Sink your teeth into pure comfort food magic with Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe. Imagine a juicy beef patty loaded with bold pepperoni flavor, gooey melted cheeses, and tangy pizza sauce—all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun. Each bite hits you with the nostalgia of your favorite pizzeria and the satisfaction of a great homemade burger. If you’ve ever debated whether you love burgers or pizza more, this recipe puts that dilemma deliciously to rest. Get ready for a family favorite that’s weeknight-easy but tastes like a special treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This irresistible recipe only calls for a handful of kitchen staples, but each one brings serious flavor, juicy texture, or that melty-cheesy allure you crave in a pepperoni pizza burger. Let’s break down what makes every ingredient essential for the most delicious bite.
- Ground Beef (80/20): The ideal fat ratio ensures every patty is incredibly juicy and flavorful.
- Chopped Pepperoni: Infuses that classic pizza punch, plus spicy little pops in every bite.
- Pizza Sauce: Adds sweet, herby, tomato goodness—with a little tang to cut the richness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for stretchy, gooey layers just like your favorite slice.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, nutty depth and extra savoriness on top.
- Italian Seasoning: Packs in a blend of herbs—think oregano, basil, and thyme—that make these burgers taste super authentic.
- Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth and the unmistakable flavor of garlic bread.
- Salt and Pepper: Can’t skip the basics—they highlight everything else!
- Hamburger Buns: Soft, sturdy buns hold everything together and soak up all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Olive Oil: A light slick keeps those patties from sticking and adds a little richness.
- Optional Toppings (banana peppers, black olives, fresh basil): For extra zing, color, and a hit of freshness, these toppings take your burgers over the top.
How to Make Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, chopped pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there and mix until everything is well-blended but not overworked. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form each into a thick, even patty. This is where all that pizza flavor starts building right into the meat!
Step 2: Heat Up Your Grill or Skillet
Preheat your grill or a sturdy stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Brush or rub the grill or skillet with olive oil to help prevent sticking. You want it sizzling hot so the patties get a nice brown crust that seals in all those delicious juices and pepperoni pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Place the patties onto your grill or skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on burger thickness and your preferred doneness. Resist the urge to press down, as this squeezes out those tasty juices. The chopped pepperoni will crisp up around the edges, adding even more flavor and texture.
Step 4: Pizza-Fy the Burgers
With about 2 minutes left in cooking, spoon a generous helping of pizza sauce over each patty. Top each with a big handful of shredded mozzarella and a tasteful sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover the grill or skillet with a lid or foil to melt the cheeses into a gloriously gooey, pizza-like topping.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While the cheese is melting, slice and toast your buns cut-side down right on the edge of the grill or in a toaster. A light toasting adds flavor and helps them stand up to the saucy burger—no soggy bottoms here!
Step 6: Assemble and Add Toppings
Place a pizza burger patty on the bottom half of each bun. This is the fun part: pile on optional toppings like banana peppers for zing, sliced black olives for saltiness, or fresh basil for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Top with the other half of the bun and serve them hot, letting that cheese pull make you feel like you’re right at your favorite pizza parlor!
How to Serve Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish takes these burgers straight to restaurant-level. Try a scattering of freshly torn basil leaves for aromatic brightness, or a few extra Parmesan shavings for a finishing flourish. If you crave a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick. Even just a twist of cracked black pepper right before serving wakes up all those pizza spices in every bite.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with crispy oven fries or sweet potato wedges—they soak up extra sauce perfectly. A chilled Caesar or simple mixed green salad brings balance and color to your plate. For a seriously “pizza night” vibe, serve the burgers with garlic knots or a ramekin of marinara for dipping. You’ll thank yourself!
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a crowd? Make mini versions on slider buns and arrange them on a big platter for DIY pizza burger sliders—ideal for game day or birthday parties. Build a burger bar with bowls of fun toppings so everyone can customize their own. Or, slice in halves or quarters, skewer with a pickle or olive, and serve as indulgent appetizers alongside your favorite craft beer or homemade lemonade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe, cool the patties and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep sauce and toppings separate if possible to prevent buns from getting soggy. They’ll taste just as fantastic reheated within 2–3 days.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Freeze cooked, cooled burger patties (without the sauce or cheese) layered between parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Transfer to a zip-top bag, squeeze out air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and assembling fresh.
Reheating
For best results, reheat patties in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven until hot through. Add fresh cheese and sauce as you warm them for that ooey-gooey melt. If reheating with buns, heat them separately to keep things crisp, then assemble just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat for the patties?
Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute for a lighter or vegetarian twist. The fun flavors of Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe shine through no matter which protein you choose.
How spicy are these pizza burgers?
The chopped pepperoni adds a little bit of heat, but nothing overwhelming. For extra spice, you can use hot pepperoni or add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or as a topping.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Yes! You can mix, shape, and even cook the patties ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to add sauce and cheese and serve. Mini slider versions of Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe make a fun hands-on party option too.
What can I use instead of pizza sauce?
If you’re out of pizza sauce, try marinara, tomato basil pasta sauce, or even a homemade blend of tomato paste thinned with a splash of water and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. As long as it’s richly tomato-y with some seasoning, it’ll work beautifully.
How do I keep the burgers from getting soggy?
The best trick is to toast the buns and layer cheese directly on the hot patty, so it acts as a barrier. If making ahead, store buns, patties, and sauce separately and assemble just before eating. That way, every bite of Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe stays perfectly crisp and juicy!
Final Thoughts
If you love creative comfort food as much as I do, you simply have to try Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe. Each burger is packed with classic pizza flavor, cheesy goodness, and serious burger satisfaction. It’s the ultimate mashup and always a hit—so gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and watch these disappear!
Print
Is This the Most Delicious Best Pepperoni Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of flavors with these Pepperoni Pizza Burgers that combine the best of both worlds – pizza and burgers – for a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: banana peppers, sliced black olives, fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Mix ground beef, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
- Cook Patties: Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side. Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan in last 2 minutes to melt cheese.
- Assemble: Toast buns, place patties on buns, add optional toppings like banana peppers, olives, or basil.
- Serve: Enjoy hot and delicious!
Notes
- Substitute with turkey or plant-based meat
- Broil for extra crispiness
- Use mini buns for sliders
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
