Oh, where do I even begin with this absolute gem? You know those nights when you’re craving something utterly comforting, something that just screams “home” and “delicious” all at once? That’s exactly when my Pizza Burgers Recipe comes out to play. It’s this magical little creation that takes all the best parts of a juicy burger and smashes them together with the irresistible flavors of pizza. Seriously, it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. I remember the first time I tried to make something like this; it was more of an accident born out of a fridge clean-out than a planned recipe, but it turned into an instant family favorite. My kids, bless their picky little hearts, ask for these Pizza Burgers at least once a week. It’s that good. Forget plain old burgers or a Basic Pizza; this is the delightful hybrid you never knew you needed, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
What is pizza burger?
So, what exactly are Pizza Burgers, you ask? Think of it this way: it’s essentially a flavor-packed burger patty that’s seasoned with all the delicious notes you’d find in your favorite pizza, and then it’s topped with classic pizza fixings. We’re talking about that savory, herbaceous, cheesy goodness all rolled into one perfect bite. It’s not a burger *on* a pizza, or a pizza *shaped* like a burger, nope. It’s a burger patty that has all the soul of a pizza baked right into its very being. I love to describe it as a flavor-forward burger patty that’s been kissed by Italy. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, from the little ones to the grown-ups who still secretly love a good comfort food mashup. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s utterly delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this Pizza Burgers Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe binder, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. You get that deep, savory beefiness from the burger, but then it’s infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and a hint of tomato that makes it sing. And the toppings? Oh, the toppings! Melty mozzarella, a tangy marinara, maybe even some pepperoni if you’re feeling fancy – it’s like a party in your mouth. What I love most is how incredibly easy it is to make, even on a crazy weeknight. You can mix up the patties ahead of time, which is a lifesaver for me. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly! Ground Beef, a few pantry staples, and some cheese – you probably have most of it already. And the versatility! You can customize these Pizza Burgers with your absolute favorite pizza toppings. Want to add mushrooms? Go for it! Olives? Absolutely! It’s also a fantastic way to get a little bit of that pizza craving satisfied without the whole dough-making process, which, let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t have the time or energy for. It’s a win-win-win!
How do I make a pizza burger?
Quick Overview
Making these Pizza Burgers is wonderfully straightforward. You’ll mix your Ground Beef with Italian-inspired seasonings, form them into patties, and then cook them to perfection. While they’re cooking, you’ll warm up your marinara and get your cheese ready. Then it’s just a matter of topping those juicy patties, letting the cheese melt, and serving them up on your favorite buns. It’s truly that simple, and the results are always so impressive.
Ingredients
For the Main Burger Patties:
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 is usually my go-to for great flavor and juiciness)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion (or onion powder if you’re in a pinch, about 1 teaspoon)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
For the pizza toppings:
1/2 cup your favorite pizza sauce or marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, black olives, extra Parmesan
For Serving:
4-6 burger buns, toasted
Optional: lettuce, tomato, extra sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get organized. If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re pan-frying, place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil if your pan isn’t non-stick. While the grill or pan heats up, grab a baking sheet if you plan to finish them in the oven, especially if you’re topping with cheese.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs. This is where all those yummy pizza flavors start to come together. I always like to make sure the garlic and onion are really finely minced so they distribute evenly and don’t give you big chunks.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
The egg and the moisture from the onions and beef act as your wet ingredients here, helping to bind everything together. You don’t want to overmix, but you do want to ensure everything is evenly distributed. If the mixture seems a little too wet and sticky to handle, you can add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs. If it seems too dry, a tiny splash of milk or water can help. The goal is a cohesive, but not overly dense, mixture.
Step 4: Combine
Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together with your hands. I find using my hands is the best way to get everything incorporated without overworking the meat, which can make the burgers tough. Mix just until everything is combined and there are no dry streaks of breadcrumbs or spices left. You should be able to form patties easily.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
While your meat mixture is resting for a moment, quickly warm up your pizza sauce or marinara in a small saucepan over low heat, or even in the microwave. You want it warm so it melts the cheese beautifully. Get your shredded mozzarella and any other desired pizza toppings (like pepperoni) ready to go. Having everything prepped makes the final assembly a breeze.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Divide the meat mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions, depending on how large you like your burgers. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center with your thumb. This helps prevent them from puffing up too much in the middle while cooking. Don’t overwork the meat! Just shape them loosely.
