Introduction

Pizza Burgers are a fun and mouthwatering fusion of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and burgers—that makes for a truly satisfying meal. Picture a perfectly grilled burger patty, juicy and tender, topped with all the best pizza toppings: melted mozzarella cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza additions like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers. Every bite brings the hearty, savory flavor of a burger, combined with the deliciousness of a pizza, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.

The first time I made Pizza Burgers, I couldn’t believe how easy and delicious they were. As the burgers cooked on the grill, the cheese melted beautifully and oozed over the sides of the patty, creating a mouthwatering sight. When I added the pizza sauce and topped it off with pepperoni and a sprinkle of herbs, the smell was absolutely irresistible. When it came time to take a bite, I was amazed at how perfectly the flavors came together.

What I love most about Pizza Burgers is their versatility. You can get creative with the toppings, mixing and matching your favorite pizza ingredients, or even customize the sauce to suit your tastes. Whether you want a classic pepperoni and cheese burger or a veggie-packed creation with mushrooms, olives, and spinach, there’s no wrong way to enjoy them. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a laid-back BBQ, Pizza Burgers are sure to satisfy both your pizza and burger cravings, all in one delicious meal.

Perfect for:

Quick weeknight dinners
Family gatherings
BBQs and cookouts
Kid-friendly meals
Pizza lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Pizza Burgers will become your new favorite meal:

Two Favorites in One: Combining the best of both worlds—pizza and burgers—creates a fun and delicious meal the whole family will love.
Customizable Toppings: Just like pizza, you can top these burgers with your favorite ingredients, whether you love pepperoni, veggies, or extra cheese.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring minimal time and effort, making it a perfect choice for busy nights.
Kid-Friendly: The flavors of a pizza on a burger are familiar and fun for kids, making them a hit with the little ones.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra burgers ahead of time, and reheat them for a quick and satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pizza Burgers:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns
1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
Olive oil for grilling or pan-frying

Ingredient Highlights

Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground beef creates a rich, juicy patty, while turkey is a leaner option that still delivers flavor.
Pizza Sauce: Adds the classic pizza flavor with tangy, herby goodness that complements the juicy burger patty.
Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that stretches and adds a creamy, gooey texture to the burger.
Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers: Customize the toppings to your liking for an authentic pizza experience on a burger bun.
Garlic, Oregano, Basil: These herbs infuse the burger patties with that pizza-like flavor profile that brings the dish together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pizza Burgers:

Prepare the Burger Patties:

Season the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties that are slightly larger than the size of your buns (they will shrink while cooking).
Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface with olive oil and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Assemble the Pizza Burgers:

Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, slice the hamburger buns in half and toast them lightly on the grill or in a toaster. This adds extra flavor and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
Top with Pizza Sauce: Once the patties are done, place each burger on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce on top of each patty.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and add your desired pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.).
Melt the Cheese: If you like your cheese extra melty, cover the burgers with a lid for 1-2 minutes or place them under the broiler for a few seconds until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve the Pizza Burgers:

Top with the Bun: Place the top half of the toasted bun on the burger and serve immediately. Garnish with extra pizza sauce if desired, and enjoy!

How to Serve

Pizza Burgers are perfect for a variety of meal occasions, and here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

With a Side of Fries: Classic crinkle-cut or seasoned fries are an excellent pairing with these flavorful burgers.
With a Salad: Serve with a side salad—like a Caesar salad or a simple green salad—for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.
As Sliders: Make smaller versions of the pizza burgers for a fun appetizer or party snack.
With Roasted Vegetables: Pair these burgers with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes for a wholesome, balanced meal.
With Pickles: Add a tangy crunch with dill pickles or a pickle spear on the side to balance the richness of the burger.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Pizza Burgers are a hit every time:

Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have a grill, cook the burger patties on the grill for a smoky, charred flavor that enhances the pizza taste.
Don’t Overcook the Patties: Ground beef or turkey can dry out if overcooked, so be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time and check the internal temperature (160°F for ground beef, 165°F for turkey).
Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with your toppings—use your favorite pizza toppings like olives, onions, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano, basil, or garlic, use them for a more aromatic and vibrant flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the pizza sauce for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Pizza Burgers:

BBQ Pizza Burger: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
Veggie Pizza Burger: Top with grilled vegetables like zucchini, onions, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Burger: Use ground chicken and top with buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and celery for a spicy buffalo twist.
Hawaiian Pizza Burger: Add pineapple and ham to your pizza burger for a tropical twist.
Margarita Pizza Burger: Top with fresh basil and sliced tomatoes for a fresh, classic pizza flavor.
Cheeseburger Pizza Burger: Add cheddar cheese, lettuce, and pickles along with pizza toppings for a fun hybrid.
Italian Sausage Pizza Burger: Use Italian sausage instead of beef for a more robust, flavorful burger.
Mediterranean Pizza Burger: Top with feta cheese, olives, and spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
Bacon Pizza Burger: Add crispy bacon to your pizza toppings for an extra crunchy and savory addition.
Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Burger: Layer with extra spicy pepperoni and jalapeños for a heat-packed pizza burger.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Assemble the burger patties and freeze them uncooked, then thaw before cooking. You can also freeze the fully assembled burgers (without the buns) and reheat them later in the oven or microwave.
Storage: Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a grill to enjoy again.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Pizza Burgers easier:

Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or grill pan helps achieve that perfect charred flavor for the patties.
Burger Press: A burger press can help shape evenly-sized patties for consistent cooking.
Toaster or Toaster Oven: A toaster or toaster oven is great for quickly toasting the burger buns.
Skillet or Griddle: Use a large skillet or griddle for cooking the patties on the stove.
Lid: A lid for the skillet or grill is helpful for melting the cheese evenly.

FAQ Section

Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for beef, though it will have a leaner texture.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook them.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
Can I make these burgers spicy?
Yes, add jalapeños, spicy pepperoni, or a drizzle of hot sauce to make the burgers as spicy as you like.
Can I make these burgers on the stovetop?
Yes, simply cook the patties in a skillet on the stovetop if you don’t have access to a grill.

Conclusion

Pizza Burgers are the ultimate comfort food, combining two beloved dishes into one mouthwatering meal. With their juicy beef patties topped with pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, these burgers deliver all the flavors you love in a fun and unique way. Whether you’re grilling them for a BBQ, making them for a family dinner, or serving them at a casual get-together, Pizza Burgers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize the toppings to suit your tastes, whether that’s pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Plus, with minimal preparation and cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to serve in no time.

I can’t wait to see how your Pizza Burgers turn out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your personalized creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your favorite pizza toppings or any fun twists you’ve added to this recipe! Enjoy!