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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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