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When burger meets pizza, something magical happens. These pizza burgers blend two favorite foods into one mouthwatering meal. With gooey mozzarella, tangy sauce, and crispy pepperoni on top of a juicy patty, you'll get that pizzeria taste right from your own grill. It's the best of both worlds in every single bite.
We stumbled onto this idea during a wet weekend when nobody could agree on having pizza or grilling burgers. From the very first taste, these became an instant hit in our house, and now my kids won't celebrate their birthdays without them.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground beef (80/20): Makes the best base with just enough fat to keep everything moist and tasty while it cooks
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Gives you that real pizza feel as it melts beautifully with its smooth, mild taste
- Pizza sauce: Go for something chunky and rich instead of runny so your buns stay firm, not mushy
- Fresh basil leaves: Bring a pop of freshness and that Italian kick that works so well with everything else
Making Your Pizza Burger
- Mix Up Your Meat:
- Throw your beef and seasonings into a big bowl. With clean fingers, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano into the meat. Don't go overboard with mixing or you'll end up with tough burgers. Just blend until everything looks even. Split the meat into four equal chunks and shape them a bit wider than your buns since they'll shrink when cooked. Push your thumb into the middle of each patty to make a small dent.
- Cook Them Right:
- Get your grill hot to about 375°F. Make sure to wipe down and oil the grates so nothing sticks. Put your burgers on the hottest spot with the thumbprint facing up. Let them cook without touching for 5 minutes until you see juice pooling on top. Flip just once and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium. Add your mozzarella slices during the last minute so they get all melty.
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I come from an Italian American family where we take our ingredients seriously. The pizza sauce is extra special to me because I use my grandma's recipe that slowly cooks for hours with herbs and garlic until it's just right.
Great Side Dishes
Make your meal even better by adding some garlic parm fries, a simple Caesar salad, or extra sauce for dipping. For a true Italian touch, try some marinated artichoke hearts or tangy pepperoncini on the side.
Fun Twists
Try a Margherita version with buffalo mozzarella, fresh tomato, and a drizzle of balsamic. Want it spicy? Mix red pepper flakes into your beef and top with hot pepperoni and jalapeños. Got vegetarian friends? Swap the beef for a big grilled portobello mushroom cap.
Saving Leftovers
Any extra patties will stay good in your fridge for about three days if you put them in a sealed container. When you want to eat them again, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, and add new cheese near the end. Don't use the microwave as it'll make your meat tough and turn your bun into mush.
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I've tried countless burger recipes over my years of grilling, and these pizza burgers truly stand out from the crowd. They capture what we love about both foods while turning into something totally new that you'll want again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep the patties in advance?
- Sure! You can season the meat and form patties up to a day ahead, but cook them fresh for the best taste.
- → How do I keep the patties from shrinking?
- Press the center of each patty a little before cooking, and don’t squish or knead the meat too much.
- → Can these be baked instead of grilled?
- Of course! Just bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Add the cheese during the last 2-3 minutes so it melts nicely.
- → What kind of pizza sauce works best?
- Pick a thick sauce that won’t make the burgers soggy. Both store-bought and homemade options are great.
- → How do I tell when the burgers are done?
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 160°F for safe eating.