Save it
Two classics meet in these mouthwatering pizza burgers. This dish turns regular hamburgers into something special by blending in all your favorite pizza flavors with each juicy bite. The gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and crunchy pepperoni work together to bring pizzeria magic straight to your dinner table.
We stumbled on this idea during a wet weekend when we couldn't choose between burgers or pizza. From our very first taste, these became an instant hit, and now my kids always ask for them when their birthdays roll around.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground beef (80/20): Forms the juicy base with just enough fat to keep everything moist and tasty while it cooks
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Gives you that real pizza feel with its awesome melt and smooth, subtle taste
- Pizza sauce: Go for something chunky and thick to keep your buns from getting all mushy
- Fresh basil leaves: Bring a pop of freshness and that true Italian touch that works so well with everything else
Crafting Your Ultimate Pizza Burger
- Mix Up Your Meat:
- Toss your ground beef and spices in a big bowl. With clean fingers, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano through the beef. Don't overdo it or you'll end up with tough burgers. Just mix until everything's spread out evenly. Split the meat into four equal chunks and shape them a bit wider than your buns since they'll shrink while cooking. Push your thumb into the middle of each patty to make a small dent.
- Grilling To Perfection:
- First, get your grill nice and hot, around 375°F. Make sure to clean and oil those grates so nothing sticks. Put your burgers on the hottest spot, dent facing up. Let them cook without messing with them for about 5 minutes until you notice juice collecting on top. Flip them once and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium. Add your mozzarella during the last minute so it gets all melty.
Save it
I come from an Italian American family where we always paid attention to using good ingredients for the best flavors. The pizza sauce is really special to me because I use my grandma's recipe that cooks slowly with herbs and garlic for hours.
Great Side Dishes
Make your meal even better by adding some garlic parmesan fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or extra marinara for dipping. If you want that true Italian feeling, try some marinated artichokes or tangy pepperoncini on the side.
Try These Twists
You could switch things up with a Margherita style burger using buffalo mozzarella, fresh tomato slices, and a drizzle of balsamic. If you like heat, mix some red pepper flakes into your meat and top with spicy pepperoni and jalapeños. For veggie friends, swap the beef for thick grilled portobello mushroom caps.
Storing Leftovers
Got extra patties? Pop them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat them again, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, adding new cheese near the end. Don't use the microwave - it'll make your meat tough and turn your bun into mush.
Save it
I've tried countless burger recipes over my years of grilling, and these pizza burgers truly stand out from the crowd. They really capture what makes both dishes so good while creating something totally different that you'll want to make again and again.
Common Questions
- → Can I prep the burgers early?
- Absolutely! You can season and shape patties the day before. For best taste, cook and assemble just before eating.
- → How do I stop patties from shrinking?
- Press a small dent in the center before cooking. Also, handle the meat less when shaping them.
- → Is baking an option for these burgers?
- Definitely. Bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Add cheese in the last few minutes for perfect melting.
- → What kind of pizza sauce works well?
- Go for a thicker sauce to avoid soggy buns. Store-bought or homemade; both work great.
- → How do I make sure the burgers are fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the inside reaches 160°F. That’s the safe eating temp!