How I Make Pizza Burgers That Combine the Best of Both Worlds
You know those nights when you can’t decide between pizza and burgers? That’s when I break out this Pizza Burger recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup: juicy, seasoned burger patties with all the flavors of your favorite slice—melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce—all piled onto a soft hamburger bun.
These come together fast, require just a handful of pantry staples, and are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. I usually make them on the stovetop, but they work just as well on the grill. You can keep it simple with just cheese and sauce or load them up with your favorite pizza toppings. Either way, it’s a burger night you’ll want on repeat.
Why I Love These Pizza Burgers
- Two classics in one—all the fun of pizza with the satisfaction of a burger
- Fast and easy for busy weeknights or casual weekends
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Cheesy, saucy, and loaded with flavor
- No utensils needed—just pick it up and dive in
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 4 burgers | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced black olives
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced onions
How I Make Pizza Burgers (Step-by-Step)
- Make the Patties
In a medium bowl, I combine the ground beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I gently mix it all together and form the mixture into four even patties. I try not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers juicy. - Cook the Patties
I heat a large skillet (or fire up the grill) over medium-high heat. I cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and browned on both sides. I set them aside to rest for a minute while I prep the buns. - Build the Pizza Burgers
On the bottom half of each bun, I spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce. Then I place a hot burger patty on top and immediately sprinkle it with shredded mozzarella. I add a few mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese so they get warm and just slightly melty. - Add Extra Toppings (Optional but Awesome)
If I’m in the mood to go big, I’ll add sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, or some bell peppers. These toppings give the burger real “pizza shop” flavor and a bit of texture. - Top and Serve
I cap each burger with the top half of the bun and serve them warm. No sides required, but if I’m feeling extra, I’ll toss in some garlic fries or a simple Caesar salad.
My Tips for Perfect Pizza Burgers
- Toast the buns lightly for extra crunch and to keep them from getting soggy
- Use lean ground beef (like 85/15) for a good balance of juiciness and flavor
- Melt the cheese: After topping the patties with cheese, you can pop them under the broiler for a minute to get that pizza-style melt
- Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni
- Use leftover sauce for dipping the finished burger
Fun Variations I’ve Tried
- Meat Lovers’ Burger: Add crumbled cooked sausage or bacon bits on top of the patty
- Margherita Burger: Fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil instead of pepperoni
- Hawaiian Twist: Add pineapple chunks and ham
- Veggie Pizza Burger: Load up with grilled zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers
- Stuffed Pizza Burger: Put cheese and pepperoni inside the patty before cooking
What I Serve with Pizza Burgers
- Garlic-parmesan fries or sweet potato wedges
- Side salad with Italian dressing to balance the richness
- Chips and dip for a game-day vibe
- Iced tea, root beer, or a light beer to wash it all down
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Definitely. Just be sure to season well and don’t overcook—poultry dries out faster.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can form the patties and store them in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. Cook and assemble just before serving.
Q: Can I bake the patties instead of grilling?
A: Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add cheese near the end so it melts.
Q: What’s the best pizza sauce to use?
A: Use your favorite jarred or homemade pizza sauce. I like a garlicky, slightly sweet one to mimic that pizzeria flavor.
Why These Pizza Burgers Are a Must-Try
They’re fun, flavorful, and way easier than making pizza from scratch. Each bite is juicy, melty, and perfectly seasoned, with all the cheesy, saucy goodness you’d expect from your favorite slice. Plus, they’re super adaptable—perfect for feeding a crowd or just making dinner more exciting.
So if you’re stuck between burgers or pizza… don’t choose. Make these instead.