Step 7: Bake
Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium, or longer depending on your desired doneness. If you’re adding cheese, this is where it gets fun. Once the burgers are almost cooked through, top each one generously with marinara sauce and then mozzarella cheese. You can either finish them on the grill with the lid down for a few minutes, or transfer them to a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep a close eye on them under the broiler so they don’t burn!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the cheese is perfectly melty and gooey, carefully remove the burgers from the grill or oven. Let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a more tender burger. This resting period is crucial! It’s like letting a cake cool slightly before frosting; it just makes everything better.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Lightly toast your burger buns. Place each cheesy pizza burger on the bottom half of a bun. Add any extra toppings you love, like lettuce or a few extra slices of pepperoni. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately. They are absolutely divine when they’re hot and the cheese is still stretchy. I often serve them with a side of extra marinara for dipping, because who doesn’t love dipping their burger?
What to Serve It With
These Pizza Burgers are pretty much a meal in themselves, but I love pairing them with things that complement their Italian-inspired flavors. For breakfast (yes, breakfast! It’s a thing in my house!), I’ll serve a smaller version with a side of crispy hash browns and a strong cup of coffee. For a weekend brunch, I’ll dress them up a bit, maybe on a brioche bun, with a light arugula salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette on the side. It adds a fresh counterpoint to the richness. As a dessert option… well, they aren’t really a dessert, but if you’re craving something savory and satisfying after a sweet treat, they hit the spot. For cozy snacks, they’re perfect on their own, or perhaps with a side of garlic knots or a small bowl of minestrone soup. My family tradition is to have them with oven-baked sweet potato fries; the slight sweetness of the fries is a lovely contrast to the savory burger.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pizza Burgers
I’ve made this Pizza Burgers Recipe more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think make all the difference. For the meat mixture, don’t overmix! Seriously, this is probably the most crucial tip for tender, juicy burgers. Mix just until everything is incorporated. Overworking the meat develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and makes the burgers tough and dense, which is the opposite of what we want. When forming the patties, I always make a little dimple in the center with my thumb. This helps the burger cook more evenly and prevents it from puffing up into a dome shape, which can lead to uneven cooking and make stacking toppings tricky. For the sauce, using a good quality marinara or pizza sauce makes a big difference. I love a sauce that has a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. If yours is a bit bland, you can always stir in a pinch of sugar or a little extra garlic and herbs. When it comes to cheese, shredded mozzarella is a classic for a reason – it melts beautifully and has that perfect gooey stretch. But don’t be afraid to mix it up! A little provolone or a sprinkle of fontina can add extra depth. And for the optional toppings like pepperoni, placing them on top of the sauce and under the cheese helps them crisp up nicely as they bake. If you’re cooking them indoors, finishing them under the broiler is a game-changer for that perfect melted cheese top. Just watch them like a hawk – broilers can be fierce!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Pizza Burgers are a thing of beauty, and they store surprisingly well. If you have any that didn’t get devoured immediately, let them cool completely before storing. For short-term storage (1-2 days), I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents them from drying out. Reheating is best done in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but the texture might not be quite as good. If you want to freeze them, make sure they are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above. For the glaze, I usually add it right before serving or just before the final broil. If you’re storing cooked, unglazed burgers, you can add a little fresh sauce when you reheat them before topping with cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Pizza Burgers Recipe is one of those dishes that just brings pure joy. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best food comes from combining two of your favorite things. It’s got that satisfying burger heartiness with all the fun, zesty flavors of pizza. It’s perfect for a casual family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even just a fun weekend lunch. I really hope you give it a try! I know it’s become a staple in my home, and I’d be absolutely delighted to hear how it turns out for you. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, or share any fun topping variations you come up with! Happy cooking!
Pizza Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.45 lb ground beef
- 4 burger buns burger buns
- 0.5 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
- 0.25 cup sliced black olives
- 0.25 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 salt to taste
- 1 black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and form them into burger patties.
- Preheat your grill or a skillet to medium-high heat.
- Grill or cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, spread pizza sauce on the top half of each burger bun. Top the cooked patties with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olives, and bell pepper. Cover the grill or skillet for a minute to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the pizza burgers by placing the topped patties on the bottom halves of the burger buns. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Ava Brooks is the home cook behind RecipeSharingHub, sharing dependable, step‑by‑step recipes for busy weeknights and easy weekend bakes. When not testing dishes, Ava snaps kitchen photos and answers reader questions in the comments. Discover the latest recipes or join the newsletter for new ideas each week.
