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Pizza Burgers

Bring together the best of burgers and pizza with these cheesy, saucy Pizza Burgers! Perfect for a fun family dinner, these juicy burgers are loaded with marinara, mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni, all stacked inside soft buns and baked to perfection. Quick, easy, and always a hit with kids and adults alike!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 burgers
Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 18 slices of pepperoni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for grilling buns
  • Italian seasoning optional
Optional Add-ins
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Green bell peppers
  • Black olives
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves

Equipment

  • Grill or skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Basting brush
  • Spatula

Method
 

Prepare Patties:
  1. In a bowl, mix ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 6 burger patties.
Cook Patties:
  1. Grill or pan-fry the patties over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Add Marinara:
  1. Spoon a generous tablespoon of marinara sauce over each patty during the last minute of cooking.
Top with Cheese & Pepperoni:
  1. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, then add 3 slices of pepperoni per burger. Cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
Toast Buns:
  1. Brush hamburger buns with olive oil and toast them on the grill or a skillet until golden.
Assemble Burgers:
  1. Place the pizza-topped patties onto the buns. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired.
Serve Hot:
  1. Add extra marinara on the side for dipping and enjoy!

Notes

Pizza Burgers – Helpful Tips

Best Meat for Juicy Burgers
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest patties with that classic burger bite.
  • Mix in a little Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse pizza flavors right into the meat.
  • Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties—gentle hands make tender burgers.
Perfect Patty Size
  • Shape your patties slightly wider than your buns—they’ll shrink a bit as they cook.
  • Press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up into a meatball.
Cooking Tips
  • Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they’re browned and juicy.
  • Add a layer of pepperoni slices on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking for that pizza punch.
Cheese It Like a Pizza
  • Classic mozzarella slices are a must, but you can mix it up with provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  • Cover the pan or grill for a minute to get that perfect melty cheese blanket.
Pizza Sauce Perfection
  • Use your favorite thick pizza sauce or marinara—spread it on the bun tops AND a dollop right on the burgers.
  • For extra flavor, heat the sauce with a dash of red pepper flakes and Italian herbs.
Bun It Right
  • Toast the buns on the grill or in a skillet for a few minutes to give them a crispy edge that holds up to all that saucy goodness.
  • Garlic butter brushed buns? Yes, please!
Topping Ideas
  • Go classic with pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, and bell peppers.
  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for that pizza shop vibe.
  • Feeling bold? Try banana peppers, black olives, or a drizzle of pesto on top.
Make-Ahead & Storage
  • Form patties up to 1 day ahead and store covered in the fridge.
  • Leftover cooked burgers? Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain that crust.