Pizza Burger
If you love the irresistible combo of juicy burgers and the cheesy, flavorful goodness of pizza, then you are going to be obsessed with this Pizza Burger. It’s a perfect fusion of two all-time favorite comfort foods, delivering a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory toppings all packed into one mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re craving something fun for dinner or want to impress friends with a unique twist, this Pizza Burger is the ultimate treat that hits all the right spots.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious fusion of flavors: Combining the best of pizza and burgers into one savory experience that’s packed with flavor.
- Easy to make at home: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.
- Customizable toppings: Pick your favorite pizza additions, from pepperoni to veggies, letting you tailor it to your taste.
- Great for any meal: Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat, this pizza burger works anytime.
- Perfect for sharing: Makes a fun, crowd-pleasing option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients are easy to find and carefully selected to bring out the signature pizza vibe while keeping the burger juicy and flavorful. Each one plays a part in balancing crisp, melt, and savory goodness.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for the best juicy, flavorful burger patties that hold up well.
- Pizza sauce: A tangy, seasoned tomato sauce adds that classic pizza kick right on your burger.
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh or shredded, it melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy layer you crave.
- Italian seasoning: Adds fragrant herbs to your patty mix or sauce for an authentic pizza flavor.
- Hamburger buns: Soft yet sturdy buns that hold all the toppings without falling apart.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic pizza topping that adds spicy, salty bites with every chew.
- Olive oil: For toasting buns or brushing patties to get a crispy, golden finish.
- Optional veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Variations for Pizza Burger
One of the best things about this Pizza Burger is how easy it is to make your own and adjust based on dietary needs or favorite flavors. Feel free to experiment and make it your own delicious creation!
- Vegetarian version: Swap beef for a plant-based patty and load up on mushrooms or grilled veggies for hearty texture.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeño slices or spicy sausage toppings for a fiery twist.
- Cheese lover’s delight: Include a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for extra cheesiness.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free buns or even grilled portobello mushrooms as sandwich “buns.”
- BBQ twist: Replace the pizza sauce with tangy BBQ sauce and add crispy onions for smoky flair.
How to Make Pizza Burger
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Start by mixing your ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into evenly sized patties, slightly larger than your buns so they fit perfectly once cooked. This mix ensures each bite is bursting with that classic pizza herb flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring a nice crust forms while keeping the inside juicy. Just before finishing, spoon a generous layer of pizza sauce onto each patty.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Toppings
Place slices of mozzarella and pepperoni on top of the sauced patties. Cover the pan or close the grill lid briefly to melt the cheese fully, creating that gooey, melty texture that’s essential for a perfect Pizza Burger.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Lightly brush your hamburger buns with olive oil and toast them on the grill or skillet for a few minutes until golden and slightly crisp, which adds texture and enhances flavor.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pizza Burger
Layer your cheesy patties onto the toasted buns. Add any optional veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. Top with extra pizza sauce or fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect harmony of crispy crust and molten cheese.
Pro Tips for Making Pizza Burger
- Use quality cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts better and offers a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t overmix the meat: Mix seasoning gently to keep patties tender and juicy.
- Toast the buns well: Adds crunch and prevents soggy bottoms from sauce and juices.
- Let cheese melt under a lid: Trapping heat helps cheese melt evenly without burning the burger.
- Experiment with toppings: Try different pepperoni types or add olives for authentic pizza flavors.
- Rest patties briefly: Let cooked patties rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness before assembling.
How to Serve Pizza Burger
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of dried oregano can make your Pizza Burger not only taste amazing but look beautiful too. Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
Crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh green salad complement the rich flavors of the Pizza Burger perfectly. For a pizza-inspired theme, serve with garlic knots or a Caesar salad to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pizza Burgers on wooden boards sprinkled with coarse sea salt and small ramekins of extra pizza sauce for dipping. Stack toppings visibly for a tall, impressive look, or go mini by making slider-sized versions for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover patties and buns separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Cook patties can be frozen individually on a baking sheet then transferred to freezer bags for up to 2 months; freeze buns separately to avoid moisture buildup.
Reheating
Reheat patties in a skillet or oven to maintain juiciness and rewarm cheese gently; toast buns fresh to restore crispness before assembling leftovers.
FAQs
What is a Pizza Burger?
A Pizza Burger is a creative hybrid that combines a classic burger patty topped with pizza sauce, melted cheese, and traditional pizza toppings, all served on a hamburger bun.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend can add different flavors and textures to your Pizza Burger.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s kid-friendly and can be customized with milder toppings or less spicy ingredients to suit younger palates.
Can I grill the Pizza Burger outdoors?
Definitely! Grilling adds great smoky flavor to the patties and toasted buns, making it a perfect summer meal option.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, whole wheat buns, and load up on veggie toppings to add nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Pizza Burger, it’s going to become one of your go-to meals for any occasion. It brings together the best qualities of pizza and burgers in a way that’s fun, satisfying, and downright delicious. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with toppings and seasonings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove or grill, and treat yourself to this fantastic Pizza Burger tonight!
Related Posts
PrintPizza Burger
Pizza Burger is a delicious fusion of classic juicy burgers and cheesy, flavorful pizza, featuring a crispy crust, gooey mozzarella cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni slices all packed into a soft toasted hamburger bun. Perfect for any meal, this recipe is easy to customize and ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Grilling and Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Customizable (can be made gluten-free with GF buns)
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Toppings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese (fresh or shredded)
- 8–12 pepperoni slices
- Optional veggies: bell peppers, mushrooms, onions (to taste)
For the Buns
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for toasting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: Mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper gently to avoid overmixing. Form into 4 evenly sized patties, slightly larger than the buns for a perfect fit when cooked.
- Cook the Patties: Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until a crust forms and the insides remain juicy. Just before finishing, spoon a generous layer of pizza sauce on each patty.
- Add the Cheese and Toppings: Place mozzarella cheese slices and pepperoni atop the sauced patties. Cover pan or close grill lid briefly to melt the cheese fully, creating a gooey texture.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly brush buns with olive oil and toast on the grill or skillet until golden and slightly crisp, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Assemble Your Pizza Burger: Layer the cheesy patties onto the toasted buns. Add optional veggies if desired. Top with extra pizza sauce or fresh basil for vibrant flavor and color. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for creamier, better melting cheese.
- Do not overmix beef to keep patties tender and juicy.
- Toast buns well to prevent sogginess from sauce and juices.
- Cover patties while melting cheese to ensure even melting without burning.
- Try different pepperoni types or add olives for unique pizza flavors.
- Let patties rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Pizza Burger, burger recipe, pizza recipe, fusion recipe, cheesy burger, pepperoni burger
