The Ultimate Pizza Pepperoni Burgers: The Best of Both Worlds

By Jason Griffith

If there are two things that define the ultimate comfort food, it’s a juicy cheeseburger and a hot, gooey slice of pepperoni pizza. For years, I found myself torn between the two during family movie nights. Why choose? I decided to bridge the gap and create the Pizza Pepperoni Burger—a recipe that has since become a legendary staple in my kitchen.

This isn’t just a burger with a piece of pepperoni tossed on top. This is a carefully seasoned, Italian-inspired beef patty topped with melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and crisp pepperoni, all nestled inside a toasted bun. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go silent after the first bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this recipe a personal favorite is the nostalgia factor. It reminds me of the classic “pizza burgers” served in school cafeterias, but with a massive gourmet upgrade.

• Flavor Explosion: The beef is seasoned with oregano and garlic, giving it that authentic meatball-meets-steakhouse vibe.
• Crowd Pleaser: From kids to adults, no one turns down pizza flavors. It’s a guaranteed hit at any BBQ or game day gathering.
• Versatility: You can cook these on a backyard grill for a smoky finish or in a heavy skillet for a perfect crusty sear.
• Quick & Easy: Despite the complex flavor profile, these come together in under 30 minutes.

If you love mashup recipes like this, you’ll also want to check out my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter, which bring that same Italian flair to a pull-apart slider format.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb Ground Beef: I highly recommend an 80/20 blend. The fat content is essential for a juicy burger that doesn’t dry out.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: For that savory, aromatic punch.
• 1 tsp Onion Powder: Adds depth to the meat without the texture of raw onions.
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano: This is the “secret” to making the beef taste like pizza.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste (be generous with the salt to enhance the beef!).
• 4 Burger Buns: Brioche or sesame seed buns work beautifully.

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella: The ultimate melting cheese for pizza vibes.
• 1/2 cup Sliced Pepperoni: High-quality pepperoni that crisps up is best.
• 1/4 cup Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or a homemade version for dipping or spreading.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: (Optional) For a fresh, herbaceous finish.
• Olive Oil: For toasting those buns to golden perfection.

Swaps and Notes

• The Meat: If you want a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but I suggest adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to keep it moist.
• The Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, a slice of Provolone adds a nice sharp bite.
• The Sauce: If you don’t have marinara, a thick pizza sauce or even a sun-dried tomato pesto works wonderfully.
• Low Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve the cheesy patty over a bed of sautéed spinach or zoodles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until just combined. Pro Tip: Do not overwork the meat! Over-mixing leads to a dense, tough burger. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties slightly wider than your buns to account for shrinkage.

2. Cook to Perfection

Heat a grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side. We are looking for an internal temperature of 160°F for a safe, medium-well finish.

3. The Pizza Transformation

During the final 60 seconds of cooking, pile a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and several slices of pepperoni onto each patty. Cover the pan or grill with a lid. The steam will melt the cheese into a gooey blanket, securing the pepperoni in place.

4. Toast the Buns

Don’t skip this! Brush the cut sides of your buns with olive oil. Place them face down on the heat for 1–2 minutes until they are golden brown and sturdy enough to hold the sauce.

5. Assemble and Serve

Spread a tablespoon of marinara sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cheesy, pepperoni-laden patty on top. Add fresh basil if using, and crown it with the top bun. Serve immediately!

Tips for Success

• The Thumbprint Trick: Gently press a small indentation in the center of each raw patty with your thumb. This prevents the burger from “doming” in the middle and keeps it flat.
• High Heat: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the meat to get that “smash burger” style crust.
• Quality Sauce: Since we use a small amount of marinara, make sure it’s a high-quality, flavorful one.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These burgers are a meal in themselves, but if you’re hosting a party, I love pairing them with other fun finger foods. Try serving them alongside These Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) for the ultimate snack spread.

For a drink pairing, a cold soda or a light lager works perfectly. If you want to lean into the party theme, this Beer Cheese Dip is an amazing side for dipping fries or extra crusts.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 540 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Total Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sodium: 890mg

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the pepperoni crisp; microwaves tend to make the bun soggy.
• Freezer: You can freeze the raw, seasoned patties (layered with parchment paper) for up to 3 months.
• Leftover Idea: Crumble a leftover patty into a wrap for a quick “Pizza Burger Burrito” the next day!

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this mashup of flavors, you’ll love these other crowd-pleasing dishes:

• Sheet Pan Quesadillas — Another great way to feed a crowd fast!
• Dorito Casserole — The perfect weeknight dinner shortcut when you need something crunchy and cheesy.

Final Thoughts

The Pizza Pepperoni Burger is proof that you don’t have to choose between your favorite cravings. It’s bold, messy, and absolutely delicious. Give this a try at your next family dinner and let me know how it went!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment below or tag me in your photos on social media. Don’t forget to follow for more creative comfort food recipes every week.