Pizza Burgers Recipe: Pizza burgers are the ultimate mashup between two of your favorite comfort foods—pizza and burgers. Imagine biting into a juicy beef patty, smothered in rich tomato pizza sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and tucked inside a perfectly toasted burger bun. It’s a flavor explosion that gives you the best of both worlds in one handheld meal. Whether you’re throwing a game day party, looking for a kid-friendly dinner, or just craving something fun, this dish delivers big time.
But here’s the kicker—it’s insanely easy to make! Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to create mouthwatering pizza burgers in under an hour.
Let’s be real: once you try this recipe, plain old cheeseburgers might feel… a little boring. Ready to upgrade your burger game?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are tons of reasons to fall in love with this pizza burger recipe. For starters, it’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. You can go classic with pepperoni or get wild with mushrooms, onions, jalapeños, or whatever your pizza-loving heart desires.
Here’s why this dish is a total winner:
- Kid-approved and adult-loved – It’s a favorite across all ages.
- Quick and easy – Done in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and basic ingredients.
- Customizable – Vegetarian? Gluten-free? You can make it your way.
- Perfect for parties – Make a batch and watch them disappear!
Trust us, this is one of those recipes you’ll be coming back to again and again.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple and delicious. Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need to whip up these epic pizza burgers from scratch.
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra flavor)
For the Pizza Toppings:
- ¾ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12–16 slices of pepperoni (or your favorite toppings)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Assembling the Pizza Burgers:
- 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame are best)
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- Fresh basil or oregano for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools:
- Nonstick skillet or grill pan
- Baking sheet
- Broiler or oven
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater (if using block mozzarella)
- Knife & cutting board
Now that you’re prepped and ready, let’s dive into the actual cooking process!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza Burgers
Pizza Burgers combine the best of two favorites—juicy burgers and cheesy pizza flavors. They’re easy, fun, and perfect for a quick meal.
Step 1: Preparing the Ground Beef Patty
In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a little Italian seasoning. Divide the meat into equal portions and shape into patties slightly wider than the buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
Step 2: Cooking the Patties
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Toasting the Buns
Split the burger buns and lightly butter the cut sides. Toast them on a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crisp. This helps prevent soggy burgers.
Step 4: Adding the Pizza Sauce
Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce on the cut side of each bun. Use more or less depending on how saucy you like your pizza burgers.
Step 5: Topping with Mozzarella & Pepperoni
Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni. Add olives or mushrooms if desired.
Step 6: Broiling for Melted Cheese
Place the open-faced burgers on a baking tray and broil for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 7: Assembling the Final Pizza Burger
Remove from the oven, close with the top bun, and serve hot. Enjoy your cheesy, pizza-inspired burger with fries or salad on the side. 🍔🍕✨
Tips for the Best Pizza Burgers
Want to take your pizza burgers from great to next-level amazing? Here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
- Use good quality ground beef – An 80/20 fat ratio gives the juiciest result.
- Don’t overmix your meat – Overworking the ground beef makes for tough patties.
- Shred your own mozzarella – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and won’t melt as well.
- Don’t skip toasting the buns – It adds crunch and keeps them from getting soggy.
- Try garlic butter on the buns – For extra flavor, brush buns with garlic butter before toasting.
- Keep toppings balanced – Too many toppings can make the burger fall apart or get too greasy.
Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to flavor and texture.
Variations to Try
Pizza burgers are super versatile. You can mix up the ingredients based on your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:
Veggie Pizza Burgers
- Use plant-based patties or portobello mushrooms instead of beef.
- Top with grilled peppers, onions, olives, and spinach.
- Vegan mozzarella works great here too.
Chicken Pizza Burgers
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.
- Add barbecue or buffalo sauce along with the pizza sauce.
- Top with mozzarella and a slice of tomato or red onion.
Spicy Pizza Burgers
- Mix red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into your beef mixture.
- Add spicy pepperoni, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- Serve with a sriracha mayo spread on the bun.
Each version brings its own delicious twist, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
You’ve made the star of the show—now let’s talk about the best supporting acts.
Best Side Dishes:
- Garlic Parmesan Fries – Because fries and burgers belong together.
- Caesar Salad – Adds freshness to balance out the rich burger.
- Mozzarella Sticks – Why not double down on the cheesy theme?
- Coleslaw or Pickles – Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast.
Dipping Sauces:
- Garlic Aioli
- Marinara Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Spicy Ketchup
Trust us, once you dip your pizza burger in ranch or garlic sauce, there’s no going back.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat pizza burgers the right way.
Storage:
- Store patties and buns separately to prevent sogginess.
- Use an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the cooked patties (without buns) for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Reheat patties in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Add fresh cheese and sauce during reheating if needed.
- Toast buns separately before assembling.
Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to make buns rubbery and the patties dry.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown for one pizza burger (estimates vary depending on ingredients):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550-700 kcal |
| Protein | 30–35g |
| Carbohydrates | 35–40g |
| Fats | 30–40g |
| Fiber | 2–4g |
| Sodium | 800–1000mg |
To make it healthier, go for leaner meat, whole grain buns, and low-fat cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like this can go sideways without the right attention. Avoid these common slip-ups:
- Undercooking or overcooking the patties – Use a meat thermometer for perfect results.
- Overloading with sauce – It can make everything slide off and get messy.
- Using cold cheese – Let it come to room temperature so it melts better.
- Skipping the broil – That bubbling cheese finish is what makes it pizza-worthy.
- Not seasoning the meat – A plain patty = a boring burger.
Master these basics, and you’ll never have a pizza burger fail.
Pizza Burgers for Meal Prep
Yes, pizza burgers can be meal-prep friendly too! Here’s how:
- Cook patties in advance and store in the fridge.
- Pre-toast buns and keep them in a sealed bag.
- Store toppings separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
They reheat beautifully and still taste amazing even after a couple of days.
Kids & Family-Friendly Pizza Burgers
Pizza burgers are a total hit with kids—and they’re easy to customize for picky eaters. Let kids help by assembling their own burgers. It’s a great way to get them involved and excited about dinner.
Here are some family-friendly tweaks:
- Mini pizza sliders for smaller hands.
- Use mild toppings like just cheese and sauce.
- Serve with sweet potato fries or apple slices on the side.
Family dinner just got way more fun.
Pizza Burger Party Ideas
Hosting a party or movie night? Pizza burgers are your secret weapon.
- Set up a build-your-own pizza burger bar with different sauces, toppings, and cheeses.
- Offer both meat and vegetarian patty options.
- Serve with paper trays and napkins for a casual vibe.
- Don’t forget to stock up on drinks like soda, iced tea, or mocktails.
Everyone will love customizing their own burger—and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all night.
FAQs about Pizza Burgers Recipe
1. Can I use frozen patties?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them first and season them well before cooking. Fresh patties do taste better, though.
2. What’s the best cheese for pizza burgers?
Mozzarella is the classic, but provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses work great too.
3. How do I make them less greasy?
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and blot off extra grease after cooking. Also, go easy on oily toppings like pepperoni or sausage.
4. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake patties at 400°F for 20 minutes or until fully cooked, then top and broil for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
5. How to make pizza burgers gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and double-check your pizza sauce and toppings for hidden gluten ingredients. You can also use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Final Thoughts
Pizza burgers aren’t just a meal—they’re a whole experience. They bring together the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza and the hearty, juicy satisfaction of a burger into one epic bite. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a weekend hangout, or a party, they’re guaranteed to impress.
With a crispy bun, savory meat, melty cheese, and bold toppings, pizza burgers hit all the right notes. The best part? You can tweak them however you like—go spicy, go veggie, or load ’em up with every topping in the fridge. Now that you’ve got the full step-by-step guide, what are you waiting for?
Go fire up that skillet and make some magic!
