If you’re torn between a classic burger and a piping-hot slice of pizza, you’re about to discover your new obsession. Pizza Burgers capture the best of both worlds with juicy, savory meat patties, oozy melted mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and all your favorite Italian toppings, hugging a crispy-toasted bun. They’re incredibly satisfying, bursting with flavor, fast and family-friendly, and destined to make any weeknight or backyard gathering an event to remember.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays its own special role in dialing up the flavor, moisture, and classic “pizza” goodness. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Ground Beef: Forms the hearty, juicy base for your Pizza Burgers and delivers classic burger appeal.
Italian Sausage (casings removed): Brings in that unmistakable spicy, fennel-kissed flavor you love from pizza parlors.
Finely Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch, brightening up each bite.
Garlic Powder: Lends a gentle depth and that classic Italian aroma without overpowering the other toppings.
Italian Seasoning: A pinch invigorates the burger mix with herby, savory notes reminiscent of your favorite pizza sauce.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the rich meaty and cheesy notes in every layer.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right kick for balance and a touch of warmth.
Hamburger Buns: The vessel for all the magic; look for sturdy buns that toast up golden and hold their shape.
Pizza Sauce: Bathes each burger in tangy, herby tomato goodness—think of it as the burger’s pizza “crown.”
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into stretchy, creamy perfection and brings unmistakable pizza character.
Sliced Pepperoni: Dotting each patty, it delivers the irresistible spicy bite every pizza fan demands.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A finishing sprinkle that adds salty, nutty sharpness in true Italian fashion.
Butter (softened): Slathered onto buns for extra richness and crunch as they toast up golden.
Fresh Basil (optional): Brightens the finished burgers with fresh, herbal aroma—totally worth it if you have it!

How to Make Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Make the Burger Patties

Start by adding the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix everything together just until combined—don’t overwork it, or your patties can turn tough. Shape the mixture into four equal burger patties. They don’t have to be perfect, but try to make them evenly thick so they cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Grill or Pan-Cook the Patties

Heat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, lay down your burger patties and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked. Resist the urge to press down on them—they’ll stay juicier and richer that way. The kitchen is going to start smelling amazing already!

Step 3: Toast the Buns

While the burgers sizzle, butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns. Pop them onto the grill or into a skillet cut side down and let them toast to a glorious golden brown. This takes just a minute or two and makes a world of difference—the toasted buns soak up flavors and stay sturdy under all the toppings.

Step 4: Add the Pizza Toppings

Once your patties are nearly finished, spoon a generous layer of pizza sauce over the top of each one, then cover with plenty of shredded mozzarella cheese and several slices of pepperoni. If you’re using a grill, close the lid, or if you’re in a skillet, simply cover with a lid or foil for about a minute. This melts the cheese into dreamy, pizza-style gooeyness while warming the pepperoni and sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Transfer the cheesy, sauce-laden burgers right onto your toasted buns. Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over each, then finish with a flourish of fresh basil if you have it on hand. Don’t wait—dig in while everything’s hot, melty, and perfect.

How to Serve Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle each burger with extra Parmesan and a few ribbons of fresh basil. A drizzle of good olive oil or a quick grind of black pepper makes each Pizza Burger look like it came straight from your favorite trattoria. You can even add chili flakes for a spicy kick, or a few sliced black olives for extra “pizza” vibes.

Side Dishes

Classic Pizza Burgers pair wonderfully with crispy garlic fries, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeding kids, baked sweet potato fries or even a handful of kettle chips makes for a fun, laid-back meal. For something lighter, try a dressed green salad with Italian vinaigrette—perfect for soaking up all the rich, cheesy sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Pizza Burgers into sliders for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next game night, or slice them in halves and stack them on a big platter for sharing. They also make a fantastic “build-your-own” bar: set out bowls of extra toppings (think sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, or banana peppers) and let everyone create their own pizza-inspired masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Pizza Burgers, let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly or popping them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and make a fabulous lunch the next day—just reheat and build a fresh sandwich for max flavor.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the burger patties either before or after cooking. For best results, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag (hold off on the sauce and cheese until reheating). They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready for a Pizza Burger craving whenever it strikes!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the patties gently in a microwave or covered skillet until heated through. If you’ve already topped them, pop the burgers (open-faced) into a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes to re-melt the cheese and re-crisp the bun. Always assemble with fresh garnishes just before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I make Pizza Burgers without Italian sausage?

Absolutely! If sausage isn’t your thing or you want to lighten them up, simply swap in more ground beef, ground turkey, or even use a vegetarian meat alternative. The Italian seasoning will still bring that classic pizza flavor.

What other pizza toppings can I try?

The sky’s the limit! Sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, jalapeños, pineapple (for the adventurous), or even a handful of spinach work wonderfully as extra toppings layered under the cheese. Let your imagination (or whatever’s in your fridge) guide you.

How do I keep the burgers juicy?

Mix the meat gently, don’t overwork it, and avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking. Also, letting the burgers rest for a minute before topping them helps keep the juices inside where they belong.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Definitely! There are many great store-bought options for pizza sauce out there. If you want to mix it up, try a spicy arrabbiata or a roasted garlic tomato sauce for a fun twist on your Pizza Burgers.

Are Pizza Burgers kid-friendly?

Without a doubt! Kids love getting the best of both pizza and burgers in every bite. You can always serve the sauce on the side if you have picky eaters, or let them customize their own burger with favorite pizza toppings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to see smiles at the dinner table, Pizza Burgers are the way to go. They’re fun, flavorful, and satisfying for all ages—and frankly, they’re just as easy as they are delicious. Don’t wait for a special occasion to indulge; make them part of your regular rotation and watch them become an instant family favorite!

Pizza Burgers Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Pizza Burgers combine the best of both worlds – juicy burgers infused with Italian flavors and topped with classic pizza ingredients. A fun twist on a traditional cheeseburger that’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Burger Patties:

1 pound ground beef
½ pound Italian sausage, casings removed
½ cup finely diced onion
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

4 hamburger buns
1 cup pizza sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup sliced pepperoni
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Optional: fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the grill or a skillet: Over medium-high heat.
Prepare the burger patties: Combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
Cook the patties: Grill or cook for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Toast the buns: Butter the insides of the buns and toast until golden brown.
Assemble the burgers: Top patties with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Melt cheese, then place on buns and sprinkle with Parmesan. Garnish with basil.