Meet your new dinner sensation: Pizza Burgers. Imagine the juiciness of a classic hamburger, but with all the zesty, gooey, and cheesy magic of your favorite slice of pizza. This crave-worthy mashup pulls together two crowd-pleasers into one irresistible main course. The result? Melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, rich pizza sauce, and a seasoned beef patty nestled inside a perfectly toasted bun—every bite brings out the inner kid in all of us. Whether you’re making a weeknight meal or looking to spice up a backyard cookout, these Pizza Burgers are guaranteed to steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Pizza Burgers so delightful is their total simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, turning everyday staples into a flavor-packed masterpiece. Let’s break down why you need each one for the best results!

Ground beef (1 pound, 80% lean / 20% fat): Brings juicy flavor and just the right richness to the burger patties.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the patties with those signature pizza herbs for instant “pizza” aroma.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a savory punch and rounds out the beef’s flavor.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for heightening every taste in the mix.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle warmth that balances the overall profile.
Hamburger buns (4, split and toasted): A soft and toasty delivery system that soaks up all the pizza goodness.
Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): The tangy, tomato-y heart of the dish—don’t skimp here!
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully and pulls the whole burger together with gooey strings.
Pepperoni slices (16-24): For that unmistakable pizza flavor and a touch of crispy spice.

How to Make Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Season and Shape the Patties

Start by combining your ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use clean hands to gently but thoroughly blend the seasonings into the meat. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about the size of your buns. Try not to overwork the meat to keep your burgers juicy and tender. Let them rest while you prep the buns and sauce.

Step 2: Toast Your Buns

While the patties are resting, arrange the split hamburger buns on a baking sheet, cut sides up. Pop them under a preheated broiler or onto a grill until the edges turn golden and crispy. This little step makes a world of difference—crisped buns stand up to the saucy, cheesy toppings and deliver that perfect bite every time. Once toasted, set the top halves aside.

Step 3: Grill the Burger Patties

Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high. Place those seasoned patties onto the grill and cook for about four to five minutes per side. You’re looking for nicely caramelized exteriors and a juicy, cooked-through center. If you like your burgers with a touch of char, leave them on a little longer—this is your moment to add a touch of that backyard barbecue flavor to the Pizza Burgers.

Step 4: Layer Pizza Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni

While burgers are grilling, warm your favorite pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Once your buns are toasted, spread half the sauce on the bottom halves, then sprinkle with half your shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices on top. Slide the buns under the broiler for a couple of minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts bubbling. It smells just like a pizzeria!

Step 5: Assemble and Broil Again

Once your patties are ready, set them on top of the sauced, melty-cheese buns. Spoon the remaining sauce over the burgers, add the rest of your mozzarella and a few more pepperoni slices for good measure. Broil again for another minute or so—just long enough to get the cheese gloriously melty. Crown each stack with a toasty bun top and dig in!

How to Serve Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference! Shower your Pizza Burgers with fresh basil ribbons or a dusting of grated parmesan for extra flair. If you’re feeling playful, offer red pepper flakes or a quick drizzle of good olive oil tableside, just like your favorite pizza joint.

Side Dishes

Balance that cheesy richness with something fresh and crisp—think a leafy Italian salad or a tangy slaw. If you’re in the mood for comfort, serve these burgers alongside crunchy garlic fries or oven-roasted potato wedges. Don’t forget a pile of pickles for a briny contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to surprise your guests, slice the Pizza Burgers into halves or quarters and serve them slider-style on a platter—a perfect party food. Or skewer mini burger and pepperoni stacks on sticks for a whimsical appetizer at your next game day gathering. The combo of burger and pizza toppings is endlessly customizable, so let your imagination run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra Pizza Burgers, let them cool to room temperature, then wrap each one tightly in foil or pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days, though they’re at their sauciest best right after assembly.

Freezing

To make your weeknights even easier, you can freeze the cooked burger patties (without sauce and toppings) for up to two months. Stack them between parchment squares and slip them into a freezer bag. When you’re craving Pizza Burgers, just thaw, reheat, and add your cheese, pepperoni, and sauce fresh for maximum flavor.

Reheating

To bring leftover Pizza Burgers back to life, wrap them loosely in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. This method keeps the buns from getting soggy and the cheese gooey. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave also works, though the oven is your best bet for that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While beef gives classic flavor, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in Pizza Burgers—just keep an eye on moisture and don’t overcook, as leaner meats can dry out a bit faster.

What other cheeses taste good on Pizza Burgers?

While mozzarella melts like a dream, feel free to mix in sharp provolone, smoked gouda, or even a handful of grated parmesan. Each adds a new flavor note and lets you play around with the “pizza” experience.

Are there vegetarian options for these burgers?

For sure! Swap the beef patty with a hearty veggie or black bean patty, then load up with the same sauce, cheese, and veggie-friendly pizza toppings. You’ll get all the Pizza Burgers goodness, minus the meat.

Can I make Pizza Burgers on the stovetop instead of the grill?

Definitely—just use a heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the patties on each side until cooked through, and they’ll be every bit as tasty as if grilled.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

The key is to toast the buns well before adding sauce, and don’t overload with too much sauce. Broiling the cheese on the bun before assembly also helps act as a barrier to those tasty juices.

Final Thoughts

If you love burgers and you love pizza, there’s simply no excuse not to try Pizza Burgers! They combine all the things we crave into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just need a quick dinner upgrade, Pizza Burgers prove that the best meals are sometimes the most playful. Give them a whirl—you’ll be hooked from the very first cheesy, saucy mouthful!