How to Make the Best Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite!

When you think of pizza, what comes to mind? The crispy crust, the gooey cheese, and all those tasty toppings, right? Now, imagine turning that into a burger. That’s what we’re doing today with these Pizza Burgers! Trust me, this is one of those recipes that will have everyone gathered around the dinner table, ready for seconds.

Let’s talk about how easy and fun this recipe is. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for meals that are quick to make but still pack a lot of flavor. Pizza Burgers are perfect for that! They bring together the best parts of pizza and burgers into one satisfying meal. No need to order out when you can make these at home in just about 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Burger Recipe

So, what’s so amazing about these pizza burgers? A few reasons, honestly. First off, the flavor! You’ve got the classic pizza taste in a burger form. Second, it’s customizable. You can throw in whatever pizza toppings you like, whether you’re into mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a bit of cheese stuffed inside the patty. And third, it’s so easy to throw together. Whether you’re making these on a weeknight or serving them up for a weekend get-together, they won’t take much time at all.

Oh, and did I mention they’re kid-friendly? If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping things fun and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now, let’s get into the ingredients. The beauty of pizza burgers is that you don’t need a whole bunch of fancy stuff. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)

For the Toppings:

• Fresh basil leaves (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• Sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms (optional)
• More mozzarella cheese for melting
• Burger buns (try whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

How to Make These Amazing Pizza Burgers

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! I’m telling you, this is such an easy recipe, and the best part is that it’s super forgiving. Feel free to get creative with the toppings or even the sauce.

Step 1: Mix Your Patty Ingredients

Start by combining the ground beef (or turkey) with the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce in a bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix it all together until it’s well combined. The mozzarella is going to melt beautifully inside the patty as it cooks, giving you that pizza-like texture.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Once your ingredients are mixed, divide the mixture into four even portions and shape them into patties. If you want to make them bigger or smaller, go ahead, it’s all about what works best for your family!

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and browned on the outside. If you’re using a grill, you can also throw them on there for that great smoky flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

When your patties are almost done, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each one. Then, cover the skillet for a minute or two to help the cheese melt. The gooey melted cheese is what makes these pizza burgers extra special.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While your patties are finishing up, toast your burger buns lightly in a separate pan or on the grill. A little crispy edge on the bun goes a long way in bringing everything together.

Step 6: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

While the patties are cooking, warm up the marinara sauce in a small saucepan. Stir in garlic powder and oregano to give it an extra kick. You can also add a pinch of sugar if you like your sauce a little sweeter. This step is totally optional, but it really makes the burger come together in a pizza-like way.

Step 7: Assemble Your Pizza Burgers

Now it’s time to assemble! Place the cooked patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of your toasted burger bun. Spoon a little bit of marinara sauce on top. If you’re adding extra toppings like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, pile them on top. Finally, place the top half of the bun on and give it a little press.

If you’ve got fresh basil on hand, sprinkle it on top for that fresh, Italian flavor that will take your pizza burger to the next level.

Customizing Your Pizza Burgers

One of the best things about these pizza burgers is how customizable they are. Here are a few ideas to make them even more exciting:

• Stuff the patty: Try stuffing the patty with a bit of extra mozzarella cheese before cooking. When you cut into it, that cheese will ooze out just like a stuffed crust pizza!
• Add veggies: Load your pizza burger up with veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. These will give it a delicious pizza flavor, while also sneaking in some healthy ingredients.
• Use a different cheese: If mozzarella isn’t your thing, try a blend of cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a little feta. You can’t go wrong with cheese!
• Gluten-free option: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply use gluten-free burger buns and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Pro Tips for the Best Pizza Burgers

1. Use high-quality ground beef: The better the meat, the better the burger! I love using lean ground beef, but feel free to choose whatever works best for your taste.
2. Don’t skip the cheese inside the patty: It’s the secret to that amazing pizza burger flavor.
3. Keep the marinara sauce on the side: If you want to avoid soggy buns, serve the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
4. Use a meat thermometer: If you want to be sure the burger is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s reached 160°F internally.

Why You’ll Make These Again and Again

This pizza burger recipe is a total winner. It’s simple to make, loaded with pizza flavor, and a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or even a fun twist on game day food, these pizza burgers will always be a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, they’re so versatile. You can easily swap out the toppings, adjust the seasonings, or even turn them into a pizza burger salad if you want to go low-carb! The options are endless, and it’s one of those recipes you can keep coming back to.

I hope you give this recipe a try! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. Enjoy your pizza burger adventure!