- Mix melted butter with garlic (and parsley if using). Set aside.
2) Shape the Patties
- In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan (optional), and Worcestershire (optional).
- Form into 4 patties, slightly wider than your buns (they shrink as they cook).
- Press a small dimple in the center of each patty (helps them stay flat).
3) Cook the Patties
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties 3–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until they reach your desired doneness.
- Lower heat to medium-low, spoon a little pizza sauce on each patty, then top with mozzarella and pepperoni.
- Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese (or move to broiler/air fryer for extra bubbly cheese).
4) Toast the Buns
- Brush cut sides of buns with garlic butter.
- Toast in a skillet or on a griddle until golden (about 1–2 minutes).
5) Assemble
- Warm remaining pizza sauce (optional but recommended).
- Place each pizza patty on a toasted bun bottom.
- Add extra sauce if you like, plus any extra toppings (mushrooms, olives, peppers, basil).
- Top with bun and serve immediately.
Optional “Extra Pizza” Finish (Broiler Method)
- Place sauced patties topped with cheese/pepperoni on a tray.
- Broil 1–2 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned (watch closely).
- Assemble on toasted buns.
Optional Air Fryer Finish
- After searing patties, top with sauce + cheese + pepperoni.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 2–4 minutes until cheese melts and toppings crisp.
Serving and Storage
- Serve with: fries, salad, roasted veggies, onion rings, or mozzarella sticks.
- Store: keep patties and sauce separate when possible; refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheat: skillet with a lid or air fryer until hot and cheese re-melts; toast buns fresh if you can.
Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat: gentle mixing keeps burgers juicy.
- Toast the buns: this is the #1 way to prevent sogginess.
- Warm the sauce: cold sauce cools the burger and slows cheese melting.
- Shred your own mozzarella: it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Go thin for faster melt: thinner patties cook quickly and feel more “pizza sandwich.”
Variations
1) Supreme Pizza Burgers
Add sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives.
2) BBQ Chicken Pizza Burgers
Swap beef for ground chicken, use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and top with mozzarella + red onion.
3) Margherita Pizza Burgers
Use fresh mozzarella slices, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil (skip pepperoni).
4) Stuffed-Crust Pizza Burgers
Seal a mozzarella cube inside each patty before cooking for a cheesy core.
5) Pizza Burger Sliders
Use slider buns and smaller patties; great for parties and game day.
Conclusion
Tasty Pizza Burgers are the perfect mashup: all the bold, cheesy comfort of pizza with the juicy bite of a burger.
Toast those buns, melt that mozzarella, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for a second round.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Add a little extra seasoning (and a touch of olive oil) since turkey is leaner.
What cheese is best?
Mozzarella is classic. Provolone adds extra melt and flavor. Pepper jack is great if you want heat.
How do I keep the burgers from getting soggy?
Toast the buns and don’t over-sauce. You can also spread a thin layer of cheese on the bun as a “barrier.”
Can I make these ahead?
Cook patties ahead, then reheat and add sauce/cheese/toppings right before serving for the best texture.
Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake patties at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes (depending on thickness), then top with sauce and cheese and broil briefly.
