- Perfect fusion of two favorites – combines juicy burgers with pizza toppings
- Ready in just 30 minutes from prep to table
- Customizable for picky eaters with mix-and-match toppings
- Budget-friendly meal that feeds a family of four
The Ultimate Pizza Burger Mash-Up
Ever stood in front of the fridge torn between making burgers or ordering pizza? Now you don’t have to choose! These Pizza Burgers blend the best of both worlds – juicy beef patties topped with melty mozzarella, zesty tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings.
Pizza Burgers take your regular burger night and transform it into something special without extra work. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that satisfies both pizza and burger cravings simultaneously.
Kids love them. Adults devour them. And you’ll enjoy how simple these Pizza Burgers are to make!
Nutrition Facts for Pizza Burgers
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Serving size: 1 pizza burger (recipe serves 4)
What You’ll Need for Perfect Pizza Burgers
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1 pound | Burger base |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon | Flavor base |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Seasoning |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Seasoning |
| Pizza sauce | ½ cup + extra for serving | Topping |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup, shredded | Topping |
| Burger buns | 4 | Serving |
| Mini pepperoni | ¼ cup | Topping |
| Red onion | ¼ cup, diced | Topping |
| Green bell pepper | ¼ cup, diced | Topping |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Cooking |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons, grated | Optional garnish |
| Fresh basil | 4-6 leaves, torn | Garnish |
Equipment
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combining burger mixture |
| Measuring spoons | Measuring ingredients |
| Measuring cups | Measuring ingredients |
| Cast iron skillet or grill pan | Cooking burgers |
| Spatula | Flipping burgers |
| Baking sheet | Optional for melting cheese |
| Meat thermometer | Checking doneness |
| Small bowls | Holding toppings |
Possible Substitutions
- Ground beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives
- Mozzarella: Substitute provolone, cheddar, or dairy-free cheese
- Burger buns: Try English muffins, ciabatta rolls, or go bunless on lettuce
- Pepperoni: Use cooked sausage, bacon, or plant-based pepperoni
- Pizza sauce: Substitute marinara sauce or tomato paste mixed with Italian herbs
Detailed Pizza Burgers Instructions for Beginners
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 pizza burgers
Preparation Phase
- Organize your workspace
- Clear your countertop to create enough room for all ingredients
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
- Place a clean cutting board on the counter
- Set out all ingredients so they’re within easy reach
- Check that you have all required tools nearby
- Prep your toppings
- Take the red onion and cut off both ends
- Peel away the outer skin
- Cut the onion in half from top to bottom
- Place one half flat-side down on the cutting board (save the other half for another use)
- Make thin vertical cuts, then horizontal cuts to create small dice (aim for pieces about ¼-inch in size)
- Measure ¼ cup of diced onion and place in a small bowl
- Prepare the green pepper
- Cut the bell pepper in half from top to bottom
- Remove the stem, seeds, and white membrane
- Place pepper half flat-side down on cutting board
- Cut into thin strips, then across the strips to create small dice (about ¼-inch pieces)
- Measure ¼ cup of diced pepper and place in a small bowl
- Get cheese and sauce ready
- If using block cheese, shred 1 cup of mozzarella using a box grater (larger holes)
- Place shredded cheese in a bowl
- Pour ½ cup pizza sauce into a small bowl
- Have mini pepperoni ready in a separate small bowl
- Set all toppings aside in their individual bowls
- Prepare the meat mixture
- Place ground beef in a large mixing bowl
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning evenly over the meat
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder evenly across the surface
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper over the meat
- Wash your hands again before handling the meat
- Using clean hands, gently mix the meat and seasonings together
- IMPORTANT FOR BEGINNERS: Only mix until just combined (about 10-15 seconds)
- Overmixing will make your Pizza Burgers tough and dense
- Divide and shape the meat
- Visually divide the seasoned meat into 4 equal portions in the bowl
- Using your hands, scoop one portion and roll it gently into a ball
- Place the meat ball on a clean plate or parchment paper
- Flatten the ball with your palm into a patty about ½-inch thick
- Press your thumb gently into the center to create a slight depression (this prevents the burger from bulging in the middle)
- Repeat with remaining portions to make 4 equal patties
- If the meat sticks to your hands, wet them slightly with cold water
Cooking Your Pizza Burgers Step-by-Step
- Heat your cooking surface
- Place your skillet or grill pan on the stove
- Turn the heat to medium-high
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan
- Allow the pan to heat for 2-3 minutes until the oil shimmers slightly
- BEGINNER TIP: Test if the pan is hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of water—they should sizzle immediately
- Cook the burger patties (first side)
- Carefully place the patties in the hot pan using a spatula
- Leave space between each patty
- SAFETY NOTE: The oil may spatter—stand back slightly
- Let the patties cook undisturbed for 4 minutes
- BEGINNER CHECK: Look for browning around the bottom edges and beads of moisture forming on top of the patty
- Flip the burger patties
- Slide a spatula completely under one patty
- In one confident motion, flip the patty over
- BEGINNER TIP: If the patty sticks to the pan, let it cook 30 seconds longer before trying again
- Repeat with remaining patties
- Cook for 3 minutes on the second side
- Check for doneness
