Description
Craving a mashup of juicy burgers and classic pizza flavors? Pizza Burgers with Pepperoni and Mozzarella are the perfect solution! These hearty burgers combine seasoned ground beef patties with zesty pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni, all piled on toasted buns
Ingredients
Pizza Burgers with Pepperoni and Mozzarella use simple ingredients to deliver bold, pizza-like flavors. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Ground Beef (1 pound, 80% lean / 20% fat): Provides a juicy, flavorful patty; the fat content ensures tenderness.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds classic pizza herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic flavor.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Brings savory, aromatic depth to the patties.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and balance.
- Hamburger Buns (4, split and toasted): Serves as a sturdy, crispy base for the toppings.
- Pizza Sauce (½ cup): Delivers tangy, tomatoey pizza flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer, mimicking pizza cheese.
- Pepperoni (16-24 slices): Adds spicy, savory bursts, a pizza staple.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a plant-based meat for vegetarian. Use leaner beef (90/10) for less fat, but patties may be drier.
- Italian Seasoning: Make your own (½ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon basil, ¼ teaspoon thyme) or use pizza seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: Replace with 1 minced fresh garlic clove or ¼ teaspoon onion powder for a different flavor.
- Buns: Use brioche, pretzel buns, or gluten-free buns; try English muffins or ciabatta for a twist.
- Pizza Sauce: Substitute with marinara, spaghetti sauce, or a homemade mix (¼ cup tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon oregano, pinch of sugar).
- Mozzarella: Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend; use dairy-free cheese for lactose-free.
- Pepperoni: Swap for turkey pepperoni, salami, or sautéed mushrooms for vegetarian. Omit for a cheeseburger vibe.
- Add-Ins: Include sautéed onions, bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños under the cheese for extra pizza flair.
Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and flavor; pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect texture. Choose high-quality pizza sauce for a bold tomato kick.
Instructions
- Prepare Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep patties tender.
- Shape into 4 equal patties (about ¼ pound each), making a slight indent in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
- Tip: Handle beef lightly to maintain a juicy texture; chill patties briefly if soft.
- Toast Buns:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and the broiler to high.
- Arrange 4 split hamburger buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden and lightly toasted. Remove top halves and set aside; keep bottom halves on the sheet.
- Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning; toasting adds crunch and prevents soggy buns.
- Grill Patties:
- Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked to medium (160°F internal temperature) or your preferred doneness.
- Avoid pressing down on patties to retain juices.
- Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; let patties rest 1-2 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices.
- Warm Pizza Sauce:
- While burgers cook, heat ½ cup pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm (about 3-5 minutes).
- Tip: Keep sauce warm but not boiling to maintain flavor; use a microwave (30 seconds) if preferred.
- Assemble Bottom Buns:
- Spread half the warm pizza sauce (about 1 tablespoon per bun) evenly over the toasted bottom buns.
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella (2 tablespoons per bun) over the sauce.
- Add 4-6 pepperoni slices per bun (covering the cheese).
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Tip: Place the baking sheet on a middle rack to prevent burning; check frequently.
- Finish Burgers:
- Place grilled patties on the cheesy bottom buns.
- Spoon the remaining pizza sauce (about 1 tablespoon per burger) over the patties.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella (2 tablespoons per burger) and 4-6 more pepperoni slices per burger.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melty and slightly golden.
- Tip: Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid over-melting or burning.
- Serve:
- Place the toasted top bun halves over the burgers.
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy (makes 4 burgers, 4 servings).
- Tip: Slice burgers in half for easier eating or serve with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Cooking Tips:
- Don’t Overmix Beef: Mix seasonings just until combined to avoid tough patties.
- Grill Marks: For perfect grill marks, don’t move patties for the first 4 minutes; flip only once.
- Cheese Melt: Broil just until cheese is bubbly to keep pepperoni crisp and prevent soggy buns.