Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza Burgers combine everything you love about juicy cheeseburgers and cheesy pizza into one irresistible meal. Think seasoned beef patties topped with marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, all served on a toasted bun. Each bite is saucy, cheesy, and savory, making these burgers perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game-day meals. They’re kid-friendly, customizable, and quick to prepare, bringing the flavors of pizza night and burger night together in one easy dish. Whether you love classic pepperoni, veggie-loaded pizzas, or extra cheese, you can make these burgers exactly how you like them. It’s comfort food at its best—messy, cheesy, and downright delicious.
Print
Pizza Burgers – A Fun Twist on Two Comfort Food Favorites
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy burgers topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni for a cheesy pizza-inspired twist on a classic sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for toasting buns)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 burger patties.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature 160°F/71°C).
- In the last minute of cooking, spoon 2–3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each patty and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover pan or close grill lid until cheese is melted.
- Toast hamburger buns in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown.
- Assemble burgers: place patties on buns, top with 3 slices of pepperoni each, and add extra marinara if desired.
- Garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, spread garlic butter on buns before toasting.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for a supreme pizza-style burger.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – Juicy and flavorful, the base of the burger patties.
Italian seasoning – Infuses the beef with classic pizza flavor.
Garlic powder – Adds savory depth to the patties.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the beef.
Marinara or pizza sauce – A rich, tangy topping that makes the burgers taste like pizza.
Mozzarella cheese – Gooey and melty, the perfect pizza cheese.
Pepperoni slices – A fun pizza topping that makes the burgers extra indulgent.
Hamburger buns – Soft, toasted buns that hold all the cheesy goodness.
Olive oil or butter – Used for toasting the buns.
Optional toppings – Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives for a fully loaded pizza flavor.
Directions
Start by mixing ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into equal-sized patties. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
During the last minute of cooking, spoon marinara sauce over each patty and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.
Meanwhile, toast the buns in a skillet with olive oil or butter until golden. Assemble the burgers by placing the cheesy pizza-topped patties onto the buns. Add pepperoni slices and any extra pizza-inspired toppings you like. Serve hot with fries, salad, or chips.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 burgers. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with cooking requiring another 15 minutes. In total, the dish is ready in 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftover patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a fresh layer of sauce and cheese if needed. Buns are best toasted fresh. Patties can also be frozen for up to 2 months—reheat in the oven or skillet before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Pepperoni Lover’s Burger – Add extra pepperoni slices for a bold pizza flavor.
Veggie Supreme – Top with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives.
Hawaiian Style – Add ham and pineapple for a sweet-and-savory twist.
BBQ Pizza Burger – Swap marinara for barbecue sauce and top with cheddar cheese.
Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
Chicken Pizza Burger – Use ground chicken patties instead of beef for a lighter version.
Stuffed Pizza Burger – Stuff the patties with mozzarella cheese before cooking for a gooey surprise.
Low-Carb Option – Serve the patties bunless or inside lettuce wraps.
FAQs
Can I use frozen burger patties?
Yes, just season them and add sauce and cheese while cooking.
Do I have to use mozzarella?
No, provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack also work well.
Can I use pizza dough instead of buns?
Yes, bake mini pizza dough rounds for a fun alternative to hamburger buns.
What’s the best sauce to use?
A good-quality marinara or pizza sauce works best.
Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes, bake patties at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, then top with sauce and cheese.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toast them well and use a thick sauce that isn’t too watery.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, use a veggie burger patty and top with pizza sauce and cheese.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, cook patties in advance and assemble with sauce and cheese when ready to serve.
What sides go best with Pizza Burgers?
French fries, onion rings, garlic bread, or a side salad pair perfectly.
Can I grill them instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling adds smoky flavor that works beautifully with the pizza toppings.
Conclusion
Pizza Burgers are the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics, bringing together cheesy pizza flavors and juicy burgers in one handheld meal. With endless customization options and quick preparation, they’re a fun dinner idea that both kids and adults will love. Whether you keep it simple with sauce and cheese or load it up with toppings, this recipe guarantees a cheesy, saucy, and unforgettable burger experience.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!