Pizza Burgers Recipe

Introduction

Pizza Burgers combine the best of both worlds: the savory, cheesy goodness of pizza and the juicy, satisfying bite of a burger. With melted mozzarella cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and flavorful toppings, these burgers are like personal-sized pizzas served on a bun. Whether you’re craving a fun twist on a traditional burger or looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal, Pizza Burgers deliver bold, comforting flavors that everyone will love.

This recipe is quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you like pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, or extra cheese, you can make your Pizza Burgers exactly how you want. This guide provides you with step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and suggestions for fun variations to explore.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Burgers

• Perfect Combination of Two Favorites: Pizza and burgers are two iconic comfort foods. When combined into one dish, they create a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Customizable Toppings: Just like pizza, you can personalize your Pizza Burger with any toppings you love. From pepperoni and sausage to olives and bell peppers, the possibilities are endless.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. In about 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready to serve.
• Cheesy Goodness: With melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, each bite is filled with the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza that will satisfy your cravings.
• Kid-Friendly: Pizza Burgers are great for families, as kids love the familiar flavors of pizza in the form of a fun, handheld burger. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the joys of pizza in a new format.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories per burger, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the Pizza Burgers:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicier burgers)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns (preferably toasted)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Special Equipment

While making Pizza Burgers doesn’t require specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment can help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Skillet or Grill Pan: A large skillet or grill pan is ideal for cooking the burger patties. A cast-iron pan works best for getting a nice sear on the burgers, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will do.
2. Spatula: A spatula is essential for flipping the burgers and handling the hot, sizzling patties as they cook.
3. Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements of spices and seasonings ensure that your burgers are flavored just right.
4. Tongs: Tongs are helpful for handling the pepperoni or other toppings while grilling or pan-frying them.
5. Grill or Oven: If you want to cook the buns, use the grill or oven to toast them before assembling your Pizza Burgers.
6. Measuring Cup: For measuring the marinara sauce and shredded cheese, a measuring cup ensures you use the right amount to make the burgers flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Burger Patties

Start by mixing the ground beef with the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the beef.

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a round patty. Press down lightly in the center of each patty with your thumb to create a small indentation. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.

2. Cook the Burger Patties

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if you’re using a skillet to prevent the patties from sticking. Once the pan is hot, place the burger patties in the pan. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For a medium burger, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

If you’re cooking on a grill, preheat it to medium-high and cook the patties for the same amount of time, flipping once.

3. Toast the Buns

While the burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns. You can do this by placing the buns cut-side down on the grill or in a separate pan over medium heat. Toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Toasting the buns adds a crunchy texture and helps prevent them from getting soggy when the marinara sauce is added.

4. Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Once the burger patties are cooked and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble your Pizza Burgers. Place the cooked burger patties on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each patty, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. The cheese will melt over the hot burger patty and sauce, creating that delicious, gooey pizza effect.

5. Add the Toppings

Now it’s time to add your favorite pizza toppings. For a classic pizza burger, top the cheese with a few slices of pepperoni. You can also add thinly sliced onions, bell peppers, or any other pizza toppings you like. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!

6. Melt the Cheese

To ensure the cheese melts perfectly, cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. If you’re grilling the burgers, you can close the lid of the grill to melt the cheese.

7. Serve and Garnish

Once the cheese has melted and the toppings are perfectly placed, top the burger with the other half of the toasted bun. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top of the melted cheese before serving.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Burgers

• Use High-Quality Ground Beef: For juicy, flavorful burgers, choose ground beef with some fat content, like 80/20. Leaner beef will result in drier burgers.
• Toast the Buns: Don’t skip toasting the buns. It adds texture and ensures that the buns won’t become soggy from the marinara sauce.
• Customize the Toppings: One of the best things about Pizza Burgers is that you can customize them. Whether you prefer a classic pepperoni pizza or something more adventurous, like a veggie pizza burger with mushrooms and olives, the choice is yours!
• Don’t Overcook the Burgers: To maintain juiciness, be careful not to overcook the burger patties. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef, which will ensure that the burgers are safe to eat without becoming dry.
• Melt the Cheese: To get that perfect pizza burger experience, make sure the cheese is melted and gooey. Covering the pan with a lid helps the cheese melt quickly without overcooking the patty.

Variations of Pizza Burgers

• Pepperoni Pizza Burgers: Add several slices of pepperoni to the top of your burger for that classic pizza flavor. You can also experiment with other pizza toppings, like sausage or bacon.
• Veggie Pizza Burgers: For a vegetarian option, skip the meat patty and use a veggie burger. Add all your favorite pizza toppings, like mushrooms, olives, onions, and bell peppers, for a delicious and hearty burger.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza Burgers: Swap out the beef patty for a grilled chicken breast, toss it in buffalo sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce for a spicy twist on the classic pizza burger.
• BBQ Pizza Burgers: Instead of marinara sauce, use BBQ sauce and top with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a smoky, savory burger with a BBQ flavor.
• Hawaiian Pizza Burgers: Top your burger with pineapple slices and ham for a sweet and savory twist. Add some additional mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce for the full pizza experience.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pizza Burgers are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later. Let the burgers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, place the burgers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the texture of the bun may not be as crisp.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Pizza Burgers

Pair these delicious Pizza Burgers with a variety of side dishes to complete the meal:

• Fries: Crispy French fries are a classic pairing with burgers, and they go perfectly with the cheesy, saucy Pizza Burgers.
• Coleslaw: A light and crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.
• Caesar Salad: A simple Caesar salad with crispy croutons and creamy dressing makes a great side for a hearty burger.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra pizza-inspired meal, serve the burgers with garlic bread for dipping in the marinara sauce.

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Conclusion

Pizza Burgers combine two of the most beloved comfort foods: pizza and burgers. With juicy, flavorful patties, melted cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings, these burgers are a fun and delicious meal that everyone will love. Quick to make and easy to customize, Pizza Burgers are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even game day parties. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal on the table in no time. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness of Pizza Burgers and satisfy your cravings today!