Pizza Burgers Recipe

Irresistible Pizza Burgers Recipe: Two Favorites, One Tasty Meal

Juicy pizza burgers combine two beloved comfort foods into one mouthwatering meal that’ll make you smile.

Melted cheese and zesty marinara sauce create an irresistible flavor explosion between perfectly seasoned beef patties.

Crispy edges and soft centers guarantee a delightful bite every single time.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish with simple ingredients from their kitchen.

Mediterranean herbs and spices add a surprising twist to the classic burger concept.

Unexpected flavor combinations will impress anyone sitting around your dinner table.

Seriously, you want to try this recipe right now.

Storing Pizza Burgers Properly

  • Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and taste.
  • Place burger on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap burger in aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, preserving moisture and flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s cooked to the proper internal temperature.

  • How do I know when the burger is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for ground beef, which ensures safe consumption.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can easily make these pizza burgers on a stovetop skillet or indoor grill pan. Cook the patties over medium-high heat and follow the same steps for adding toppings.

  • Are there any recommended additional toppings?

Fresh basil leaves, extra marinara sauce, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can enhance the pizza burger’s flavor profile.

Pizza Burgers That Explode with Flavor

  • Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform traditional burgers into a mouthwatering pizza-inspired masterpiece that brings excitement to your dinner table.
  • Quick Grilling Delight: Prepare these pizza burgers in mere minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous family meals or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Fusion: Combine the best of two beloved favorites – pizza and burgers – creating an irresistible dish that appeals to kids and adults alike.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Whip up a delicious meal with just a few simple ingredients, requiring no complicated cooking techniques or hard-to-find components.

Ingredients for Pizza Burgers

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful base for the burger patties that provides rich, meaty taste and texture.
Cheese and Topping:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness to the burger.
  • Pepperoni Slices: A traditional pizza topping that brings spicy and savory notes to the burger.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that adds a pizza-like flavor profile to the burger.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the ground beef.
Bread:
  • Hamburger Buns: A soft and sturdy base that holds the burger and complements the pizza-inspired toppings.

How to Prepare Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to a sizzling medium-high heat, getting ready for some burger magic.

Step 2: Shape the Meat Masterpiece

Grab the ground beef and craft 4 perfectly formed patties.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously to wake up those flavor bombs.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Toss the patties onto the hot grill and let them sizzle for 5-7 minutes on each side.

You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.

Step 4: Load Up with Pizza Toppings

In the final 2 minutes of cooking, transform these burgers into pizza paradise by adding:
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni slices

Watch the cheese melt and the pepperoni get slightly crispy.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Quickly toast the hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes, giving them a light crunch and smoky flavor.

Step 6: Build Your Burger Masterpiece

Place the loaded patties onto the toasted buns, creating a mouthwatering pizza burger that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Plate these hot, cheesy pizza burgers and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Bon appétit!

Pro Tips for Pizza Burgers

  • Choose 80/20 ground beef for juicier, more flavorful burgers that won't dry out during grilling.
  • Let cheese sit on hot patties for maximum melting and gooey texture before serving.
  • Arrange pepperoni slices evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect pizza flavor combination.
  • Warm marinara sauce briefly before adding to patties to enhance overall taste and prevent cooling down the burger.
  • Lightly brush buns with olive oil before grilling for a crispy, golden exterior that complements the burger's rich flavors.

Flavorful Variations for Pizza Burgers

  • Vegetarian Pizza Burger: Replace ground beef with black bean patties or portobello mushroom caps, topped with marinara, mozzarella, and vegetarian pepperoni.
  • Low-Carb Pizza Burger Lettuce Wrap: Skip the bun, wrap burger in large lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious version with same pizza-inspired toppings.
  • Mediterranean Pizza Burger: Swap pepperoni with crumbled feta cheese, add sliced olives and oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Pizza Burger: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or serve on a gluten-free roll, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions for Pizza Burgers

  • Pizza Party Platter: Create a vibrant spread with extra marinara sauce, grated parmesan, and fresh basil leaves for guests to customize their burgers.
  • Sidekick Selections: Pair with crispy garlic fries, a zesty Italian chopped salad, or garlic knots to complement the pizza burger's bold flavors.
  • Beverage Buddies: Serve with cold craft beer, chilled red wine, or a fizzy Italian soda to enhance the meal's Italian-inspired profile.
  • Leftover Love: Transform extra patties into a delicious next-day lunch by chopping and tossing into pasta or creating a hearty pizza burger bowl.
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Pizza Burgers Recipe

Pizza Burgers Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Combining classic pizza and burger flavors, this pizza burgers recipe delivers a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved comfort foods. Cheese, marinara sauce, and savory meat create a delicious crossover dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Cheese and Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 pepperoni slices

Base and Sauce:

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat grill to 400°F with medium-high intensity for optimal burger cooking.
  2. Shape ground beef into compact, uniform patties while seasoning thoroughly with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
  3. Place patties on hot grill grates, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Layer marinara sauce evenly across each patty surface during final cooking minutes.
  5. Top each burger with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices, allowing cheese to melt slightly.
  6. Simultaneously toast hamburger buns on grill edges for 30-45 seconds until edges turn golden brown and crisp.
  7. Transfer grilled patties directly onto prepared buns, ensuring toppings remain intact.
  8. Plate immediately while burgers remain hot and cheese maintains melted consistency.
  9. Serve with optional side garnishes or additional marinara for dipping.

Notes

  • Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground Italian sausage for extra flavor depth.
  • Choose low-moisture mozzarella to prevent soggy burger tops during grilling.
  • Prep patties ahead of time and chill them briefly to help maintain their shape on the grill.
  • Consider using a cast-iron skillet as an alternative cooking method for consistent heat distribution.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 588 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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