Pizza Burgers are the perfect answer when you can’t decide between pizza night and a juicy burger feast. With a dreamy combination of savory beef and sausage patties, gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and all the classic toppings—these burgers truly capture the soul of both Italian and American comfort food. Each bite layers in rich flavors, melty cheese, and a burst of fresh basil, wrapped up in a toasty bun that holds everything together. Whether you’re cooking up a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these Pizza Burgers promise to be a memorable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Pizza Burgers couldn’t be simpler, but every component serves a special role in building flavor and texture. From the savory meats to the final touch of fresh basil, each ingredient brings a little magic to your plate.
- Ground Beef: The foundation of your patty, providing richness and a satisfying, juicy bite.
- Italian Sausage: Adds depth, spice, and authentic pizza character to the meat mixture.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a subtle warmth and classic Italian aroma to every bite.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory qualities of the burgers without extra chopping.
- Dried Oregano: That signature pizzeria herb, infusing the patties with unmistakable pizza flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors and making everything pop.
- Moist Mozzarella Cheese Slices: Melt beautifully over the patties, providing that irresistible cheese pull.
- Pizza Sauce: Delivers the classic tomatoey punch and binds all the pizza flavors together.
- Hamburger Buns: Soft yet sturdy enough to contain all those saucy, cheesy layers.
- Pepperoni Slices: For a bold, spicy note and a nod to everyone’s favorite pizza topping.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the patties with a golden crust and adds Mediterranean richness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty kick that screams pizza night.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: The perfect finishing touch—fresh, fragrant, and absolutely beautiful.
How to Make Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Mix and Form the Patties
Start by combining the ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix just until all the seasonings are distributed—overmixing can make the burgers dense, so a light touch is key! Shape the meat mixture into four even patties, pressing a slight indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully lay the patties into the pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until they’re deeply browned on both sides and reach your desired level of doneness. The aroma at this stage is pure magic!
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt faster and blanket the burgers in gooey, cheesy perfection. Keep an eye out—it’s ready when the edges turn irresistibly melty!
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the patties finish up, lightly toast the hamburger buns until they’re golden and just crisp on the cut sides. This quick step makes the finished Pizza Burgers taste like they came straight out of your favorite sandwich shop.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pizza Burgers
Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce on each bottom bun. Add your cheesy burger patty, then layer on three slices of pepperoni and a little extra pizza sauce for good measure. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and finish with fresh basil leaves. Cap it all off with the top bun and get ready to dig in while the burgers are hot!
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Garnishes
Pile on fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness, or add some thinly sliced red onions or banana peppers for a dash of color and zing. A pinch of extra Parmesan over the top can turn an everyday burger into something extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pizza Burgers with seasoned fries, a fresh green salad, or roasted garlic potato wedges. Even a bowl of minestrone or a tangy Caesar salad will make this meal feel restaurant-worthy. The burgers are bold and hearty, so sides that provide crunch or freshness are especially lovely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the burgers open-faced on toasted garlic bread for a decadent twist, or slice them in half and arrange on a platter appetizer-style for parties. Toothpicks with mini pepperoni or cherry tomatoes make each portion look playful and enticing—kids (and adults) will love the fun presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Burgers should be cooled completely and then wrapped tightly or placed in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any extra sauce or basil separate and add fresh when you’re ready to eat again.
Freezing
To freeze, let cooked patties cool, then wrap each individually in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. They’ll keep well for about 2 months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Freeze buns separately for best texture, and always add cheese, sauce, and garnishes after reheating for the best taste.
Reheating
Warm the patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding the mozzarella in the last minute or two so it becomes melty again. You can also use the microwave for convenience, although the oven or skillet helps maintain a better texture. Toast your buns just before serving and build your refreshed Pizza Burgers as usual.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese on my Pizza Burgers?
Absolutely! Provolone, fontina, or even pepper jack cheese all melt beautifully and bring their own flavor spins. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect cheesy match.
How can I make Pizza Burgers a bit healthier?
Swapping the beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken is a great way to lighten things up. You can also use whole wheat buns, low-fat cheese, or load up the burgers with extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or peppers!
Is there a vegetarian version of Pizza Burgers?
Definitely! Use your favorite veggie burger patty as the base. Top it with all the same pizza-inspired fixings: rich pizza sauce, plenty of melty cheese, pepperoni-style plant-based slices, and fresh basil for that same irresistible flavor.
Can I grill Pizza Burgers instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling adds an extra layer of smoky flavor! Just preheat your grill to medium-high, oil the grates to prevent sticking, and cook the patties according to the instructions, adding cheese at the end so it melts over the heat.
What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns is a key step, but you can also add a layer of cheese to the bottom bun before the sauce, creating a little “moisture barrier.” Assembling right before serving keeps everything fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you love both burgers and pizza, Pizza Burgers might just become your new obsession. Each juicy, cheesy bite delivers the best of both worlds, and there’s so many ways to make them your own. Gather your favorite toppings, grab a stack of napkins, and jump in—the only thing better than making Pizza Burgers is sharing them with people you love!
Print
Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Pizza Burgers combine the best of both worlds – the flavors of a pizza in a juicy burger. These savory burgers are loaded with Italian seasonings, melty cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, all sandwiched between toasted buns. A fun twist on traditional burgers that will satisfy your pizza cravings!
Ingredients
Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Form mixture into 4 patties.
- Cooking: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side. Add mozzarella on top during the last minute to melt.
- Assembly: Toast buns. Spread pizza sauce on bottom bun, place burger, add pepperoni slices, more sauce, Parmesan, basil, and top bun. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a variation, try different cheeses or add sautéed vegetables as toppings.
- Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1120 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
