Pizza Burgers

Introduction

Pizza and burgers—two of the most beloved comfort foods, right? Now imagine combining the best parts of both into one epic meal. That’s exactly what this Pizza Burger recipe is all about: a juicy, perfectly seasoned burger topped with all your favorite pizza ingredients, like gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Trust me, these Pizza Burgers are a game changer!

I first made these for my family on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I didn’t feel like making two separate meals—one for pizza lovers and one for burger fans. What I didn’t expect was just how quickly these little beauties would become a household favorite. It was the perfect way to enjoy the flavor of pizza without dealing with dough and all the prep time that usually comes with it. My kids were hooked from the very first bite, and it became one of those recipes we make at least once a month.

What I love most about these Pizza Burgers is how customizable they are. You can use whatever toppings you’d put on your favorite pizza, whether that’s pepperoni, mushrooms, or even olives. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers. They also have a fun factor that kids absolutely love. So, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just looking for something quick and delicious, these Pizza Burgers are bound to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Pizza Burgers are a must-try:

A fun twist on classic flavors: You get the best of both worlds—pizza and a burger—so everyone’s happy! The savory beef patty acts as the “crust,” while the pizza toppings create all those delicious pizza flavors we crave.
Easy and quick: These burgers come together in no time! From prepping the patties to layering on the sauce and cheese, it’s a fast and hassle-free meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Just like pizza, you can top your burgers with whatever you like. Want to go extra cheesy? Add more mozzarella. Love spicy food? Throw on some pepperoni or jalapeños. The options are endless.
Family-approved: My kids can never get enough of these. They love assembling their burgers, picking their toppings, and getting involved in the kitchen. Plus, they’re great for satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual BBQ, or looking for a fun meal to make with friends, these Pizza Burgers are sure to be a hit.

If you love pizza and burgers (who doesn’t?), this recipe is a no-brainer. The cheesy, melty goodness of pizza paired with the juiciness of a perfectly cooked burger—what’s not to love?

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: Serves 4 people
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Pizza Burgers:

1 lb ground beef (80/20): The foundation of your burger. I like to use beef with a little fat for juiciness, but you can also go for leaner options if you prefer.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds that savory, fragrant touch to the patties.
1 tsp onion powder: For an extra layer of flavor that complements the garlic powder.
1 tsp dried oregano: Oregano is a classic pizza herb and adds that authentic pizza flavor.
1/2 tsp salt: For seasoning the beef and bringing out the flavors.
1/4 tsp black pepper: To add a little bit of spice and enhance the flavors.
4 hamburger buns: Choose your favorite buns—brioche, sesame, or even whole wheat for a healthier option.
1 cup marinara sauce: The key to that pizza taste! You can use store-bought sauce or make your own if you prefer.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey goodness that turns these burgers into a pizza masterpiece.
Toppings (optional): Customize your burgers with pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even cooked sausage. The more, the merrier!
Fresh basil (optional): A few leaves of fresh basil add a nice burst of freshness to finish off the burgers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your grill or stovetop: Heat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a nice sear on the burgers. If using a grill, make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Prepare the burger patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or your burgers will be tough! Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties, pressing a slight indentation into the center of each one (this helps them cook evenly).
Cook the burgers: Place the patties on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you’re cooking indoors, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium.
Add the marinara sauce and cheese: About 1 minute before the burgers are done cooking, spoon a tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each patty. Top with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the grill or skillet to allow the cheese to melt beautifully. This is where the magic happens!
Toast the buns: While the burgers are cooking, slice the hamburger buns and lightly butter the cut sides. Place them face-down on the grill or in a separate pan to toast for about 1-2 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step adds flavor and texture, and it prevents the buns from getting soggy once you add the sauce.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Once the burgers are cooked and the cheese is melted, remove them from the grill or skillet. Place each burger on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Spoon an extra drizzle of marinara sauce on top of each patty for even more pizza flavor. If you’re adding extra toppings, now’s the time to pile them on! Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers—whatever your heart desires. Top with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
Serve: Place the top bun on the assembled burger and serve immediately. I recommend serving these with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy!

How to Serve

Classic Fries: Serve these Pizza Burgers with crispy French fries or homemade sweet potato fries for a fun and comforting meal.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the burgers and add a touch of freshness.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a perfect side dish to complement the hearty burgers.
Garlic Bread: What better way to complete the pizza theme than with some crispy garlic bread on the side?

Additional Tips

Customize the toppings: One of the best parts about these Pizza Burgers is how customizable they are. If you love veggies, pile on mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach. If you’re a meat lover, go for pepperoni, sausage, or bacon. You can even drizzle some balsamic glaze on top for a gourmet twist.
Make ahead: If you’re planning to serve these for a party, you can prep the patties ahead of time. Simply shape the patties and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This makes the process go much faster when it’s time to assemble.
Use turkey or chicken: For a leaner version, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef. Just be sure to season the patties well, as leaner meat can be a bit bland.
Don’t skip the toasting step: Toasting the buns might seem like an extra step, but it’s so worth it. It adds flavor and keeps the bun from getting soggy once you load on the marinara sauce.
Go big on the cheese: The mozzarella is what makes this burger feel like pizza. Don’t be shy with it! You want that cheesy, melty goodness in every bite.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef patty with a veggie patty or a portobello mushroom cap for a meat-free alternative. Top with classic pizza toppings like roasted red peppers, olives, and artichokes for a Mediterranean flair.
Gluten-Free: For gluten-free options, swap the burger buns for gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. This makes the recipe accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Spicy Kick: Add some heat by tossing a few sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the finished burger. You can also use spicy sausage instead of regular ground beef.
Cheesy Stuffed Crust: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try stuffing the edges of the burger patty with extra cheese for that delicious gooey center, much like a stuffed crust pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve your Pizza Burgers with crispy fries, roasted veggies, or a side of coleslaw for a balanced meal. If you want to keep it light, a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad with a vinaigrette dressing is perfect.
Beverages: A chilled soda or sparkling water pairs wonderfully with these burgers. If you’re looking for an adult beverage, a cold beer or a glass of red wine (like Chianti or Sangiovese) complements the flavors beautifully.
For Kids: Serve the Pizza Burgers with a side of apple slices or carrot sticks for a healthy yet delicious kids’ meal.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: If you have any leftover burgers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the patties and buns in the oven or microwave. Just be careful not to overheat the burgers so the cheese doesn’t become rubbery.
Freezing: To freeze the patties, cook them fully first, then let them cool. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Special Equipment

Grill or Skillet: A grill adds that wonderful smoky flavor to the burgers, but a large skillet works just as well for cooking them on the stovetop.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure your burgers are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef burgers.
Basting Brush: If you’re toasting the buns with butter, a basting brush helps spread the butter evenly for perfect golden brown results.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce? Yes, you can! Just be sure to choose a high-quality marinara sauce to get that pizza-like flavor. You can also make your own if you have time.
How can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also assemble the burgers and freeze them, though I recommend adding the toppings fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make these burgers on the stovetop? Absolutely! Simply cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. Add the marinara sauce and cheese during the last minute of cooking, and cover to melt.
What other cheese can I use? While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can swap in provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Pizza Burgers combine two classic dishes into one indulgent, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone in the family. With the juicy beef patty, savory marinara sauce, and melty cheese, it’s like having a pizza and a burger all in one bite. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your tastes—whether you like it spicy, veggie-packed, or extra cheesy. These burgers are an easy, fun, and delicious dinner solution, perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and watch your family devour them in no time!