There are nights when I can’t decide between a juicy burger or cheesy pizza — and that’s exactly where these Italian Pizza Burgers come in. They’re the perfect mashup of two comfort food favorites, combining all the bold flavors of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of a burger.
These burgers are loaded with Italian-seasoned beef, smothered in tangy pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and topped with pepperoni for that pizzeria feel. Whether I’m grilling them in the summer or cooking them on a skillet for an easy weeknight dinner, they always hit the spot. Plus, they’re fun for family dinners, and everyone can add their favorite pizza toppings right on their burger!
Let me show you exactly how I make these irresistible pizza-inspired burgers.
Why You’ll Love These Italian Pizza Burgers
- Juicy, flavorful, and cheesy
- All the best parts of pizza and burgers in one bite
- Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or game day meals
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices pepperoni (or more, depending on your love for it!)
- Butter, for toasting buns (optional)
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes
How I Make Italian Pizza Burgers
1. Prepare the Burger Patties
In a large bowl, I mix together the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I gently form the mixture into 4 patties, making a slight indent in the center of each so they cook evenly.
2. Cook the Burgers
I heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re browned and cooked through (or reach your preferred doneness).
3. Add the Pizza Flavor
Once the burgers are almost done, I spoon about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each patty and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. I let it melt until gooey and delicious. Then, I top each burger with 3 slices of pepperoni and let it warm for another minute.
4. Toast the Buns
While the burgers finish cooking, I butter the burger buns and lightly toast them on the skillet or grill for extra flavor and crunch.
5. Assemble and Serve
I place each pizza burger on a toasted bun, spoon a little extra pizza sauce on top if I’m feeling saucy, and let everyone add their favorite pizza toppings.
Tips for the Best Pizza Burgers
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the burger mix for extra depth.
- Want extra cheesy? Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan with the mozzarella.
- Try brioche buns for a softer, slightly sweet contrast.
- Let everyone customize their burger with toppings like sautéed mushrooms, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Italian Pizza Burgers
- Garlic Parmesan fries or tater tots
- Caesar salad or a simple garden salad
- Mozzarella sticks for the full pizza experience
- Grilled vegetables or roasted zucchini
- A cold soda, iced tea, or a light beer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can form the patties and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: Can I make these in the oven?
A: Absolutely. Bake the patties at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, then top with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni and broil for a minute to melt the cheese.
Q: Can I use marinara instead of pizza sauce?
A: Sure! Marinara will work, but pizza sauce is thicker and has a bolder flavor that really makes these burgers shine.
Q: Can I freeze cooked pizza burgers?
A: Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
The Best of Both Worlds — On a Bun
These Italian Pizza Burgers are everything I love about two comfort food classics rolled into one irresistible bite. They’re cheesy, juicy, and bursting with pizza flavors that make dinner feel exciting again. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this is one recipe that never disappoints.
If you try them, let me know your favorite toppings! Add your twist and enjoy every melty, saucy bite.
Italian Pizza Burgers: A Fun Twist on Two Comfort Food Classics
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 4 burger patties.
- Cook the patties on the grill or skillet for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster.
- Assemble the burgers: on the bottom bun, add a burger patty, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and fresh basil leaves. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Italian Pizza Burgers!
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