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Pizza burgers bring together the melty goodness of your favorite pie and the satisfaction of a juicy burger all in one handheld bite. Perfect for family nights or when you are craving comfort food fast these burgers are a real crowd-pleaser and could not be simpler to make.
I started making pizza burgers when my kids wanted pizza but I had burger meat in the fridge. Now they ask for them at every barbecue because everyone can add their own just the way they like.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: brings juicy flavor and holds the patty together make sure you choose a blend with enough fat
- Pizza sauce: infuses every bite with classic Italian herbs and tangy tomato look for one with no added sugar
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully check for whole milk mozzarella for the richest flavor
- Hamburger buns: serve as the perfect base for holding all your toppings soft yet sturdy rolls work best
- Sliced pepperoni: gives a classic pizza kick opt for thick cut or turkey pepperoni for variety
- Italian seasoning: adds herby depth check blends for fresh aroma and even green color
- Salt and pepper: are essential for seasoning your meat use flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Beef:
- In a large bowl combine ground beef Italian seasoning salt and pepper mix gently by hand so you do not compact the meat too much
- Shape the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape each into a thick even patty about the same diameter as your burger buns press a little indentation in the center to reduce shrinking while grilling
- Grill the Burgers:
- Place patties on a grill heated to medium high cook for around five to six minutes per side until seared and cooked through the juices should run clear and you should get nice char marks
- Add Toppings:
- In the final minute of grilling spoon a generous tablespoon or two of pizza sauce over each patty top with a mound of shredded mozzarella and a handful of pepperoni slices cover with a lid to help the cheese melt
- Toast the Buns:
- Arrange hamburger buns cut side down on the grill for one or two minutes until golden and lightly crisped watch closely as they can burn quickly
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Layer each burger patty on a toasted bun and stack with extra sauce or cheese if you like
- Serve Hot:
- Serve right away so the cheese is nice and gooey enjoy with your favorite sides
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I always look forward to the moment when I lift the grill lid and the pepperoni smells just like fresh pizza in the air. Mozzarella is my favorite because it makes those amazing cheese pulls inside each warm burger bite.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep cheese gooey. Buns are best stored separately to prevent sogginess and can be re-toasted just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for turkey chicken or a plant based alternative for different proteins. For extra flavor try adding fresh basil or swapping mozzarella for provolone. Those who like spice can use hot pepperoni or add a dash of crushed red pepper to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve pizza burgers with a crisp green salad roasted veggies or oven baked fries. These are also great cut in half as party sliders or paired with a bowl of tomato soup for dunking.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Pizza burgers first grew popular in American home kitchens during the surge of Italian American cuisine in the mid twentieth century. The combination captures the playful spirit of comfort cooking by merging two iconic dishes everyone loves.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the patties extra juicy?
Use freshly ground beef with a moderate fat ratio, avoid over-mixing ingredients, and grill to just medium for the juiciest result.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, try ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version while still keeping great flavor.
- → What cheese works best for pizza burgers?
Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone or a cheese blend can add extra depth and creaminess.
- → What's the best way to prevent soggy buns?
Lightly toast the buns on the grill so they hold up to the sauce and melted cheese without softening too much.
- → Which toppings pair well with these burgers?
Pepperoni is classic, but you can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra pizza-inspired flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate patties and toppings separately, then reheat before assembling to maintain texture and freshness.