During one of those blustery evenings when the wind just won’t quit and the leaves pile up around your front porch, my neighbor’s teenage son popped over to help rake the yard. After an hour of wrestling with damp leaves and swapping jokes, I asked if he wanted to stay for dinner.
He grinned and said, “Only if it’s something awesome—like pizza and burgers.” That got my wheels turning. I’d been toying with a recipe that blended the comfort of a juicy burger with the cheesy, pepperoni-loaded magic of a pizza. That night was my excuse to make it real.
So I got to work in my cozy little kitchen, where the air always smells faintly of garlic and toasted bread. I seasoned up a batch of ground beef, cracked open a jar of homemade pizza sauce, and rummaged through the fridge for mozzarella and pepperoni.
When the buns came out golden and the cheese started bubbling under the broiler, I knew I’d stumbled on something special. We devoured them right there at the kitchen island, sauce dripping and all, with napkins in our laps and smiles on our faces.
Short Description
A juicy grilled burger topped with melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni, all stacked on a toasted bun. A crowd-pleasing mashup of two comfort food favorites.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill or grill pan
- Broiler
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Season the Beef
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Shape into 4 equal patties and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
Preheat the broiler to medium-high. Place buns cut side up on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove tops and set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned on the outside and cooked through (internal temp: 160°F).
Step 4: Warm the Sauce
While the burgers cook, warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Build the Base Layer
Spoon half of the warm pizza sauce onto the bottom buns. Top with half of the mozzarella and 2–3 slices of pepperoni per bun. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and pepperoni starts to crisp.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Place the grilled patties on the melted cheese layer. Spoon the remaining pizza sauce over each patty, then add more mozzarella and pepperoni on top. Return to broiler until cheese is bubbly—about 1–2 minutes.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Place the top halves of the buns on the burgers and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: You get the juicy richness of a burger with the cheesy, saucy flair of your favorite slice.
Fun and Family-Friendly: A hit with kids, teens, and adults alike—great for weeknights or backyard parties.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy—just pantry and fridge staples brought together in a clever way.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable: Switch up the sauce, cheese, or meat for your own twist.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the beef: This leads to tough burgers.
Solution: Mix just until combined—don’t compact the meat.
Skipping bun toasting: Makes them soggy under sauce.
Solution: Always toast the buns first for structure and flavor.
Overcooking the patties: Dries them out fast.
Solution: Grill on medium-high and remove once internal temp hits 160°F.
Too much sauce before grilling: It can drip and make a mess.
Solution: Use just enough for flavor; layer the rest after grilling.
Crowding the broiler: Causes uneven melting.
Solution: Work in batches if needed for even heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with oven-roasted potato wedges or garlic parmesan fries.
Add a side salad with balsamic vinaigrette for balance.
For a party platter, slice burgers into halves or quarters and serve on a tray.
Pair with a cold root beer, sparkling water, or a chilled lager.
Add pickles or banana peppers on the side for a tangy contrast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Separate storage: Store buns and burger components separately to avoid sogginess.
Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warm, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Reheat buns in the oven or toaster for crisp texture.
Avoid freezing assembled burgers, but cooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months.
FAQs
1. Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, shape them and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options work well, though cooking times may vary.
3. Is store-bought pizza sauce okay?
Yes! Any brand you like will work. Or try homemade if you prefer.
4. What cheese alternatives can I try?
Provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack can be used for different flavors.
5. Can I cook the burgers indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop.
Tips & Tricks
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce for a spicy kick.
For a crispier bite, lightly pan-fry the pepperoni before assembling.
Use brioche or ciabatta buns for a bakery-style upgrade.
Brush the buns with garlic butter before toasting for added flavor.
Want it extra cheesy? Mix mozzarella with a little provolone or asiago.
Recipe Variations
Hawaiian Pizza Burger: Add a slice of grilled pineapple and use ham instead of pepperoni.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Burger: Swap beef for ground chicken, use BBQ sauce in place of pizza sauce, and top with red onions and smoked gouda.
Veggie Supreme: Use a veggie patty, top with sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and extra cheese.
Spicy Sausage Burger: Replace beef with Italian sausage, add hot giardiniera and crushed red pepper flakes.
Margherita Style: Use fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil after broiling.
Final Thoughts
Few recipes bring as much fun to the table as these Pizza Burgers. They strike that perfect balance between indulgent and satisfying, all while being easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. I’ve served them at casual get-togethers and even for Sunday dinner, and they always spark conversation—usually about who’s getting the last one.
One night it’s classic pepperoni, the next we’re layering on mushrooms or experimenting with different cheeses. That kind of flexibility is what keeps cooking exciting. So next time you’re stuck between craving pizza or a burger, don’t choose—make both. Just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand and hungry people ready to dig in.
Pizza Burger Pepperoni Mozzarella
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16–24 slices pepperoni
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Beef
Mix beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 4 patties and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
Broil buns, cut side up, for 1–2 minutes until golden. Set tops aside.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
Grill patties over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through (160°F).
Step 4: Warm the Sauce
Heat pizza sauce in a saucepan over low, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Build the Base Layer
Spread half the sauce on bottom buns. Add half the cheese and 2–3 pepperoni slices. Broil for 2–3 minutes until melted.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Add patties, top with remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Broil again for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Add top buns and serve hot.