- If you have a meat thermometer (highly recommended for beginners), insert it horizontally into the thickest part of the patty
- The temperature should read 160°F for beef Pizza Burgers
- If using turkey or chicken, temperature must reach 165°F
- If you don’t have a thermometer, a gentle press on the patty should feel firm but slightly springy, not soft
Creating the Pizza Burger Magic
- Add the pizza sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Using a spoon, carefully place 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on top of each patty
- Spread the sauce to cover the top of each patty, leaving a small border around the edge
- BEGINNER TIP: Don’t add too much sauce or it will slide off
- Add the cheese and toppings
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce on each patty
- Distribute the mini pepperoni evenly among the four Pizza Burgers (about 6-8 pieces per burger)
- Sprinkle some diced red onion and green pepper on top of each
- BEGINNER TIP: Press toppings gently into the cheese so they stay put
- Melt the cheese completely
- If your pan has a lid, cover the pan (if not, use a large baking sheet or aluminum foil as a makeshift lid)
- Reduce heat to low
- Let cook covered for 2 minutes until cheese is fully melted
- VISUAL CHECK FOR BEGINNERS: Cheese should be completely melted with no solid white spots remaining
Preparing the Buns and Final Assembly
- Toast the burger buns
- While the cheese is melting, prepare the buns
- Split the buns if not already separated
- Optional: Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil or butter
- Place cut-side down in a separate pan over medium heat
- Toast for 30-60 seconds until golden brown
- Remove from heat and place on serving plates
- Assemble your Pizza Burgers
- Using a spatula, carefully lift each completed patty
- Place each Pizza Burger patty on a bottom bun
- Sprinkle each with ½ tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle on top
- Place the top bun over each burger
- BEGINNER TIP: For easier eating, insert a toothpick through the center to hold everything together
- Serve immediately
- Place one Pizza Burger on each plate
- Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping
- Add a pickle spear or side salad if desired
- Have plenty of napkins ready – these Pizza Burgers can be deliciously messy!
Troubleshooting Your Pizza Burgers
Problem: Burgers are falling apart
Solution: Make sure your meat is cold when forming patties and don’t overmix. If using leaner meat, add 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs or one beaten egg to the mixture to help bind it.
Problem: Cheese isn’t melting properly
Solution: Use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents), lower heat, and make sure to cover the pan while melting. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the side of the pan (not on the burgers) and cover to create steam.
Problem: Burgers are too dry
Solution: Check internal temperature—don’t overcook past 160°F. Using 80/20 ground beef ensures enough fat for juicy Pizza Burgers. Also, letting the meat come to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
Problem: Toppings sliding off
Solution: Let cheese melt completely to act as “glue” for toppings, don’t overload with sauce, and slightly press toppings into the cheese before it fully melts.
Variations & Substitutions for Pizza Burgers
Veggie Lover’s Pizza Burger
Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and spinach. Cook mushrooms slightly before adding as a topping for best flavor.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Burger
Use ground chicken, BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and add crispy bacon pieces. Smoked gouda can replace mozzarella for extra flavor.
Mediterranean Pizza Burger
Top with feta cheese, olives, red onions, and a sprinkle of oregano. Add a thin slice of tomato under the sauce for extra freshness.
Low-Carb Pizza Burger
Skip the bun and serve on a bed of arugula or wrapped in lettuce. Double the toppings for extra pizza flavor without the carbs.
Want more creative pizza recipes? Check out our collection for endless inspiration!
Storage & Reheating Pizza Burgers
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store assembled Pizza Burgers without buns for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between patties to prevent sticking.
- Freeze: Wrap cooked patties individually in foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
Reheating Directions
- Microwave: Place burger on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes for refrigerated burgers, 2-3 minutes for frozen (defrost first). Cover loosely with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 10 minutes (15 minutes if frozen). Open foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp up the toppings.
- Skillet: Heat on medium-low with a splash of water and cover until warmed through (about 3-4 minutes per side). This helps maintain moisture while reheating your Pizza Burgers.
Safety Notes & Tips for Perfect Pizza Burgers
Safety First
- Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to eliminate harmful bacteria
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat (at least 20 seconds with soap)
- Keep raw meat separate from other ingredients to prevent cross-contamination
- Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
- Refrigerate leftover Pizza Burgers within 2 hours of cooking
Pro Tips for Pizza Burger Success
- Make ahead: Form patties up to a day ahead and refrigerate, separated by parchment paper
- Uniform size: Use a kitchen scale to ensure even portions (about 4 ounces per patty)
- Don’t press: Avoid pressing down on burgers while cooking—it pushes out juices
- Rest: Let patties rest 2-3 minutes before adding the sauce and cheese to keep juices inside
- Topping prep: Have all toppings chopped and ready before you start cooking the meat
- Extra flavor boost: Mix 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan directly into the ground beef mixture for more pizza flavor
If you love these Pizza Burgers, you might also enjoy our Buffalo Chicken Pizza or Pizza Pot Pies for more creative takes on traditional pizza flavors!
