Imagine biting into a juicy burger that tastes just like your favorite slice of pizza—that’s exactly what you get with these Pizza Flavored Burgers. This playful mashup brings together everything you love about pizza (think melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, fragrant herbs, and tangy pizza sauce) right inside a perfectly seared burger patty. Whether you’re grilling out or looking to jazz up burger night, these cheesy, savory beauties are packed with flavor and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s bring a little Italian-inspired fun to your next cookout!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Pizza Flavored Burgers come together quickly with a handful of core ingredients, and each one plays a delicious role in creating the ultimate pizza-burger experience. Simple staples transform into something extraordinary when you combine bold seasonings, quality meat, and all the right fixings.
- Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20): This ratio offers the perfect balance of flavorful fat and juicy texture for a burger that holds together beautifully.
- Finely Chopped Pepperoni (1/4 cup): Adds smoky, spicy depth and unmistakable pizza flair inside every bite of the patty.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Lends a salty, nutty boost and helps bind the patties together.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the mix with savory warmth and classic Italian taste.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to that signature pizza aroma and flavor.
- Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a sweet, herbal note reminiscent of pizzeria favorites.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat that perks up each bite—add more if you love spice!
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Brings every ingredient to life and balances out all those powerful flavors.
- Hamburger Buns (4): Soft and sturdy buns are essential for holding all the saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Mozzarella Cheese Slices (4): The ultimate gooey, melty topper for your pizza-inspired patty.
- Pizza Sauce (1/2 cup): Brings that tomatoey tang layered directly onto the buns and burgers.
- Optional Toppings (sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sliced olives): Use your pizza favorites to customize your burgers just the way you love them.
How to Make Pizza Flavored Burgers
Step 1: Mix the Patty Ingredients
Start by grabbing a big mixing bowl. Add in the ground beef, chopped pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a kick), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together just until combined. You want to keep things light and airy—overworking will make the burgers dense.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each one into a burger patty about 3/4-inch thick. Try to keep them all the same size so they cook evenly. Thumbprint a little indent in the center of each patty to help them cook flat and avoid puffing up on the grill.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill or Skillet
Preheat your grill or a sturdy skillet (cast iron is great!) over medium-high heat. If you’re outdoors, oil the grates, or if you’re indoors, add a drizzle of oil to the pan—either way, you want a nice sizzle when the patties hit the heat.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers and Melt the Cheese
Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on how done you like your burgers. In the last minute of cooking, lay a mozzarella slice on each patty and close the lid or cover with a lid to encourage glorious melting action.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast your buns for some golden color and a little crunch. If you’re feeling extra, brushing them with garlic butter before toasting brings a next-level flavor that pairs perfectly with the Pizza Flavored Burgers.
Step 6: Assemble and Sauce
Spread pizza sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun, stack on your cheesy patty, and then top it all off with an extra spoonful of sauce and any additional pizza toppings your heart desires, like mushrooms, peppers, or olives. Finish with the top bun and serve hot.
How to Serve Pizza Flavored Burgers
Pizzazzy Garnishes
Bring out a platter of fresh basil leaves, extra pepperoni slices, or parmesan shavings for sprinkling over your Pizza Flavored Burgers. Sometimes just a handful of arugula adds a peppery finish, and if you love a drizzle, a little garlic aioli is fantastic too!
Side Dishes
A classic side of garlic fries or homemade potato wedges is always welcome alongside these burgers. For something lighter, pair your Pizza Flavored Burgers with a tangy Caesar salad or a crisp Italian slaw—the kind that balances all that cheesy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your burgers on a wooden pizza board, layered with fun toppings and dips so everyone can customize their own. For parties, try making mini slider versions using dinner rolls and serve a trio on a tray for maximum wow factor. Don’t forget lots of napkins—these get deliciously saucy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Pizza Flavored Burgers, just let them cool completely and pop them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store buns and toppings separately so everything stays fresh and avoids getting soggy.
Freezing
Uncooked or cooked burger patties freeze beautifully. Stack them with parchment between each patty, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy a burger night on demand!
Reheating
To reheat, warm your pizza burgers (without buns) in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or gently in a skillet over medium heat until they’re hot and the cheese is gooey again. Toast fresh buns and reassemble for a meal that tastes just as good as day one.
FAQs
Can I make these burgers with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey or chicken works great, and with the pepperoni, cheese, and seasonings, you’ll still get that delicious Pizza Flavored Burgers taste.
What’s the best way to keep the burgers juicy?
Don’t overmix the meat, and use an 80/20 beef blend for juicy burgers. If you’re using leaner meat, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix for moisture.
Which pizza sauce should I use?
Your favorite jarred pizza sauce is perfect, but for extra flavor, try a robust marinara or homemade sauce. Avoid thin sauces to prevent soggy buns.
How can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Swap out the regular hamburger buns for your favorite gluten-free buns, and double-check that your pepperoni and sauce are gluten-free. Everything else in the Pizza Flavored Burgers recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Can I prep these ahead for a party?
Definitely. Shape the patties a day ahead, keep them chilled, and then cook them fresh when your guests arrive. Have your toppings and sauces ready for a fun pizza burger bar experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shake up burger night and put a gigantic smile on everyone’s face, these Pizza Flavored Burgers are the ticket. They’re fun to make, quick to cook, and bursting with nostalgic flavors. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and let the pizza-burger magic begin!
Print
Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pizza Flavored Burgers are a delicious twist on a classic burger, packed with Italian flavors and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pizza sauce. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a weekend barbecue!
Ingredients
Main Burger:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- Optional toppings: sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sliced olives
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Patty: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped pepperoni, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
- Cook the Burgers: Cook patties on a grill or skillet for 4–5 minutes per side. Top with mozzarella cheese during the last minute of cooking.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast buns, spread pizza sauce on the bottom half, add the patty, top with more sauce and desired toppings.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite sides!
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken.
- For a crispy bun, grill with garlic butter.
- Pair with garlic fries or a Caesar salad.
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