If you love the bold, comforting flavors of pizza but crave the satisfying bite of a burger, this Pizza Burgers Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine juicy beef and Italian sausage patties layered with melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, pepperoni, and sautéed veggies—all nestled inside a soft bun. It’s a fusion that brings together two favorites in one mouthwatering, fun-to-eat dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe balances hearty meatiness with fresh, vibrant toppings, capturing the essence of pizza in burger form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pizza Burgers Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that truly shine. From the savory meats to the fresh veggies, every element is chosen to create a perfect harmony of tastes.
- 1 lb. ground beef: I prefer 85% lean for that juicy yet balanced texture.
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage: Adds a punch of spicy, herby flavor that sets these burgers apart.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the patties together.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs throughout each bite.
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs: Helps keep the patties tender while adding a subtle crunch.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the savory flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and adding richness.
- 1 green pepper (sliced): Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to the topping mix.
- ½ onion (sliced): Adds warmth and caramelized sweetness when sautéed.
- â…› tsp kosher salt (for veggies): Boosts the natural flavors of the peppers and onions.
- 8 oz. cremini mushrooms (sliced): Earthy and tender, they complement the meaty patties beautifully.
- 6 slices low moisture mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that irresistible pizza cheesiness.
- 6 hamburger buns: Soft but sturdy enough to hold all the juicy goodness.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: The essential tangy tomato base that brings everything together.
- 24 slices pepperoni: For that classic, slightly spicy pizza topping crunch.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Adds a pop of bright herbal freshness and color.
How to Make Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meats and Seasonings
Start by combining the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, egg, Italian seasoning, Italian breadcrumbs, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough. This blend of meats ensures each burger is bursting with flavor and juicy texture.
Step 2: Shape into Patties
Divide the mixture evenly and form six equal-sized patties. Make sure they’re a little wider than your buns, as they will shrink while cooking. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly without puffing up in the middle.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Fire up your grill to medium heat, aiming for around 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This medium heat will allow the burgers to brown beautifully on the outside while staying juicy inside—perfect for that delicate balance this Pizza Burgers Recipe needs.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
While the grill heats, warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced green peppers and onions, sprinkling with a pinch of salt. Sauté until softened and the edges start to caramelize—this develops sweet, smoky flavors that elevate the burger toppings. Transfer these to a plate to keep warm.
Step 5: Cook the Mushrooms
Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the same pan and cook for a couple more minutes until they soften. Their earthy flavor adds a wonderful depth that pairs perfectly with the sausage and beef blend.
Step 6: Grill the Burgers
Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on one side, letting them develop a beautiful crust. Resist the urge to press down on them—you want to keep those delicious juices inside!
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Grilling
Flip the burgers and immediately top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Close the grill lid if possible, and let them cook for another 4 minutes so the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Step 8: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Place each burger on the bottom half of a bun. Spoon generous amounts of pizza sauce directly on top, add four slices of pepperoni, then pile on your sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Finish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra pizza sauce before capping with the top bun. The result is a stacked, satisfying creation that captures the spirit of pizza within a burger.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are not just for color—they bring a bright, aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes to add subtle heat and depth.
Side Dishes
This Pizza Burgers Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries, a simple green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, or even a light pasta salad to keep the Italian theme going. Garlic roasted veggies also make a delicious, healthy contrast to the hearty burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pizza burgers open-faced on toasted ciabatta or focaccia bread. You can also turn them into slider-sized bites for parties, layering mini pepperoni and little mozzarella balls for bite-sized flavor bombs. A side of marinara dipping sauce can add an interactive element to the meal, perfect for dipping each juicy bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any burger patties or assembled burgers left over, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days. Keep the burger components separate if possible—this helps maintain the texture of the buns and keeps toppings from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked burger patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to two months. To prepare ahead for gatherings, you can also freeze uncooked patties and thaw them overnight in the fridge before grilling to keep that fresh-cooked juiciness.
Reheating
Reheat your Pizza Burgers gently in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to maintain moisture and allow the cheese to remelt beautifully. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bun soggy and the meat dry.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While beef and sausage give this Pizza Burgers Recipe a classic rich flavor, ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for a leaner, lighter version. Just be mindful that these meats cook faster and can dry out, so adjust cooking time accordingly and consider adding extra moisture like a bit of olive oil or finely chopped veggies into the mix.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning on hand?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder. This DIY mix keeps the authentic Italian flavor that’s essential for this Pizza Burgers Recipe.
Can I make these burgers indoors without a grill?
Yes! A stovetop skillet or grill pan works just as well. Brown the patties over medium-high heat and finish cooking them covered with a lid to melt the cheese. Just add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and watch closely to avoid burning.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy with all the sauce?
To keep buns from soaking up too much sauce, toast them lightly before assembling the burgers. You can also spread a thin layer of melted butter or mayonnaise on the buns to create a protective barrier against moisture.
Can I customize the toppings for different tastes?
Definitely! This Pizza Burgers Recipe is super versatile. Feel free to add olives, jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or swap mozzarella for provolone or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The key is keeping the balance of cheesy, saucy, and fresh elements to preserve the pizza vibe.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Burgers Recipe is one of those rare dishes that truly brings people together and celebrates the best of two beloved classics in one phenomenal bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or impressing friends at a weekend BBQ, these burgers deliver bold flavors, satisfying textures, and plenty of smiles. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pizza Burgers combine the savory flavors of juicy beef and Italian sausage patties with classic pizza toppings like mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add a delicious vegetable medley that perfectly complements the grilled patties. Served on hamburger buns, these burgers bring a fun twist to pizza night and make a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (loose or removed from casings)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Vegetables & Toppings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- â…› tsp kosher salt
- 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 6 slices low moisture mozzarella cheese
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 24 slices pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the burger mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, egg, Italian seasoning, Italian breadcrumbs, and kosher salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Form patties: Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a patty.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350-375°F, to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté peppers and onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced green pepper and onion, sprinkle with salt, and sauté for several minutes until softened and edges are browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a couple of minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
- Grill the burgers (first side): Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for 4 minutes to develop a good sear.
- Flip and add cheese: Turn the burgers over, top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese, and continue grilling for another 4 minutes until the cheese melts and the burgers are cooked through.
- Assemble the burgers: Place each burger on the bottom half of a bun. Add spoonfuls of pizza sauce, four slices of pepperoni, and a generous amount of the sautéed vegetables on top of the cheese-covered patty.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil leaves and additional pizza sauce if desired. Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly ground Italian sausage or remove sausage from casings if using links.
- To keep the burgers juicy, avoid pressing down on them while grilling.
- You can toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill for added texture and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or cheddar if preferred.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, the burgers can be cooked in a skillet on the stovetop following the same timing.
- Leftover sautéed vegetables make a great side or topping for other dishes.
