Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love both pizza and burgers, this recipe delivers the ultimate flavor mashup! Here’s why it belongs in your weekly dinner rotation:
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Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
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Flavor-packed: Juicy patties made from ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoned with pizza herbs.
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Customizable: Tweak toppings to fit your cravings—add mushrooms, olives, or even jalapeños!
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Family-approved: Great for game nights, backyard BBQs, or letting kids build their own burger.
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Satisfying: Cheesy, saucy, meaty… need we say more?
Ingredients
Burger Patties
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio): For juicy, flavorful burgers.
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1 lb ground Italian sausage: Adds rich, herby depth and that classic “pizza” taste.
Buns & Toppings
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4 sturdy hamburger buns: Toasted to perfection to resist sogginess.
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4 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer.
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Marinara sauce (about 1 cup): Use store-bought or homemade.
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Pepperoni slices: Opt for sandwich-cut for full coverage.
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a sharp, salty finish.
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Unsalted butter: For toasting the buns.
Seasoning
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Pizza seasoning: Mix of oregano, basil, garlic, and marjoram.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, and pizza seasoning. Mix gently until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 8 oz each) and shape into patties slightly wider than your buns. Press a thumbprint in the center of each to prevent puffing.
2. Preheat Cooking Surface
Heat your grill, cast-iron pan, or skillet over high heat until hot.
3. Cook the Burgers
Place patties on the hot surface. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes on one side to build a golden-brown crust.
4. Heat the Toppings
While burgers are cooking, warm the marinara sauce on the stove. Crisp up the pepperoni slices in a dry pan or on foil over the grill—just a minute or two enhances flavor and texture.
5. Flip and Melt
Flip the patties and cook another 2–4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (for medium). Add mozzarella slices during the final minute to let them melt.
6. Toast the Buns
Butter the insides of the buns and toast them face-down until golden and crisp—about 1–2 minutes.
7. Assemble and Serve
Place each patty on a toasted bun, spoon marinara over top, layer on pepperoni, and finish with Parmesan if using. Serve hot and melty.
You Must Know
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Protein-packed & satisfying
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Kid-friendly and customizable
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A fresh twist on burger night
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Perfectly melty mozzarella is the star!
Tip: My nephew tried this once and now texts weekly begging for another round.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead Tips:
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You can prep the patties and toppings in advance and store them separately in the fridge.
Storage Instructions:
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Leftovers: Store cooked patties and buns separately in airtight containers.
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Reheat: Gently warm patties in a skillet; toast buns again if needed.
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Freezing: Let patties cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Seasonal Variations
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Summer BBQ Version: Grill over charcoal and add grilled veggies.
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Winter Comfort Food: Use toasted garlic ciabatta rolls and serve with warm tomato soup.
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Fall Twist: Add caramelized onions or roasted red peppers for a cozy vibe.
Serving Suggestions
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Party Bar: Set out toppings like sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, roasted veggies, or extra cheese.
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Sides: Serve with rosemary fries, onion rings, or a crisp green salad.
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Toppings Boost: Add fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot honey.
No-Bake Alternative
No grill? No problem.
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Use a stovetop skillet or grill pan.
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Toast buns in a dry pan or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
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All the flavor, no outdoor cooking required.
Pro Tips
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Always press a thumbprint into each patty to avoid that domed burger shape.
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Don’t skip the bun toasting—it adds structure and flavor.
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Warm toppings make every bite melty, rich, and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What meat is best for pizza burgers?
A combo of ground beef and Italian sausage offers juicy texture and pizza-like flavor.
→ How do you keep them juicy?
Don’t overmix. Use the 80/20 beef-to-fat ratio and avoid pressing patties down while cooking.
→ What cheese alternatives work well?
Provolone, cheddar, or a shredded pizza blend also work great.
→ Can I use turkey or chicken?
Yes! Mix ground turkey or chicken with pizza seasoning for a lighter version.
→ Can I cook them indoors?
Absolutely. A cast-iron skillet on the stovetop does the job beautifully.
→ Best way to assemble?
Toasted bun → patty → marinara → pepperoni → melty mozzarella → parmesan. Serve immediately.
