Juicy Pizza Burgers Recipe: Two Favorites Melted into One Bite

Juicy beef patties take an unexpected turn with this mouthwatering pizza burgers recipe that blends classic American comfort food with Italian-inspired flavors.

Melted cheese, zesty marinara sauce, and crispy pepperoni create a delectable fusion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

These burger-pizza hybrids deliver maximum satisfaction in every single bite.

The combination of ground beef, pizza seasonings, and gooey mozzarella creates an irresistible meal that breaks all the culinary rules.

Perfectly seasoned and packed with robust ingredients, these burgers offer a quick and exciting dinner option.

Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, this recipe promises to become a new family favorite.

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner with this game-changing mashup that combines two beloved classics.

Storing Pizza Burgers for Lunchtime Leftovers

• Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pizza burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated pizza burgers for 30-45 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pizza burgers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp the muffins.

FAQs

• What makes the meat mixture flavorful?

The combination of ground beef, ground sausage, butter, mushrooms, and onions creates a rich, savory base. Adding garlic and marjoram during cooking enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Mozzarella works best for that classic pizza taste, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for similar results.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The pizza burger combines two favorite foods – pizza and burgers – making it an instant hit with children. The familiar flavors and easy-to-eat format make it perfect for family meals.

Pizza Burgers: Why You’ll Want Them Again and Again

• Combine the best of pizza and burgers in one mouthwatering dish that breaks traditional meal boundaries.
• Whip up a delicious meal with simple ingredients and minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy households.
• Swap out ingredients or add personal favorites to make this recipe uniquely yours, from different meats to additional toppings.
• Deliver a guaranteed hit that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Pizza Burger Ingredients for Juicy, Cheesy Results

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the main body of the burger mixture.
• Ground Sausage: Adds extra flavor and richness to the meat base.
• Pepperoni: Provides a classic pizza-style topping with spicy and savory notes.

• Mushrooms, Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a deeply flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the pizza burgers.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.

• Marjoram: An herb that brings a subtle, sweet flavor to the meat mixture.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a traditional pizza-style sauce element to the burger.
• Kosher Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

• English Muffins: Serves as the perfect crispy base for these pizza-style burgers.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables smoothly.

Kitchen Gear for Easy Pizza Burger Nights

• Large skillet: Essential for browning meat and sautéing vegetables.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting English muffins under the broiler.
• Broiler: Needed to melt cheese and crisp up the pizza burgers.
• Sharp knife: Useful for dicing pepperoni and chopping mushrooms and onions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Handy for adding precise amounts of seasonings.

How to Cook the Perfect Pizza Burger

Step 1: Brown Meaty Goodness

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sizzle ground beef and ground sausage until they start turning golden.

• Butter
• Mushrooms
• Onions

Cook everything until the meat looks perfectly browned and the vegetables are tender and soft.

Step 2: Sprinkle Aromatic Seasonings

Lower the heat to medium-low.

Add garlic and marjoram, stirring constantly for one minute to release their incredible flavors.

Step 3: Develop Rich Sauce

Stir marinara sauce into the meat mixture and season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Let the sauce simmer and meld together for 7-10 minutes.

Step 4: Crisp Up Muffin Bases

Split English muffins and toast them under the broiler until they turn beautifully golden and crispy.

Step 5: Build Flavor-Packed Burgers

Spread the meat mixture evenly across toasted muffins.

• Diced pepperoni
• Mozzarella cheese

Distribute ingredients equally across each muffin.

Step 6: Melt and Serve

Place pizza burgers under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes irresistibly melted and bubbly.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Pizza Burger Tips for Bold Flavor in Every Bite

• Pat ground beef and sausage dry before browning to ensure better caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh marjoram and garlic for deeper, more aromatic flavor that elevates the pizza burger's taste profile.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature before broiling to help it melt more evenly and create that perfect golden-brown top.
• Watch English muffins closely under the broiler to prevent burning, aiming for a light golden color with crispy edges.
• Dice pepperoni into small, uniform pieces for even distribution and consistent flavor in every bite.

Unique Pizza Burger Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Pizza Burgers: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of butter for sautéing mushrooms and onions.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap English muffins with gluten-free bread or portobello mushroom caps as a base. Ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mediterranean Variation: Add red pepper flakes and swap marjoram for oregano. Top with feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use large lettuce leaves or roasted bell pepper halves instead of muffins. Replace marinara with a low-carb tomato sauce and add extra cheese for richness.

Great Sides to Serve with Pizza Burgers

Crowd-Pleasing Party Bites: Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, these pizza burgers turn ordinary muffins into irresistible crowd-pleasers that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pizza Night Makeover: Transform traditional pizza flavors into handheld burgers, creating a fun twist that combines the best of both worlds – pizza’s zesty sauce and burger’s hearty satisfaction.

Family-Friendly Meal Hack: Kids and adults will love these quick, customizable pizza burgers that let everyone enjoy personalized toppings while keeping dinner exciting and delicious.

Leftovers Lunch Champion: Pack these cooled pizza burgers for an amazing next-day lunch that tastes just as good cold or quickly reheated in a microwave or toaster oven.

Pizza Burgers Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering pizza burgers blend classic American cheeseburger flavors with Italian pizza ingredients. Melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce create a delicious crossover meal that satisfies cravings for comfort classics.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (227 grams) ground sausage (bulk or Italian)
• 2 ounces (57 grams) pepperoni, diced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram

Remaining Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 6 English muffins
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef and ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing butter, mushrooms, and onions midway through cooking. Continue until meat achieves a rich brown color and vegetables become tender.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate garlic and marjoram. Stir constantly for one minute to release aromatic flavors.
3. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, seasoning with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Allow mixture to gently simmer for 7-10 minutes, developing deep flavor profiles.
4. Prepare English muffins by splitting and toasting under broiler until edges turn golden and crisp, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Distribute meat mixture evenly across toasted muffin halves, creating a uniform base layer. Strategically arrange diced pepperoni across the surface.
6. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over pepperoni, ensuring complete coverage of each burger.
7. Position assembled pizza burgers under broiler for 2-3 minutes at high temperature. Remove when cheese becomes completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8. Transfer immediately to serving plates, ensuring optimal temperature and cheese consistency.

Notes

• Meat Selection Choose lean ground beef and sausage for a healthier version, which reduces excess grease and keeps the burger lighter.
• Mushroom Magic Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to release their natural moisture and concentrate their rich, umami flavor before mixing with meat.
• Cheese Flexibility Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or a pizza cheese mix to customize the pizza burger’s taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Option Swap English muffins with gluten-free alternatives or use portobello mushroom caps as a low-carb, vegetable-based base for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg