If you are craving a delightful fusion between two all-time favorites, you have to try this Pizza Burgers Recipe. It perfectly blends the juicy, savory goodness of a classic burger with the rich, comforting flavors of pizza, creating a meal that’s fun, satisfying, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for a casual gathering, these pizza burgers bring all the cheesy, saucy excitement you love with none of the fuss. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best results with this Pizza Burgers Recipe starts with a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of taste, from the juicy beef to the melty cheese, ensuring every bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef: The star protein delivering juicy, rich flavor that forms the burger base.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce: Brings that classic tomato sauce tang and herbs for authentic pizza flavor.
- 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained: Introduces earthiness and extra texture, making the filling more interesting.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that elevates the pizza taste profile.
- 6 hamburger buns, split and toasted: Provides a sturdy, slightly crispy base to hold all the toppings.
- 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey finish on top.
How to Make Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions
Begin by heating a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the meat loses all its pink color, about 3 to 5 minutes. Break the beef apart gently as it cooks to create crumbly, evenly cooked pieces. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the burgers juicy but not greasy.
Step 2: Mix in Pizza Flavors
With the beef and onions ready, stir in the pizza sauce, drained mushroom pieces, sugar, and oregano directly into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly so each bite gets that delicious, saucy flavor packed with aromatic herbs and tender mushrooms. This step transforms your burger filling into a vibrant pizza-inspired mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Burgers
Next, spoon the piping hot beef sauce evenly onto the toasted hamburger buns laid out on a baking sheet. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat on every bun. The cheese not only tastes heavenly but also helps to lock in the warmth and moisture of the filling when melted.
Step 4: Broil to Melty Perfection
Place the baking sheet about 4 inches from the broiler element in your oven and broil for roughly 2 minutes, watching closely until the mozzarella melts and gets slightly bubbly. This quick broil step gives the pizza burgers a fantastic golden cheese topping and a satisfying texture contrast with the soft bun and savory filling underneath.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
To take your pizza burgers to the next level, consider adding fresh garnishes like sliced pepperoni, basil leaves, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. These accents introduce exciting bursts of flavor and a personal touch that invite everyone to customize their bites.
Side Dishes
Serve your pizza burgers alongside classic sides such as crispy French fries, a bright garden salad, or crunchy garlic bread. These complement the richness of the burgers and round out the meal with satisfying colors, textures, and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your pizza burgers into sliders for party platters or cut them diagonally to showcase the cheesy, saucy inside. You might even assemble them over a bed of greens for a casual dinner presentation that feels a little lighter but just as indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover pizza burgers (and you might), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the beef mixture moist and the buns from drying out, so you can enjoy your cheesy creation again without losing quality.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the burgers without broiling the cheese. Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing under the broiler.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by placing the burgers on a baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and the burger is warmed through. This method preserves the texture better than microwaving and brings back that freshly made magic.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Pizza Burgers Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for pizza flavor and melt, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses to adjust the richness and texture to your liking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils, and use your favorite pizza sauce. Don’t skip the mushrooms—they’re perfect for adding umami that meat lovers will appreciate too.
What type of buns work best?
Traditional hamburger buns are ideal because they hold up during broiling, but you can also use ciabatta rolls, kaiser rolls, or even sturdy sandwich breads for a heartier option.
How spicy is this Pizza Burgers Recipe?
This recipe leans toward mild with classic Italian seasonings; however, you can kick up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage in place of some or all of the ground beef.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely. You can make the beef and sauce mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just warm it up, assemble on buns, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pizza Burgers Recipe is a fantastic way to merge two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. I encourage you to dive in and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite of these homemade pizza burgers. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a new family favorite!
Print
Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pizza Burgers combine the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the savory taste of pizza sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese melted on top of toasted hamburger buns for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1–1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 1–1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onion: In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking the beef into crumbles, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Stir in pizza sauce, drained mushrooms, sugar, and dried oregano. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors.
- Assemble the burgers: Spoon the beef mixture evenly onto the split and toasted hamburger buns. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each assembled burger.
- Broil to melt cheese: Place the assembled burgers on ungreased baking sheets and position them about 4 inches from the heat source in the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid soggy buns.
- Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat without compromising on flavor.
- You can substitute fresh mushrooms if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Broiling time is short; stay attentive to avoid overcooking the cheese.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
