Ground Beef Pizza Burgers

Introduction

Pizza and burgers—two all-time favorite comfort foods—come together in this mouthwatering creation: Ground Beef Pizza Burgers. Imagine a juicy beef patty topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all sandwiched between a soft burger bun. These burgers are a deliciously fun twist on classic pizza, perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or casual parties.

This recipe is straightforward, full of flavor, and allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds in a single bite. The combination of a perfectly seasoned beef patty with warm, gooey cheese and savory pizza toppings makes these burgers an irresistible meal that both kids and adults will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two comfort foods into one extraordinary dish. The simplicity of a burger meets the cheesy, savory magic of pizza. You can customize each burger with your favorite pizza toppings, making it endlessly versatile. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but not complicated.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Fun and kid-friendly – everyone loves pizza and burgers!
• Versatile – easy to adapt with different cheeses, meats, or veggies.
• Quick to make – ready in about 30 minutes.
• Crowd-pleaser – perfect for casual get-togethers.
• Flavor-packed – each bite combines juicy beef, marinara, and melted cheese.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4 burgers
• Calories: ~550 per burger (depending on cheese and toppings)
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American / Fusion

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce

Optional Pizza Toppings:

• Sliced pepperoni
• Sliced mushrooms
• Sliced bell peppers
• Black olives
• Fresh basil

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form Patties: Divide beef into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties, slightly larger than your buns.
3. Cook Patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
4. Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover with a lid to melt.
5. Toast Buns: Toast buns lightly in a skillet or oven while burgers finish cooking.
6. Assemble Burgers: Spread 1–2 tbsp of marinara sauce on the bottom bun. Place the burger patty on top, add desired pizza toppings, and cover with the top bun.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef with seasonings.
2. Form the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties.
3. Preheat skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
4. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side.
5. Add a slice of cheese on each patty in the last minute; cover to melt.
6. Toast hamburger buns lightly.
7. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom bun.
8. Place cooked patty with melted cheese on the bun.
9. Add pizza toppings of choice.
10. Close with top bun and serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh side salad.
• Great with garlic bread or seasoned potato chips for a fun pizza night twist.
• Add extra marinara on the side for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy patties.
• Do not overmix the beef; it keeps burgers tender.
• Cover the pan when melting cheese to ensure even melting.
• Customize with favorite pizza toppings—get creative!
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little Parmesan and Italian seasoning over the cheese before serving.

Variations

1. BBQ Pizza Burger: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and add cheddar cheese.
2. Veggie Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers as toppings.
3. Spicy Pizza Burger: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
4. Meat Lover: Add cooked bacon or extra pepperoni slices.
5. Low-Carb Version: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns.

Freezing and Storage

• Raw Patties: Freeze raw seasoned patties in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen or thaw in fridge overnight.
• Cooked Burgers: Store cooked patties (without buns) in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
• Assembled Burgers: Best eaten fresh; buns may become soggy if stored.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or grill
• Spatula
• Lid for melting cheese (optional)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these burgers in the oven?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, then add cheese and broil 1–2 minutes to melt.

Q2: Can I use lean beef?
Yes, but burgers may be less juicy. Consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil to patties.

Q3: Can I prep patties in advance?
Yes, form patties ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q4: What cheese works best?
Mozzarella or provolone melts well and complements pizza flavors.

Q5: Can I add sauce after cooking?
Absolutely—extra sauce on top or on the side enhances flavor.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Pizza Burgers are the ultimate fusion of two comfort foods: burgers and pizza. They are juicy, cheesy, and customizable, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to prepare and fun to eat, these burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or casual gatherings. Once you try them, this pizza-burger hybrid will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.