Pizza Burgers

Introduction:

Pizza Burgers combine the classic flavors of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of burgers. Featuring a blend of ground beef and sausage topped with savory marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese, all served on toasted English muffins, these burgers are a fun and flavorful twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Burgers:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• ½ lb. bulk or Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz thickly sliced mushrooms
• ½ finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon marjoram
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 split English muffins
• 2 oz diced pepperoni
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb. of ground beef and ½ lb. of ground sausage until the meat starts to brown. Break it apart with a spatula for even cooking.
2. Add Vegetables and Butter:
   • When the meat is halfway browned, add 2 tablespoons of butter, 8 oz of sliced mushrooms, and ½ finely chopped yellow onion. Cook until the meat is fully browned, and the mushrooms and onions are tender and translucent.
3. Incorporate Garlic and Marjoram:
   • Reduce heat to medium-low, then add 2 cloves of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of marjoram. Stir for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the marjoram blends into the mixture.
4. Add Marinara Sauce:
   • Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce. Mix well, season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Toast the English Muffins:
   • Split 6 English muffins and toast them under the broiler until golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
6. Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
   • Divide the meat mixture evenly over the toasted muffin halves. Sprinkle with 2 oz of diced pepperoni.
7. Add Cheese and Broil:
   • Top each muffin half with 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef and sausage with a plant-based meat substitute or a mixture of sautéed vegetables.
• Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for other types of cheese like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Additional Toppings: Customize with other pizza toppings like olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Pizza Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For best results, avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the muffins soggy.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
   • Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Just skip the browning step and add it directly to the skillet with the beef.
2. Can I freeze these Pizza Burgers?
   • Yes, you can freeze them before broiling. Wrap each assembled muffin in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen.
3. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?
   • Absolutely, pizza sauce can be used as a substitute for marinara sauce.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   • Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use spicy sausage.
5. Can I use whole-wheat English muffins?
   • Yes, whole-wheat English muffins can be used for a healthier alternative.
6. What can I use instead of English muffins?
   • You can use hamburger buns or pita bread as a substitute.
7. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
   • Yes, this recipe is generally kid-friendly. Adjust the spiciness to suit their taste.
8. Can I use different types of cheese?
   • Yes, feel free to use any cheese that melts well, like provolone or cheddar.
9. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   • Use dairy-free cheese and skip the butter or use a dairy-free substitute.
10. Can I make the meat mixture ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Conclusion

Pizza Burgers offer a delicious fusion of two favorite comfort foods—pizza and burgers. With a savory blend of beef and sausage, topped with marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted cheese on a toasted English muffin, they’re perfect for a fun family meal or casual get-together. Enjoy these hearty and flavorful burgers with a side salad or your favorite vegetable dish for a complete meal.

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