Pizza Burgers

Craving pizza but don’t want to deal with the mess of dough and sauce? Enter the Pizza Burger—a fun, easy twist on two classics that will have everyone coming back for more. Picture this: a juicy burger patty topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory marinara sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings, all nestled between a perfectly toasted bun. It’s like a pizza and a burger had the perfect love child, and I promise you, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds. Whether you’re making these for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a backyard BBQ, Pizza Burgers are guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Burgers

Let me tell you—Pizza Burgers are more than just a burger. They are the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and burgers. Here’s why these beauties are destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:

Easy to Make

These are super simple to throw together, especially when you’re in the mood for something quick and tasty. No need to fuss over pizza dough—just make the burger patties, top with pizza goodness, and you’re set.

Customizable

You can load up your pizza burger with all your favorite pizza toppings, from pepperoni to bell peppers to olives. Feel free to get creative and make these burgers your own!

Kid-Friendly

It’s pizza. It’s a burger. Need I say more? These are perfect for kids, or anyone with a craving for something familiar yet exciting. Plus, they’re easy to eat, which makes them a great option for family dinners.

Comforting & Satisfying

There’s something about a burger topped with melty cheese and zesty marinara that’s just so satisfying. These are the kind of burgers that make you feel cozy and full, in the best possible way.

Quick & Flavorful

Ready in less than 30 minutes, these burgers are perfect for a quick and delicious meal that packs tons of flavor without taking hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, and you can easily make swaps to suit your taste.

For the Burgers:

• Ground Beef: The base for your juicy burgers. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For extra flavor in the beef patties.
• Italian Seasoning: A must-have to give your burgers that classic pizza flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: To season your patties perfectly.
• Burger Buns: Choose your favorite buns—sesame, brioche, or even whole wheat if you’re going for something healthier.

For the Toppings:

• Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! Go for fresh mozzarella if you want to get fancy, but regular shredded mozzarella works just as well.
• Marinara Sauce: The tangy base for your pizza toppings. Feel free to use store-bought or homemade marinara.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that adds flavor and crunch.
• Fresh Basil (optional): For a fresh, aromatic kick—totally optional but highly recommended if you’re a basil lover.
• Other Pizza Toppings: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, green bell peppers, onions, olives, or whatever your pizza-loving heart desires!

Instructions

Let’s get those pizza burgers sizzling and ready to devour. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat (you want juicy patties, not tough ones!). Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. About 2 minutes before the patties are done cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each patty and cover with a lid to melt the cheese.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

While your patties are cooking, toast the burger buns lightly in a toaster or on the grill. This adds a little crispiness and helps keep the buns from getting soggy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on the bottom bun of each burger. Place the cheesy burger patty on top, then add your favorite pizza toppings—pepperoni, fresh basil, or any other pizza fixings you love. Top it all off with the top bun.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these delicious pizza burgers immediately while the cheese is still melted and gooey. You can serve them with a side of crispy fries, a simple salad, or even more marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 burgers
Calories per serving: 500-600 (depending on toppings and bun choice)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes

How to Serve Pizza Burgers

These pizza burgers are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with some tasty sides to make a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Crispy Fries: Classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or even homemade potato wedges are the perfect sidekick to a pizza burger.
• Garlic Bread: Why not go all in with the pizza vibes? Serve with some buttery, garlicky bread for a truly indulgent experience.
• Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the burger.
• Pickles: A side of pickles adds a nice tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy burger.

Additional Tips

• Make Them Smaller: If you’re hosting a party or get-together, make smaller, slider-sized pizza burgers. They’re perfect for finger food.
• Add a Kick: Spice things up by adding banana peppers, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to your pizza burgers.
• Grill It: If you’re using a grill, be sure to grease the grates to prevent the cheese from sticking to the grill. A grill basket or foil also works well.
• Customize the Sauce: You can swap out the marinara for pesto or alfredo sauce if you’re in the mood for something different.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these pizza burgers with ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well—just be sure to cook the patties thoroughly, as turkey can dry out faster than beef.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese for the burgers?
A2: Of course! You can try using cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Just be sure it melts well!

Q3: Can I make these pizza burgers ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can form the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just add the toppings and cheese right before serving.

Q4: How do I keep the burger buns from getting soggy?
A4: Toasting the buns lightly helps them stay crispy. If you’re making a lot of burgers at once, you can also lightly butter the insides of the buns before toasting.

Q5: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of burger buns?
A5: Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use pizza dough instead of buns. Just shape the dough into round pizza-style buns, bake them, and assemble your burger.

Q6: Can I freeze these burgers?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked patties for later use. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

Q7: What other toppings can I add?
A7: Get creative! Try adding olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist.

Q8: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A8: Absolutely! You can substitute the beef patties for vegetarian burger patties or even a portobello mushroom cap for a tasty meatless option.

Q9: How do I make sure the cheese melts properly?
A9: Cover the pan or grill with a lid for the last 2 minutes of cooking so the cheese has a chance to melt and get all gooey.

Q10: What sides go best with pizza burgers?
A10: Fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad work wonderfully with pizza burgers. You could also go for garlic bread for extra pizza vibes.

Conclusion

These Pizza Burgers are a game-changer—combining all the best elements of a classic pizza and burger into one juicy, cheesy, and irresistible bite. Perfect for any casual gathering, weeknight dinner, or as a fun weekend treat, these burgers will have everyone talking. Add your favorite pizza toppings, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s as customizable as it is tasty. Enjoy!

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