Zesty Italian Pizza Burgers

This pizza burger recipe unites two beloved comfort foods into one incredible meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The classic flavor combination of savory beef, melty cheese, zesty sauce, and crispy pepperoni delivers all the satisfaction of pizza in handheld form.

I first created these pizza burgers when my nephew visited and couldn't decide between burgers or pizza for dinner. The compromise became an instant family classic that now appears on our table at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80/20 lean to fat ratio provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without becoming too greasy
• Italian seasoning: Adds authentic pizza flavor in one simple ingredient
• Garlic powder: Infuses the meat with aromatic depth that complements the pizza sauce
• Pizza sauce: Choose a thick variety for less mess when eating
• Mozzarella cheese: Fresh is wonderful but pre-shredded works perfectly for weeknight convenience
• Pepperoni: Opt for a quality brand that crisps nicely under the broiler
• Hamburger buns: Brioche adds richness but any substantial bun works well
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the full flavor of the beef

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Form Patties:

Combine ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl using your hands to thoroughly incorporate the seasonings throughout the meat. Divide into four equal portions and gently shape into patties slightly larger than your buns as they will shrink during cooking. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking. Let the patties rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take the chill off.

Toast the Buns:

While patties are resting, arrange your split hamburger buns cut side up on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden color. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. Remove the top halves and set aside while keeping the bottom halves on the baking sheet.

Grill the Burgers:

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the cooking surface and let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a nice crust on the bottom and juices begin to appear on the top surface. Flip once and cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes for medium doneness. Avoid pressing down on the patties as this squeezes out precious juices.

Prepare the First Layer:

While the burgers are cooking, warm your pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Spread a tablespoon of warm sauce over each bottom bun then sprinkle with a portion of mozzarella and arrange 2 to 3 pepperoni slices on top. Place under the broiler for just 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and pepperoni edges begin to crisp.

Assemble the Final Layer:

Place your cooked burger patties on top of the melted cheese layer then add another spoonful of pizza sauce, remaining mozzarella, and more pepperoni slices on top of each patty. Return to the broiler for another 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Add the toasted top buns and serve immediately.

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The Italian seasoning blend is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its impact when I ran out once and used individual herbs instead. While still good, that perfect pizza flavor harmony was missing. Now I keep an extra jar of quality Italian seasoning specifically for these burgers.

Make Ahead Options

These pizza burgers offer excellent meal prep potential. You can season and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator with pieces of parchment between each patty to prevent sticking. The burger patties can even be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated, though they are best when freshly grilled. When ready to serve, simply reheat the patties in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before proceeding with the sauce and cheese steps.

Perfect Cheese Melt Technique

The double broiling method used in this recipe ensures perfectly melted cheese throughout the burger. For an even more impressive cheese pull, try mixing a small amount of provolone with the mozzarella. The combination creates an ideal melt with the stretchy consistency pizza lovers crave. If using fresh mozzarella, be sure to drain it well on paper towels before adding to prevent excess moisture from making your buns soggy.

Flavor Variations

While the classic pepperoni version is a crowd-pleaser, these pizza burgers are incredibly adaptable to different pizza topping preferences. For a supreme pizza burger, add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions under the cheese layer. Meat lovers can incorporate cooked Italian sausage crumbles along with the pepperoni. For vegetable lovers, consider adding fresh basil leaves after broiling or a sprinkle of dried oregano before serving. Barbecue pizza fans can substitute barbecue sauce for half of the pizza sauce and add caramelized onions.

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For a comforting dinner that's as quick as it is delicious, these pizza burgers always deliver. They're destined to become a family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for these pizza burgers?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Since turkey is naturally less fatty than beef, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture to maintain juiciness, and consider reducing the cooking time by about 1 minute per side to prevent drying out.

→ What sides pair well with pizza burgers?

Great sides include garlic parmesan fries, a simple green salad with Italian dressing, garlic knots, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. For a lighter option, serve with a Caesar salad or coleslaw.

→ Can I make these pizza burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. For best results, cook them fresh and add the toppings just before serving. If needed, you can fully cook the burgers and reheat them with toppings under the broiler until hot and bubbly.

→ What can I use instead of pepperoni for a vegetarian version?

For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and try using sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, black olives, or even pineapple pieces. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for the patties themselves.

→ How can I make these pizza burgers spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the ground beef mixture, use spicy pepperoni, add sliced jalapeños as a topping, or mix some hot sauce into the pizza sauce. You could also use pepper jack cheese in place of some or all of the mozzarella.

→ Can I cook these pizza burgers in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the patties in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Then add the toppings and broil as directed in the original instructions for that melty finish.