Pizza Burger

This bold and melty pizza burger delivers the crave-worthy flavors of your favorite pizzeria layered into a juicy burger. Italian sausage, seasoned beef, marinara, melted mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni are tucked inside a toasted bun for the ultimate mash-up comfort food.

I started making these for game days and they quickly became a weekend staple. The first time I served them, my guests couldn’t believe they weren’t takeout.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80 percent lean provides the classic burger texture while staying juicy
• Ground Italian sausage: adds bold savory flavor and pairs beautifully with the marinara
• Pizza seasoning blend: delivers the familiar taste of oregano garlic and basil in one step
• Fresh mozzarella: melts perfectly and adds gooey stretch to every bite
• Marinara sauce: brings acidity and ties together the pizza theme
• Pepperoni: delivers spice and crisp texture when lightly grilled
• Parmesan cheese: adds a salty finish and sharpness to the final bite
• Hamburger buns: act as the base and should be sturdy enough to hold all the toppings
• Butter: is key for toasting the buns and adding richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix and Shape the Patties:

In a large bowl gently combine ground beef Italian sausage and pizza seasoning using your hands or a fork until just blended. Form into 4 equal patties slightly larger than your buns for shrinkage during cooking. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.

Preheat and Cook the Patties:

Heat your grill or skillet to medium high. Place patties on the hot surface and cook for about 4 minutes on the first side without pressing down. Flip and continue cooking 2 to 4 minutes depending on your doneness preference. In the final minute top with mozzarella slices to melt.

Warm the Sauce and Crisp the Pepperoni:

While burgers cook heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan on low until warmed through. Place pepperoni slices on a grill-safe pan or foil and warm for 1 to 2 minutes until edges crisp slightly.

Toast the Buns:

Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and place face down on the grill or pan. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and lightly crisped.

Assemble the Burgers:

Place each burger on the bottom bun. Spoon over a generous amount of warm marinara then layer on the pepperoni slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining bun halves and serve hot.

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The mozzarella is hands down my favorite part of this dish. I love watching it melt into the meat while the sauce gets cozy between the toppings. One summer my nephew called these his dream burgers and we’ve made them for every family BBQ since.

Storage Tips

Leftover patties keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a lid or in the oven at 300 degrees until warmed through. Keep buns and toppings separate for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all beef if you don’t have sausage but increase the seasoning. Try provolone instead of mozzarella or use jarred pizza sauce instead of marinara if it is what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

These burgers pair well with baked fries Caesar salad or even garlic knots for an over the top pizza night. Offer extra marinara on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Cultural Context

This fusion recipe draws from American burger culture and Italian American pizza classics. The mashup brings nostalgic fast food flavors into the home kitchen with fresh ingredients and a gourmet touch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use all ground beef instead of the beef and sausage mix?

Yes, you can use 2 pounds of ground beef instead, but the Italian sausage adds incredible flavor depth and authentic pizza taste. If using all beef, increase the pizza seasoning to 1 tablespoon for better flavor.

→ What's the best way to prevent the burgers from puffing up while cooking?

Press a small indent into the center of each patty with your thumb before cooking. This dimple prevents the burger from puffing into a ball shape and helps it cook evenly while maintaining a flat surface for toppings.

→ How do I know when the burgers are cooked to the right temperature?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. For medium doneness, aim for 140°F. The burgers should feel firm but still have some give when gently pressed with a spatula.

→ Can I add other pizza toppings to customize these burgers?

Absolutely! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, or black olives. Just make sure any vegetables are cooked before adding to prevent the bun from getting soggy.

→ What's the secret to getting crispy pepperoni on the burger?

Warm the pepperoni slices on the grill or in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until they start to crisp up slightly. This removes excess grease and adds a better texture contrast to the soft burger.

→ How should I store and reheat leftover pizza burgers?

Store cooked patties separately from buns in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat and toast fresh buns. Add fresh toppings for the best taste and texture.