Cheesy Italian Pizza Burgers
These Old School Pizza Burgers are a delicious mix of two comfort food favorites that will make you think of school lunch, but better. The juicy beef patties with gooey mozzarella and spicy marinara on top make a flavor that reminds you of both burgers and pizza.
After my son asked why we couldn’t have pizza and burgers at the same time, I started making these. The look on his face when I gave him these for the first time was worth a million dollars!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of pizza toppings (pepperoni, olives, bell peppers)
- 4 hamburger buns
Preparation Steps
- Step 01
Mix your ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined. - Step 02
Split the meat into 4 equal portions and shape them into nice burger patties. - Step 03
Get your pan nice and hot over medium-high heat, then cook those patties for about 3-4 minutes per side. - Step 04
While the burgers cook, split and toast those buns until they’re just golden. - Step 05
Top each patty with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings. Cover and cook 2-3 more minutes until that cheese gets all melty. - Step 06
Place those cheesy pizza burgers on their toasted buns and serve them up hot!
Recipe Overview
These pizza burgers combine two favorite foods into one delicious hand-held meal. Perfect for when you can’t decide between a burger and pizza!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Choosing the Right Ingredients
- Ground beef: For the best taste, mix 80% beef and 20% other meat.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.
- Marinara: Thick sauce keeps buns from getting soggy.
- Italian seasoning: Use dried herbs that are still fresh when you can.
- Buns: Pick ones that are strong enough to hold toppings.
Steps to Cook in Detail
To make the patties perfect, make a small dent in the middle. Just before cooking, season the meat. When shaping meat, be gentle with it.
Learn how to cook:
Start with a hot grill or pan. If you can, flip it only once. Don’t press down on the patties while they cook.
Make the pizza layer:
Before adding, heat up the marinara. Put cheese on the patties while they are still hot. Put toppings on in a smart way.
Finish in style:
Toast the buns until they are golden. Add toppings one at a time. Let cheese melt completely.
The Secret to Success
Through experimentation, I’ve found that adding the marinara sauce near the end of cooking keeps the burgers from getting soggy while still allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
Make it Your Own
Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their pizza burgers.
My family has a monthly “Pizza Burger Bar” night where everyone gets to create their own combination. It’s become such a fun tradition that even the neighbors ask when the next one will be!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Form patties ahead and chill
- Use cast iron for best crust
- Keep toppings bite-sized
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the best beef to use?
- 80/20 ground beef gives the best flavor and juiciness for these burgers.
- Can I grill these outside?
- Yes! Just add toppings and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- What toppings work best?
- Classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, or peppers are great choices.
- Can I use turkey instead?
- Yes, ground turkey works but the burgers might be a bit drier.
- Can I prep these ahead?
- Form and season patties up to a day ahead, but cook just before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
Protein: 30 g