Pepperoni Mushroom Pizza Burger

This pepperoni mushroom pizza burger is the ultimate mash-up for indecisive food lovers everywhere. I created this monster after my teenage son and his friends couldn't agree on pizza or burgers for game night. The solution became an instant family favorite that satisfies both cravings in one hearty, cheese-loaded dish.

I first made this on a rainy Sunday when we were craving both comfort foods, and now it's requested at least twice a month. My husband claims it's the perfect hangover cure, though I'll let you be the judge of that particular benefit.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the juiciest burger that won't dry out during broiling
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps season the meat thoroughly
• Italian seasoning: Provides classic pizza herb flavors throughout the burger patty
• Black pepper: Adds necessary spice and depth to the meat
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing the onions and garlic
• Yellow onion: Develops sweet caramelized flavors when sautéed properly
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic flavor throughout the dish
• Premade pizza crusts: Look for refrigerated crusts rather than frozen for better texture
• Pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade if you have it
• American cheese: Creates that melty burger cheese pull we all love
• Mozzarella cheese: Fresh shredded works better than pre-shredded for optimal meltability
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty umami punch to complement the other cheeses
• Pepperoni: Opt for a quality brand that isn't too greasy
• Canned mushrooms: Convenient and perfectly sized for even distribution

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to broil on high setting. This high heat will quickly cook the burger patty while keeping it juicy inside. Take a moment to spray your 12-inch ovenproof skillet with cooking spray. Be sure to coat the sides as well to prevent sticking during the baking process.

Form the Burger Patty:

Press the ground beef into an even layer across the entire skillet. Use your fingers to ensure even thickness throughout. With the back of a spoon, create small divots across the surface of the meat. This prevents the patty from puffing up in the center during cooking. Sprinkle the entire surface evenly with salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, gently pressing the seasonings into the meat.

Broil the Burger:

Place the skillet on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Broil for a full 15 minutes until the burger is completely cooked through and beautifully browned on top. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using thick oven mitts. Transfer the burger to a plate and set aside. Pour off all the drippings from the pan and wipe clean with paper towels.

Sauté Aromatics:

Reduce your oven temperature to 450°F. Return the clean skillet to the stovetop and set heat to medium. Add butter and allow it to melt completely until it begins to foam slightly. Add sliced onions to the butter and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally but not constantly. Add minced garlic to the onions and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Transfer this aromatic mixture to a small plate.

Begin Assembly:

Place one pizza crust flat into the bottom of the skillet. Spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of pizza sauce in an even layer over the crust, leaving about half an inch around the edge bare. Distribute the sautéed onion and garlic mixture evenly over the sauce. Carefully transfer the cooked burger patty on top of the onion layer, centering it in the skillet.

Complete Assembly:

Arrange American cheese slices on top of the burger, slightly overlapping to ensure full coverage. Take the second pizza crust and place it upside down over the burger, gently pressing the edges to form a seal. Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the top crust in an even layer. Sprinkle two-thirds of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Arrange pepperoni slices and mushrooms evenly across the top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella.

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The secret weapon in this recipe is definitely the combination of three different cheeses. American cheese melts into the burger, mozzarella provides that Instagram-worthy cheese pull, and Parmesan adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. My daughter once called it the "cheese trifecta" and the name stuck in our household.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the crust soggy. Individual slices can be wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month, though the texture of the crust won't be quite as good as fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe welcomes creative adjustments based on your preferences. Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for the beef patty to reduce calories. For a spicier version, add pickled jalapeños or hot honey drizzled over the top before serving. If mushrooms aren't your thing, try roasted red peppers, olives, or pineapple instead. You can even use flavored pizza crusts like garlic or herb for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pizza burger is a meal in itself, but I love serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a true pizzeria experience, serve with garlic knots or breadsticks on the side. A cold beer or Italian soda makes the perfect beverage pairing. Set out small bowls of extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or hot honey for dipping the crusts.

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This dish is the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion—give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your household!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this with homemade pizza dough instead of premade crusts?

Absolutely! Prepare your homemade dough and pre-bake it partially (about 5-7 minutes at 450°F) before using it in this recipe. This ensures the crust cooks properly throughout when assembled with the burger and toppings.

→ How can I make this pizza burger healthier?

Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, use whole wheat pizza crust, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also opt for low-moisture part-skim mozzarella.

→ Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the burger patty and sauté the onions and garlic up to a day ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This can significantly reduce preparation time on the day of serving.

→ What side dishes pair well with this pizza burger?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness. Garlic bread, sweet potato fries, or a light vegetable soup also complement this hearty main course nicely.

→ Can I freeze leftover pizza burger slices?

Yes, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and placed in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

→ What other toppings would work well on this pizza burger?

The possibilities are endless! Try bacon, bell peppers, olives, pineapple, jalapeños, spinach, or arugula. You could also experiment with different meats like crumbled sausage, ham, or prosciutto alongside or in place of the pepperoni.