Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how pizza burgers combine the best of both worlds—burgers and pizza! The juicy, savory beef patties are seasoned with a hint of pizza flavor and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and crispy pepperoni. It’s a delicious, comforting meal that satisfies my craving for both pizza and burgers at once. Whether I'm making these for a fun family dinner or a casual get-together, pizza burgers always deliver on flavor and are super easy to prepare.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
1 lb ground Italian sausage
4 hamburger buns
Marinara sauce
4 slices mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni slices
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Butter
Pizza seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, marjoram, and garlic)

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the grill or skillet to medium heat.
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground sausage, and pizza seasoning until well combined.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, slightly larger than the buns.
Use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up during cooking.
Grill the patties for about 4 minutes on the first side.
While the patties are cooking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
Toast the hamburger buns by spreading butter on the cut sides and placing them face down on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
Flip the patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty to melt.
Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the cheese, then top with pepperoni slices.
Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and cap with the top half of the bun.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Cheese Lovers: Add a slice of provolone or cheddar for an extra cheesy twist.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce into the marinara sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a veggie patty and use plant-based cheese for a vegetarian version.
Additional Toppings: Customize your burger with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for more flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use only ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use just ground beef if you prefer. The addition of Italian sausage adds extra flavor, but ground beef alone will still create a tasty burger.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make pizza burgers gluten-free, simply swap out the hamburger buns for gluten-free ones and ensure your marinara sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Definitely! You can shape the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will help the flavors meld together.

What can I serve with pizza burgers?

Pizza burgers pair well with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or oven-baked fries. For a more indulgent option, you can even serve them with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Can I freeze the cooked pizza burgers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked pizza burgers. Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat thoroughly.

Conclusion

Pizza burgers are the perfect way to combine two of my favorite foods in one delicious meal. Whether I’m serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or at a family barbecue, they never fail to impress. With customizable toppings and easy-to-make ingredients, pizza burgers are a fun and satisfying meal that can be made to suit any taste. If you’re craving something hearty and flavorful, this is definitely the recipe to try.