Pizza Burgers Recipe: A Fun Twist on Two Family Favorites
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Is it pizza night, burger night, or… both? Pizza Burgers combine the best of both worlds, creating a meal your whole family will love. These are juicy, cheesy, pizza-flavored burgers that feel like a backyard barbecue and Friday pizza night rolled into one. My kids say it’s “the best thing ever,” and honestly, I can’t disagree.
This recipe is super easy to make, with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, you can customize it to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you love pepperoni, mushrooms, or just extra cheese. Keep reading for all the tips and tricks to perfecting these mouthwatering Pizza Burgers.
Why You’ll Love Pizza Burgers
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Kid-Approved: It’s a meal that’ll make even picky eaters happy.
- Customizable: Endless topping options to suit any craving.
- Great for Parties: Make a slider version for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza Burgers
- Use High-Quality Ground Beef: An 80/20 beef-to-fat ratio keeps your burgers juicy and flavorful. Turkey or plant-based patties also work well if you’re looking for alternatives.
- Pre-Cook Toppings: Sauté mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers beforehand for extra flavor.
- Go Heavy on the Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone works best for that classic pizza taste, but feel free to add cheddar for a twist.
- Toast Your Buns: Spread a little garlic butter on the inside of your buns and toast them in a skillet or the oven for an extra layer of flavor.
Pizza Burgers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/plant-based alternative)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni slices, sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, olives, etc.)
For the Garlic Butter Buns:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the Patties:
In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into four patties slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink a bit during cooking). - Cook the Burgers:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. During the last minute, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cover with a lid to melt. - Toast the Buns:
While the burgers cook, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush the inside of each bun with the mixture, then toast on a skillet or under the broiler until golden. - Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cheesy burger patty on top, followed by your chosen toppings. Finish with the top bun. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately with a side of fries, salad, or your favorite pizza-night snack.
Common Questions About Pizza Burgers
1. Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the patties and toppings ahead of time. Store the raw patties in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just defrost and cook when ready!
2. What’s the best way to reheat Pizza Burgers?
Wrap the burger in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bun soggy.
3. Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Use a plant-based burger patty and skip the pepperoni. You can also pile on veggie toppings like roasted peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
4. What kind of pizza sauce should I use?
Store-bought works great, but if you have time, a homemade pizza sauce takes this recipe to the next level. Try my easy marinara recipe if you’re feeling ambitious!
Make It Your Own
These Pizza Burgers are endlessly adaptable. Try swapping out the mozzarella for pepper jack if you want a spicy kick, or load them with fresh basil and balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist. Let your creativity run wild!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what toppings you used. Snap a photo, tag me on social media, and let me know how it turned out. 🍔🍕 Let’s make family dinners fun again!