but they are believed to have emerged as a creative way to combine popular American and Italian cuisine. Over time, they have gained popularity in various restaurants and homes as a fun and tasty alternative to traditional burgers.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Burgers

Pizza Burgers offer a unique twist on the classic burger, making them a hit with both kids and adults. They’re easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings, and they’re perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients Needed

Ground Beef or Turkey

Choose high-quality ground beef or turkey for the best flavor and texture. Ground beef with an 80/20 ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for juicy burgers.

Italian Seasonings

A blend of Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and garlic powder adds a burst of flavor to the patties.

Marinara Sauce

Use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for a rich tomato flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese

Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza taste.

Pepperoni Slices

Pepperoni adds a deliciously spicy and savory note to the burgers.

Burger Buns

Soft, toasted burger buns provide the perfect base for your Pizza Burgers.

Optional Toppings

Consider adding other pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or olives to enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Preparing the Patties

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey with Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper.
2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties, pressing a small indentation in the center of each to ensure even cooking.

Cooking the Patties

1. Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Patties: Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
3. Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and cover the grill or pan to melt the cheese.

Assembling the Pizza Burgers

1. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
2. Add Marinara Sauce: Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
3. Add the Patty: Place the cooked patty with melted cheese on top of the marinara sauce.
4. Top with Pepperoni: Add a few slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese.
5. Finish with the Bun: Place the top half of the bun on the burger and serve hot.

Cooking Methods

Grilling

Grilling the patties adds a smoky flavor that complements the pizza toppings perfectly.

Stovetop

Cooking the patties in a skillet on the stovetop is a convenient and quick method.

Oven-Baked

For an even cooking method, bake the patties in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, adding the cheese during the last few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pizza Burgers with a side of crispy French fries, a fresh garden salad, or a classic coleslaw. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or ranch dressing.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Burgers

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the meat gently when forming the patties to keep them tender.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality marinara sauce make a big difference in flavor.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your favorite pizza toppings.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Pizza Burgers

Use a plant-based burger patty and top with your favorite vegetarian pizza toppings.

Spicy Pizza Burgers

Add some crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the meat mixture for a kick of heat.

Deluxe Pizza Burgers

Load up your Pizza Burgers with extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives.

Side Dishes to Complement

• Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries tossed in garlic and Parmesan cheese.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing.
• Caprese Salad: A simple salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Health Benefits of Pizza Burgers

Using lean ground turkey or plant-based patties can make Pizza Burgers a healthier option. Additionally, incorporating fresh vegetables as toppings can boost the nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Pizza Burgers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
2. Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely. Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would work well.
3. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart? Make sure the meat mixture is well combined and don’t overhandle the patties when forming them.
4. Can I cook the patties in the oven if I don’t have a grill? Yes, baking the patties in the oven is a great alternative to grilling.
5. What if I don’t eat pork? You can skip the pepperoni or use a turkey or vegetarian alternative.

Conclusion

Pizza Burgers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in burger form. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re grilling out or cooking indoors, Pizza Burgers are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Yield: 4

Pizza Burgers

Print

Pizza Burgers are a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and burgers. This recipe combines the juicy, savory goodness of a burger with the rich, cheesy flavors of pizza, creating a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of classic cheeseburgers or a pizza lover, Pizza Burgers are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
• 1⁄2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 16-24 slices pepperoni

Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape into 4 patties and set aside to rest.
• Preheat a grill or grill pan and the broiler to medium-high heat. Arrange the buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet, and toast until golden. Remove the top halves and set aside.
• Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side.
• While the burgers are cooking, warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Spread half of the sauce over the bottom buns and top with half of the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Place the cooked burger patties on the bottom half of the buns and top them with the remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Broil until melty then place the top halves over the burgers.
• Serve the pizza burgers immediately and enjoy.