Cheesy Pizza Burgers – A Fun Twist on a Classic

Can’t decide between pizza and burgers? Why not have both? These Pizza Burgers bring together all the best parts of a juicy burger and a cheesy, saucy pizza. Made with seasoned ground beef, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, they’re a family-friendly meal that’s easy to throw together and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The best of both worlds – A burger and a pizza combined into one delicious bite.
  • Super easy to make – No complicated steps, just simple ingredients and big flavor.
  • Kid-approved – A meal the whole family will love.
  • Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need, but the full list is in the recipe card below:

  • Ground beef – Lean but still juicy
  • Italian seasoning – Adds that signature pizza flavor
  • Marinara sauce – The key to making it taste like pizza
  • Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over the burger
  • Parmesan cheese – For extra cheesy goodness
  • Burger buns – Toasted for the best texture
  • Pepperoni (optional) – A fun addition for extra pizza vibes

Step-by-Step Directions

Season and Shape the Patties

In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a bit of grated Parmesan. Shape into patties, making a small indentation in the center to help them cook evenly.

Cook the Burgers

Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked. During the last minute of cooking, spoon some marinara sauce over each patty and top with shredded mozzarella.

Melt the Cheese

Cover the pan or close the grill lid for a minute to let the cheese melt. If using pepperoni, add it on top of the cheese at this stage.

Assemble and Serve

Toast the burger buns, then place the saucy, cheesy burger on the bottom half. Add extra marinara sauce if desired, then top with the bun and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer – Cook the patties to 160°F for perfect doneness.
  • Don’t overwork the meat – Mixing too much can make the burgers tough.
  • Toast the buns – Adds extra flavor and prevents sogginess from the sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Try a different cheese – Provolone or cheddar also work great.
  • Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy pepperoni.
  • Go low-carb – Skip the bun and serve over a bed of greens or roasted veggies.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve these pizza burgers with garlic fries, a simple green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables. A cold glass of soda or an Italian soda makes the perfect pairing!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well, just be sure to season it well to boost the flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can shape the patties in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

What other toppings can I add?

Mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even a drizzle of garlic butter would be amazing!

Can I cook these in the air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Pizza Burgers are the ultimate mash-up meal that brings together two favorites in one bite. Juicy, cheesy, and packed with pizza-inspired flavor, they’re perfect for a fun family dinner or a weekend treat. Try them once, and they’ll be a new favorite in your rotation!

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Cheesy Pizza Burgers – A Fun Twist on a Classic

Cheesy Pizza Burgers – A Fun Twist on a Classic

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Can’t decide between pizza and burgers? Why not have both? These Cheesy Pizza Burgers combine the juicy goodness of a burger with the cheesy, saucy flavors of pizza. Made with seasoned ground beef, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a fun family meal or a weekend treat!

  • Author: Touria Elkoudssi
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling or Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 burger buns, toasted
  • 12 slices pepperoni (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Form into 4 equal-sized patties, making a small indentation in the center to help them cook evenly.
  2. Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
  3. Add Sauce and Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, spoon marinara sauce over each patty and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid to let the cheese melt.
  4. Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns, then place each saucy, cheesy burger on the bottom half of a bun. Add extra marinara sauce and optional pepperoni slices before topping with the remaining bun.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with garlic fries, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, broil the burgers for 1-2 minutes after adding cheese.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for variety.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
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