Juicy Pizza Burgers Recipe: Fusion Fun on a Bun!

Craving a delightful fusion of classic comfort foods?

These cheesy pizza burgers blend the best of two beloved culinary worlds.

The pizza burger combines juicy ground beef with zesty marinara and melted mozzarella for an irresistible flavor explosion.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat and tangy pizza-inspired toppings.

Packed with robust seasonings and simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in mere minutes.

You’ll love how quickly these burgers satisfy hunger and impress dinner companions.

Prepare to elevate your weeknight meal with this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a new family favorite.

Store or Reheat Without Losing Texture

• Let burgers cool completely at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack pizza burgers in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delicious burgers stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
• Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen pizza burgers maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Restore crispy edges by warming burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, use an oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring cheese melts perfectly and meat heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just ensure the meat is lean and cooked to the proper internal temperature.

• How can I make these pizza burgers more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce. You can also top the burger with hot pepperoni or jalapeños for extra heat.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook them when ready to serve, and they’ll maintain their delicious pizza-inspired flavor.

• What are some kid-friendly tips for this recipe?

Let children help choose their favorite pizza toppings or customize their own burgers. Use mild cheese and avoid spicy ingredients to make them more appealing to younger palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Pizza Burger Ingredient Lineup

• Ground Beef: Juicy foundation that brings hearty flavor and protein-packed punch, choose lean variety with 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for perfect texture and moisture.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses classic pizza-style taste, select fresh or high-quality dried mix for robust Mediterranean essence.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning warriors that enhance natural beef flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zesty kick.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty topping that delivers classic pizza experience, opt for fresh block cheese and slice yourself for superior melting quality.
• Marinara Sauce: Tangy tomato base that connects burger to pizza theme, choose authentic Italian-style sauce with rich, vibrant flavor profile.

• Hamburger Buns: Sturdy foundation for holding delicious burger, select slightly toasted buns for extra crunch and structural integrity.
• Pepperoni Slices: Optional spicy topping that adds traditional pizza flair, pick high-quality, thinly sliced pepperoni for maximum taste.
• Black Olives: Salty, briny accent that complements pizza burger concept, choose pitted olives for easy preparation.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright, aromatic herb garnish that elevates visual appeal and adds fresh flavor, select crisp, vibrant leaves.
• Olive Oil: Cooking medium that helps achieve perfect burger sear, use extra virgin variety for superior taste and healthier cooking.

Tools to Make These Savory Burger Hybrids

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for seasoning and mixing ground beef.
• Skillet or Grill: Essential for cooking burger patties with even heat.
• Spatula: Helps flip patties smoothly without breaking them.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for adding correct amounts of seasonings.
• Knife: Useful for slicing optional toppings like pepperoni and herbs.
• Cheese Slicer or Knife: For cutting mozzarella cheese slices.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients and toppings.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Pizza Burgers

• Blend Flavor Powerhouse

Mix ground beef with zesty Italian herbs, creating juicy patties with a gentle center press for perfect cooking distribution.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a skillet or grill to medium-high heat, cooking meat until golden and deliciously caramelized on both sides.

• Transform into Pizza

Drench each patty with rich marinara sauce, crown with melty mozzarella, and let cheese blanket the meat until it becomes gloriously gooey.

• Create Mouthwatering Masterpiece

Stack saucy patties onto toasted buns, then customize with pepperoni, olives, and fresh herb sprinkles for ultimate pizza burger excitement.

• Enjoy Immediately

Serve piping hot with extra marinara sauce waiting on the side for irresistible dipping adventure.

Tips to Balance That Saucy, Meaty Flavor

• Dimple the center of each burger patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking, ensuring an even, flat surface.
• Prepare patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic, for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time on busy days.
• Swap traditional burger buns with gluten-free alternatives or serve over a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based burger patties or grilled portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that captures the same pizza-inspired essence.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or pepper jack, and try adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give your pizza burgers an extra kick of heat.

Serve Pizza Burgers with Sides That Shine

• Pizza Party Platter: Create a fun sharing board with extra pizza burger patties, sliced into bite-sized pieces, surrounded by marinara dipping sauce and crispy garlic breadsticks.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair with crispy seasoned potato wedges or a fresh garden salad to balance the hearty burger's rich flavors and add nutritional variety.
• Italian Feast Finale: Complement the burger with a chilled caprese salad or a light antipasto plate featuring fresh mozzarella, olives, and cured meats for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Game Night Winner: Serve these pizza burgers during sports events or movie nights, cutting them into smaller sliders for easy group sharing and maximum crowd-pleasing potential.

Mouthwatering Pizza Burgers Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Juicy pizza burgers blend Italian and American culinary traditions into one irresistible meal. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and crispy burger patties create a delicious crossover dish that satisfies hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (80/20 for juicier burgers)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
• ½ cup (118 ml) marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (for grilling or frying)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (59 ml) pepperoni slices, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup (37 g) black olives, sliced (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Combine ground beef with Italian herbs, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings. Form four evenly sized patties with a subtle center depression to ensure uniform cooking and prevent uneven surface.
2. Cooking Patties: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for 4-5 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior while achieving desired internal temperature. Ensure meat is cooked through with a slightly caramelized crust.
3. Cheese and Sauce Layer: Spread marinara sauce generously across each cooked patty, allowing tomato flavors to infuse the meat. Top with mozzarella cheese, covering the skillet momentarily to create a perfectly melted cheese blanket that melds with the sauce.
4. Final Assembly: Place patties on toasted buns, garnishing with pepperoni slices, chopped black olives, and fresh basil or oregano. Arrange toppings to maximize visual appeal and flavor complexity.
5. Serving: Plate burgers immediately, accompanied by a side of marinara sauce for optional additional dipping, enhancing the pizza-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Bulging Patties: Create a slight center indentation in burger meat to ensure even cooking and avoid uneven surface during grilling.
• Manage Meat Moisture: Mix herbs gently and avoid overworking ground beef to maintain tenderness and prevent tough, dense patties.
• Master Cheese Melting: Cover skillet briefly after adding mozzarella to guarantee complete, smooth cheese coverage without overcooking the burger.
• Customize Toppings Creatively: Experiment with alternative pizza-inspired ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or different cheese varieties to personalize the burger experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg