When the cravings for both a juicy burger and cheesy pizza hit, I have the perfect solution: Easy Pizza Burgers! Picture this: a sunlit kitchen, the enticing aroma of garlic sizzling, and the sound of cheese bubbling delightfully as it melts on a sizzling patty. I discovered this mouthwatering recipe during a busy week when takeout just wouldn’t cut it—what I whipped up was a playful twist on two classic favorites that the whole family loves.
These burgers are a breeze to make and are fully customizable, allowing you to sprinkle on your favorite pizza toppings, from pepperoni to black olives. They are ideal for laid-back weeknight dinners or festive gatherings with friends. With juicy beef, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara, it feels indulgent while being completely manageable. Serve them with crispy fries or a fresh garden salad, and you’re in for a treat that will bring smiles and satisfaction all around!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Pizza Burgers
Quick to Make: These Easy Pizza Burgers are ready in under 30 minutes, making them a time-saving solution for busy nights.
Customizable: Tailor each burger with your favorite toppings, whether it’s classic pepperoni, fresh veggies, or even pineapple for a sweet twist!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or casual BBQs; everyone will be asking for seconds.
Bold Flavors: Enjoy the delicious combination of juicy beef, gooey mozzarella, and zesty marinara—each bite is a flavor explosion!
Stress-Free Cooking: This recipe demands minimal prep and clean-up, allowing you to focus on enjoying the meal rather than the hassle.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these burgers will impress without the stress!
Easy Pizza Burgers Ingredients
Get ready to whip up these delightful Easy Pizza Burgers with this straightforward ingredient list that promises fun and flavor!
For the Patties
- Ground Beef – Choose 80/20 fat content for perfectly juicy and flavorful patties.
- Italian Seasoning – Use a blend or mix dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder for an aromatic kick.
- Salt and Pepper – Tailor these to your taste for the best flavor enhancement.
- Olive Oil – Essential for a golden crust on your patties; feel free to swap in any cooking oil you prefer.
For the Toppings
- Marinara Sauce – Adds classic pizza flavor and moisture; opt for store-bought or your homemade version.
- Mozzarella Cheese – A must for that gooey melt; provolone can also work as a tasty alternative.
- Burger Buns – Use your favorite kind, toasting them for a firmer texture; whole wheat or gluten-free options fit nicely here.
- Pepperoni and Black Olives (Optional) – These classic toppings boost the pizza flavor—mix in other favorites like bell peppers or fresh basil too!
How to Make Easy Pizza Burgers
-
Prep Patties: In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into four patties about ¾ inch thick, making a small indentation in the center to ensure even cooking.
-
Cook Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
-
Add Sauce & Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce generously on each patty and top off with slices of mozzarella cheese. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
-
Toast Buns: While the patties are cooking, brush your burger buns lightly with olive oil and toast them in a pan or oven until they turn golden and crisp.
-
Assemble: Place each cheesy patty on the bottom half of the bun. Load up with your favorite pizza toppings—pepperoni, olives, or anything your heart desires. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil for an aromatic garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Pizza Burgers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the beef patties up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then shaping them into patties. Store them in the refrigerator, covered tightly, to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can slice the cheese and prepare your favorite toppings (like pepperoni or olives) ahead of time to streamline the assembly process. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, add the marinara sauce and cheese, and toast the buns right before serving for that delicious, freshly made taste!
Storage Tips for Easy Pizza Burgers
Fridge: Store leftover Easy Pizza Burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the patties juicy while preserving the flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a skillet on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Sauce Storage: If there’s leftover marinara, store it separately in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it in small portions for future use!
Expert Tips for Easy Pizza Burgers
- Choose the Right Meat: Opt for ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicy and flavorful Easy Pizza Burgers; leaner meat may yield dry patties.
- Season Wisely: Don’t skip the Italian seasoning; it’s essential for that authentic pizza flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste to enhance the overall dish.
- Perfectly Melted Cheese: Cover the patties after adding marinara and cheese to allow even melting—this step transforms the burger into a cheesy masterpiece.
- Avoid Soggy Buns: Lightly toast your buns to create a sturdy base that holds up against the juicy burgers without becoming soggy.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to swap in different cheeses or additional toppings to tailor each Easy Pizza Burger to your family’s preferences!
What to Serve with Easy Pizza Burgers?
Bring your dining experience together with vibrant sides that complement the savory goodness of these delightful burgers.
-
Crispy Oven-Baked Fries: The crunchiness of homemade fries pairs perfectly with the juicy texture of the burgers, offering a satisfying contrast in each bite. Feel free to sprinkle them with herbs or spices for extra flavor!
-
Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad filled with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the burgers. Toss it with your favorite vinaigrette for added zing.
-
Onion Rings: Golden and crispy onion rings are a classic side that adds an indulgent crunch, harmonizing beautifully with the melt-in-your-mouth burgers. Each bite promises a delightful burst of flavor!
-
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is an irresistible companion that carries the Italian theme forward, making every meal feel special. Dip it in marinara sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness.
-
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw introduces a crisp and creamy element that balances the savory richness of the Easy Pizza Burgers. The vibrant colors and flavors make for an appealing plate.
-
Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like sparkling water with a twist of lemon or sweet homemade lemonade add a burst of zest, elevating the meal’s experience and keeping it light.
These delightful pairings will create a well-rounded feast that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and smiling!
Easy Pizza Burgers Variations
Feel free to personalize your Easy Pizza Burgers with these fun and flavorful twists!
- Turkey Twist: Substitute ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter, leaner option without losing juiciness.
- Cheddar Delight: Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or creamy pepper jack for a zesty kick.
- Pizza Supreme: Top with a mix of your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for added crunch and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for those who crave a fiery enhancement!
- BBQ Bliss: Drizzle BBQ sauce over the patties instead of marinara for a sweet and smoky flavor twist. Enjoy a hint of summer!
- Caprese Style: Incorporate fresh basil and sliced tomatoes alongside your cheese for a burst of freshness and color.
- Gluten-Free: Use lettuce wraps instead of buns for a gluten-free, low-carb alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or oregano into the beef mixture for a fragrant and inviting flavor.
Customize away, and make this dish truly yours!
Easy Pizza Burgers Recipe FAQs
What type of ground beef should I use for Easy Pizza Burgers?
Absolutely! For the juiciest and most flavorful Easy Pizza Burgers, aim for ground beef with an 80/20 fat content. This blend strikes a perfect balance between moisture and flavor, keeping your patties tender and delicious. Using leaner meat can result in drier burgers, so don’t skimp on the fat!
How can I store leftover Easy Pizza Burgers?
Great question! Store any leftover Easy Pizza Burgers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I freeze Easy Pizza Burgers?
Yes, you can! To freeze Easy Pizza Burgers, wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Easy-peasy!
What should I do if my cheese doesn’t melt properly?
Very! If you find that the cheese is not melting well on your Easy Pizza Burgers, try covering the skillet with a lid as the patties cook. This traps heat and steam, helping to melt the cheese evenly within 1-2 minutes. If you still have trouble, consider using a slice of cheese with a higher moisture content, like mozzarella, which melts beautifully.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re serving these Easy Pizza Burgers to someone with food allergies, make sure to check for any sensitivities to ingredients like gluten in the buns or dairy in the cheese. For a gluten-free option, you can swap regular buns for gluten-free varieties. To make them dairy-free, consider using a dairy-free cheese alternative, and opt for plant-based ground meat if avoiding beef.
Can I customize the toppings on my Easy Pizza Burgers?
The more the merrier! These Easy Pizza Burgers are incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings. Popular options include pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just keep in mind to manage the amount of toppings so it doesn’t overflow!
Easy Pizza Burgers That Will Impress Your Family Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into four patties about ¾ inch thick.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Spoon marinara sauce generously on each patty and top off with slices of mozzarella cheese. Cover and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Brush burger buns lightly with olive oil and toast them in a pan or oven until golden and crisp.
- Place each patty on the bottom half of the bun and add your favorite toppings. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.