Name: Pizza Burgers Recipe: Cheesy, Saucy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1½ –2 lbs ground beef; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan; 1 egg; Garlic (oregano, basil); Mozzarella slices; Pepperoni; Marinara sauce; Buns

Introduction

Table of Contents

Pizza Burgers are the ultimate family-pleasing hybrid: juicy beef patties seasoned like pizza, topped with melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and warm marinara for that open-faced pizza vibe on a toasted bun. Quick, customizable, and way more fun than plain burgers. Presented on a white ceramic platter with extra sauce for dipping, optionally garnished with fresh basil, these Pizza Burgers offer crispy edges, gooey cheese pulls, and pure dinner joy that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Burgers (makes 6 burgers): • 1½–2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 slices of mozzarella cheese
• 24–30 pepperoni slices
• 1½ cups marinara sauce, warmed
• 6 burger buns, toasted

For Serving: • Extra marinara, fresh basil, pickled jalapeños

Step-by-Step Process

Prep the patties
In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork (keeps them juicy).
Shape burgers
Divide into 6 equal portions. Form into patties slightly larger than buns (they shrink). Make a shallow indent in the center with your thumb (this prevents puffing).
Cook the patties
Preheat grill, skillet, or griddle to medium-high. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until internal 160°F for medium.
Add pizza toppings
In the last 2 minutes, top each patty with 4–5 pepperoni slices and a slice of mozzarella. Cover to melt cheese.
Warm the sauce
While burgers cook, warm marinara in a small saucepan.
Toast buns
Butter and toast the cut sides of buns on the griddle until golden.
Assemble & serve
Place the patty on the bottom bun. Spoon warm marinara over cheese. Add the top bun. Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Tips for Juiciest Pizza Burgers

• 80/20 beef—fat = flavor and moisture
• Don’t press patties while cooking—juices escape
• Indent center—keeps flat shape
• Pepperoni under cheese—crisps without burning
• Warm sauce separately—keeps buns from getting soggy
• Make patties ahead—chill until cooking

Variations and Customization

• Supreme: add sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms
• Margherita: fresh mozzarella + basil + balsamic
• Spicy: pepperoni + jalapeños + spicy marinara
• Turkey or Veggie: ground turkey or black bean patties
• Cheese-Stuffed: hide a mozzarella cube inside the patty
• Open-Faced: skip the top bun for lower carb

Storage and Serving Tips

• Best fresh—peak juiciness
• Reheat patties gently—350°F 10 minutes or skillet
• Fridge cooked patties up to 3 days
• Freeze uncooked patties up to 3 months—thaw before cooking
• Quick refresh: warm patty + fresh cheese melt
• Serve with fries, salad, or garlic bread

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 burgers:
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Total Fat: 36g (Saturated 15g)
• Carbohydrates: 32g

FAQ

1. Can I bake them?
Yes—400°F on rack 20–25 minutes, top with cheese last 5 min.

2. My patties fell apart.
Too lean beef or overmixed—use 80/20 and gentle hands.

3. No egg—what can I use?
Extra 2 tbsp breadcrumbs + 1 tbsp milk.

4. Kid-friendly version?
Skip red pepper flakes + mild sauce.

5. Best cheese?
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully.

Conclusion

These Pizza Burgers are pure dinner genius—juicy beef meets pizza toppings for the mash-up that makes everyone happy. One bite with that melty cheese pull and suddenly weeknights feel fun, weekends feel indulgent, and the whole family’s asking for pizza burgers again next week. Keep ground beef and marinara stocked, and you’re always 20 minutes away from the burger that turns ordinary grill night into something quietly legendary.