When dinner time arrives, you don’t have to decide between two favorites. These pizza burgers bring together pizza and burgers for an easy, flavorful dinner that’s perfect any night of the week.
Pizza Burgers – Two Favorite Comfort Foods in One!
Pizza and burgers are ultimate comfort foods, so combining them just makes sense. These pizza burgers are quick enough for a busy weeknight and tasty enough for a relaxed weekend meal. Juicy beef, melted cheese, savory marinara, and toasted buns create a satisfying bite that tastes like your favorite pizzeria at home.
Ingredients
Everything you need, plus a few simple substitutions.
- 1 pound ground beef – Use 80/20 or 85/15 for juicier patties. Very lean beef (90/10) can dry out. Ground Italian sausage or a beef/pork blend also work well.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt + ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Kosher salt seasons evenly; black pepper adds a mild heat.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil + 2 teaspoons dried oregano – Classic pizza herbs bring authentic flavor to the patties.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated – Fresh garlic is best; substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
- ¾ cup pizza sauce, divided – Use store-bought or homemade sauce for moisture and flavor.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella melts beautifully; provolone or a shredded Italian blend are good alternatives.
- 12 pepperoni slices – Gives the burgers that pizza feel; omit or use turkey pepperoni if preferred.
- Fresh chopped basil (optional) – For a bright, fresh finish.
- 4 hamburger buns – Use classic, brioche, pretzel, or ciabatta buns depending on preference.
How To Make A Pizza Burger
Combine the beef with seasonings and a bit of sauce, form patties, cook in a skillet with extra sauce, top with cheese and pepperoni, then assemble on toasted buns.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the patties about 3 minutes per side until they’re browned.
- Pour about ½ cup of pizza sauce into the pan around the burgers so the sauce heats and simmers.
- Top each patty with a slice of mozzarella and three pepperoni slices.
- Cover the pan and cook an additional minute or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
- Toast the buns while the burgers finish, then assemble each burger with extra sauce and fresh basil if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best texture and juiciness. Adjust cooking time to reach your preferred doneness.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but 1 teaspoon garlic powder is an acceptable substitute.
Make It A Meal
Pair these pizza burgers with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or fries for a complete meal. Add a fizzy soda or your favorite drink for a relaxed family dinner.
Pizza Burgers
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Print Recipe
Equipment
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Mixing bowl
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Measuring spoons
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Non-stick skillet
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Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- ¾ cup pizza sauce or marinara, divided
- 4 sliced mozzarella cheese
- 12 pepperoni slices
- Fresh chopped basil, optional
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
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Combine ground beef, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce in a large bowl.
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Score the mixture into four equal sections and form each into a patty.
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Heat a non-stick skillet over medium and add the patties.
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Cook about 3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
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Add ½ cup of sauce to the pan around the burgers so it simmers and warms.
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Top each patty with a slice of mozzarella and three pepperoni slices.
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Cover and cook another minute or until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles.
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Toast the buns while the burgers finish, then assemble with extra sauce and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Freezer: Freeze plain patties between parchment in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw: Thaw patties overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Microwave for about 60 seconds or warm in a skillet until heated through.
Make-ahead: Patties can be formed a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge for quick weeknight cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Additional Info
Pizza Burgers Recipe FAQs
Yes — ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for beef.
Mozzarella is ideal for melting, but provolone or cheddar are tasty alternatives.
Try fries, a fresh salad, fruit, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
More Main Dishes
- Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Chicken and Gravy
- Crockpot 3 Packet Roast
