Pin it
When burger meets pizza, magic happens in these mouthwatering pizza burgers. They turn regular hamburgers into something special by adding all those Italian pizza flavors you love in each juicy bite. The combo of gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and crunchy pepperoni brings pizzeria vibes straight to your dinner table.
We stumbled on this idea during a wet weekend when nobody could choose between burgers or pizza. The second we tried them, these fusion burgers became our family favorite, and now my kids always want them when they're celebrating their birthdays.
Crucial Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground beef (80/20): Forms your burger base with just enough fat to keep everything moist and tasty while it cooks
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Delivers that real pizza feeling because it melts beautifully and has a smooth, mild taste
- Pizza sauce: Needs to be chunky and thick so your buns don't turn mushy while eating
- Fresh basil leaves: Give a pop of freshness and that Italian kick that makes all the other flavors shine
Whipping Up Your Pizza Burger
- Mix A Tasty Patty:
- Put your beef and seasonings in a big bowl. With clean hands, lightly mix the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano into the meat. Don't overdo the mixing or you'll end up with tough burgers. Just blend until everything looks even. Split the meat into four equal chunks and shape them a bit wider than your buns since they'll shrink as they cook. Push your thumb into the middle of each patty to make a small dent.
- Getting Grilling Right:
- First, get your grill hot to about 375°F and clean the cooking surface. Add some oil to stop sticking. Put your burgers on the hottest spot with the thumb print facing up. Let them cook without touching for 5 minutes until you notice juices pooling on top. Flip them once and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium. Put mozzarella on top during the last minute so it gets all melty.
Pin it
I come from an Italian American family where we always stressed using top-notch ingredients for authentic taste. The pizza sauce is extra special to me because I use my grandma's recipe that bubbles away with fresh herbs and garlic for hours.
Tasty Sidekicks
Make your burger night even better by adding some garlic parm fries, a simple Caesar salad, or extra marinara for dipping. If you want to feel like you're really in Italy, throw in some marinated artichokes or tangy pepperoncini on the side.
Fun Twists
Try making a Margherita version with buffalo mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic. Want some heat? Mix crushed red pepper into your meat and top with spicy pepperoni and jalapeños. For veggie lovers, swap the beef for grilled portobello mushroom caps as your base.
Storing Leftovers
Got extra patties? Keep them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to three days. When you're ready to eat them again, warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes and add fresh cheese near the end. Don't use the microwave or you'll end up with tough meat and soggy bread.
Pin it
I've tried countless burger recipes over my years of grilling, and these pizza burgers truly stand out from the crowd. They capture what we love about burgers and pizza while creating something totally different that you'll want to make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I get the burgers ready in advance?
- Sure! You can mix and shape the patties a day before, but for the best results, wait to cook and assemble them until you're ready to serve.
- → How do I stop burger patties from shrinking?
- Make a small dent in the center of each patty before cooking, and handle the meat gently while shaping them.
- → Can I bake these burgers instead of grilling?
- Absolutely! Cook them at 400°F in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Add the cheese towards the end to let it melt perfectly.
- → What’s a good pizza sauce option for these?
- A thicker sauce works best to avoid soaking the bread. Store-bought or homemade—both are great!
- → How can I tell when the burgers are fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 160°F to make sure they are good to go.