Pizza Burger With Pepperoni Cheese

Pizza burgers are the perfect mashup of two comfort food favorites delivering all the flavors you crave in an easy to eat handheld package. I love making these for game nights when everyone gets to pick their own toppings and they always disappear fast.

I first made these on a whim for a backyard party and they were such a hit my family requests them every month. My kids love building their own and there are never any leftovers.

Ingredients

• Ground beef 80 percent lean 20 percent fat: This blend keeps your burgers juicy while adding rich beef flavor Choose freshly ground if possible for best texture
• Ground Italian sausage: Adds big savory pizza flavor Look for ones with visible herbs and spices
• Hamburger buns: Look for sturdy buns that will hold up to the sauce Toasting is a must for the best texture
• Marinara sauce: Delivers classic pizza taste Use a brand you love or homemade for richer flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy cheesy bite Buy pre sliced or slice a block fresh
• Pepperoni: Brings a punch of spicy smoky flavor Look for larger sandwich cut slices for full coverage
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Shredded or grated adds salty sharp finishing touch
• Butter: For toasting buns until golden Choose unsalted for better control
• Pizza seasoning: A combo of oregano basil marjoram garlic Adds the signature pizza aroma Use fresh dried herbs if you have them

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Meats:

Combine the ground beef Italian sausage and pizza seasoning thoroughly by hand This blend creates a burger with both pizza and classic burger flavor

Form Patties:

Portion the meat into half pound or smaller patties slightly wider than your buns Press a thumbprint into the center of each one to keep them from puffing This ensures even cooking and perfect shape

Preheat Your Cooking Surface:

Heat your grill or skillet until hot This initial blast cooks the outside for a flavorful sear and keeps the burgers juicy

Grill the First Side:

Place patties on the grill or skillet Cook for about four minutes without moving to build a deep browned crust

Prep the Toppings:

Warm marinara sauce gently on the stovetop and briefly heat pepperoni slices in a dry pan Doing this unlocks extra flavor and gives you hot toppings

Flip and Finish Cooking:

Turn the burgers and cook another two to four minutes until they reach your desired temperature For medium aim for one hundred forty degrees Add mozzarella on top about one minute before taking off for maximum melt

Toast the Buns:

Spread butter on the buns and lay them face down on the grill until golden and crisp This keeps the buns from getting soggy and adds flavor

Assemble and Serve:

Layer the burgers onto buns Spoon over warm marinara Add pepperoni and finish with parmesan cheese if you like Serve hot and oozy

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Mozzarella is my absolute favorite part here The gooey melt and stretch always brings everyone to the kitchen. One time my nephew tried his first pizza burger and now he texts me every week asking for them again.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover patties and buns separate Refrigerate the cooked meat and reheat gently The assembled burgers can be wrapped and kept in the fridge but are best fresh To freeze the cooked patties let them cool completely first then wrap well They thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken mixed with the pizza seasoning for a lighter version You can swap provolone or cheddar for mozzarella if that is what you have Salami works well in place of pepperoni Roasted vegetables or olives also make tasty add ins and let vegetarians enjoy their own twist

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Serving Suggestions

Set up a topping bar at your next party so everyone gets exactly what they want Accompany pizza burgers with a crisp green salad or rosemary fries A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh basil gives a flavor boost and colorful touch

Cultural Historical Context

The pizza burger is classic American diner food at its finest and has been served as a fun menu item since the mid twentieth century It combines the love of burgers with the flavors of pizza two icons of comfort food that have always brought people together Sharing these at family gatherings is a nod to those timeless traditions

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of meat is best for a pizza burger?

A combination of ground beef and Italian sausage creates juicy patties with rich, robust flavor.

→ How do you keep burgers juicy?

Mixing the meats well and shaping patties slightly larger than the buns helps retain moisture. Avoid overcooking.

→ What toppings pair best with this dish?

Pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan offer classic pizza flair. You can also add sautéed veggies or extra cheese.

→ How do you toast the hamburger buns?

Place buns face down on a hot grill for one to two minutes, just until lightly golden and crisp.

→ Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a grill?

Yes, sear the patties in a hot skillet or grill pan, following the same timing and steps as you would on a grill.

→ What’s the best way to assemble the burger?

Place the cooked patty on the toasted bun, top with warm marinara, crisped pepperoni, mozzarella and a touch of parmesan.