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Pizza Burgers bring together all your favorite pizza flavors in a satisfying handheld meal. Juicy beef and sausage are layered with zesty marinara, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni on toasted English muffins—you get all the comforts of pizza and the ease of a burger in one bite. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or spicing up your weeknight dinner routine.
My kids actually cheer when these are on the menu. I started making them for Friday movie nights, and now it is our family tradition to enjoy pizza burgers together at the end of a long week.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: choose one that is 80-85 percent lean for the juiciest results
- Italian sausage: gives the burger rich flavor and just a touch of spice try to pick fresh sausage from the meat counter when possible
- English muffins: serve as the perfect base their sturdy texture holds the toppings well and they toast up beautifully
- Marinara sauce: just like on pizza so go for a bold well-seasoned variety you truly enjoy
- Pepperoni: adds a classic pizza punch use thinly sliced and look for ones with visible marbling for extra flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: key for that melt and stretch use whole milk mozzarella if you want maximum creaminess
- Butter or olive oil: for toasting the muffins choose unsalted butter for extra richness or olive oil for a more savory note
- Italian seasoning: a sprinkle on top wakes up all the pizza flavors look for a blend with oregano basil and a bit of garlic
- Salt and pepper: these both bring out the savory flavors in the beef and sausage mixture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast the Muffins:
- Split the English muffins and brush with softened butter or drizzle with olive oil. Set on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for three to four minutes until golden around the edges. Watch closely so they do not burn.
- Prepare the Pizza Burger Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Break up the meat thoroughly as it browns and keep stirring for about eight minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat to avoid greasy burgers.
- Layer with Pizza Flavors:
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef and sausage. Stir well so every bite is coated in sauce then let simmer for two minutes to blend the flavors. Add salt pepper and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Build the Burgers:
- Arrange toasted muffin halves on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spoon the hot meat mixture onto each base. Top with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese then a few slices of pepperoni.
- Bake to Finish:
- Place the tray back under the broiler for two to three minutes just until the cheese is melty and bubbly and the pepperoni edges are starting to crisp. Remove and let cool for a minute before serving.
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My favorite part is seeing the cheese bubble and brown under the broiler. Once my mom surprised us with these after a long school day and I have been hooked ever since. The combo of toasted muffin and hot cheesy topping still tastes like childhood goodness.
Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat under the broiler for best texture or use the toaster oven so the muffins stay crisp instead of soggy. Pizza burgers also freeze well individually wrapped for up to one month.
Ingredient substitutions
Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter twist. Use provolone cheese if mozzarella is not available. Whole wheat English muffins give extra fiber and a deeper flavor. You can swap pepperoni for cooked mushrooms or black olives to make a vegetarian pizza burger.
Serving suggestions
Pile fresh basil leaves or baby spinach on top after broiling for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with a simple green salad or garlic roasted zucchini for a balanced meal. These are great for picnics and backyard gatherings since they stay sturdy and flavorful even after cooling down.
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Bringing pizza flavors into a burger form is not new but has roots in playful American home cooking
Combining two comfort foods into one dish was a trend starting in the sixties and continues to bring joy to families looking for something familiar yet novel.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of ground beef works best?
Choose 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful results that won't dry out while cooking.
- → Can I substitute the English muffins?
Yes, try burger buns, ciabatta, or even sliced French bread for a different base.
- → Is marinara sauce necessary?
Marinara adds pizza flavor, but you can use tomato sauce or pizza sauce as an alternative.
- → How do I prevent soggy muffins?
Lightly toast the muffins before adding toppings—this helps keep the base crisp and sturdy.
- → What cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses all melt nicely for this dish.