Pizza Burgers Recipe – Juicy, Cheesy, and Loaded with Flavor
The first time I made pizza burgers, I was blown away by how the flavors of two all-time favorites could combine so beautifully in one dish. There’s something magical about the juicy, savory burger stacked with melty cheese, rich pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni.
It’s familiar flavors in an unexpected mashup that excites every time. I love making these because they’re so much fun to cook and even better to eat. Whether it’s a casual barbecue or a cozy dinner, these pizza burgers always steal the show.
Discover the flavors in this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Recipe .
Flavorful Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating the ultimate pizza burger experience.
- 1½ lbs ground chuck (80/20): The fat content keeps the patties juicy and flavorful.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
- 1 red onion, chopped: Brings a mild sharpness to balance the richness.
- 1 pack brioche buns: Their soft, slightly sweet texture complements the bold flavors.
- 12 slices Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the burger for creamy goodness.
- 12 slices deli pepperoni: Offers that classic pizza flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Essential seasonings to enhance the meat.
- 1 can pizza sauce: The tangy, tomatoey base that ties it all together.
- 2 tbsp garlic paste: Gives the mayo a savory, garlicky kick.
- ½ cup mayo: The perfect creamy spread for the buns.
Note: Serves 4 hearty burgers. Adjust quantities if you’re cooking for a crowd.
Customizable Variations to Try
Add your spin to these pizza burgers with these simple ideas:
- Protein Alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties for a dietary swap.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with mozzarella, Swiss, or even creamy burrata.
- Toppings Galore: Load up with mushrooms, olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Sauce Switch-Up: Use marinara, Alfredo, or a tangy barbecue sauce for a fun twist.
Discover more tasty ideas in our dinner recipes.
Quick Cooking Time Breakdown
These pizza burgers come together quickly, making them perfect even for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Must-Have Tools for Effortless Burger Night
Here’s what you’ll need to make these burgers without hassle.
- Cast iron skillet: Ideal for sautéing veggies and crisping pepperoni.
- Grill or grill pan: Essential for cooking juicy patties with those perfect char marks.
- Mixing bowl: For whipping up the garlic mayo spread.
- Tongs: Makes flipping and assembling the burgers a breeze.
How to Make Pizza Burgers?
Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have deliciously inventive pizza burgers in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties
Divide the ground chuck into four portions and shape into round patties about 1 inch thick. Make them slightly larger than the buns since they’ll shrink while cooking. Chill the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Mayo
Combine garlic paste and mayo in a small bowl, mixing well. This quick, flavorful spread takes the buns to the next level. Cover and keep chilled until ready to use.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter. Add the chopped bell pepper and red onion, sprinkling with a pinch of salt. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4: Grill the Patties
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season each patty generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place them on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes per side. Flip only once to retain the juices, and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Add the Pizza Toppings
Once flipped, top each patty with a dollop of warmed pizza sauce, a slice of Provolone cheese, and two slices of pepperoni. Close the grill lid and cook for 2–4 minutes, letting the cheese melt completely.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
While the patties cook, grill the brioche buns lightly for 1 minute until they’re warm and lightly crisp. Spread a layer of garlic mayo on the inside of each bun for flavor-packed bites.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Place the sautéed veggies on the bottom bun, followed by the cheesy, saucy burger patty. Add an extra layer of pizza sauce and toppings for a more indulgent burger if you like. Top it off with the bun, and enjoy immediately!
Game-Changing Tips for Better Pizza Burgers
Here’s what I’ve learned to get perfectly juicy, flavorful pizza burgers every time:
- Keep the Patties Cold: Chilling the patties before cooking ensures they hold their shape and don’t fall apart on the grill.
- Don’t Press the Patties: Avoid pressing down with a spatula while grilling. This squeezes out juices that keep your burgers moist.
- Warm the Sauce: Warming the pizza sauce before adding it to the patty makes it easier to spread and keeps the burger hot.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers?
Serve these irresistibly cheesy and savory burgers any way you like!
- With a Side of Fries: Classic garlic or Parmesan fries are a match made in heaven.
- On a Salad: Skip the bun and serve the burger over arugula, topped with extra sauce and veggies.
- DIY Toppings Bar: Set out bowls of olives, basil, mushrooms, or shredded Parmesan for guests to customize their burgers.
Check out our tasty One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake Recipe.
Nutritional Information
These pizza burgers are indulgent yet satisfying. Each burger contains approximately:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 35g
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how you can prepare and store pizza burgers for later.
Refrigeration
Store cooked patties and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for fresh-tasting results.
Freezing
Uncooked patties freeze beautifully when wrapped individually. Keep them in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Pizza burgers are more than a meal – they’re an experience! Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite recipe.
- Simple Yet Exciting: Easy to make but full of bold, comforting flavors.
- Best of Both Worlds: Combines the irresistible appeal of pizza and burgers in one.
- Highly Adaptable: Customize the toppings and sauces to fit any taste preference.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get everyone involved in assembling their perfect pizza burger.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or outdoor barbecues alike.
Packed with cheesy, saucy flavor and endless possibilities, pizza burgers are bound to bring joy to your kitchen. Try them once, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Pizza Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Divide the ground chuck into four portions and shape into round patties about 1 inch thick. Make them slightly larger than the buns since they’ll shrink while cooking. Chill the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Combine garlic paste and mayo in a small bowl, mixing well. This quick, flavorful spread takes the buns to the next level. Cover and keep chilled until ready to use.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter. Add the chopped bell pepper and red onion, sprinkling with a pinch of salt. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season each patty generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place them on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes per side. Flip only once to retain the juices, and ensure even cooking.
- Once flipped, top each patty with a dollop of warmed pizza sauce, a slice of Provolone cheese, and two slices of pepperoni. Close the grill lid and cook for 2–4 minutes, letting the cheese melt completely.
- While the patties cook, grill the brioche buns lightly for 1 minute until they’re warm and lightly crisp. Spread a layer of garlic mayo on the inside of each bun for flavor-packed bites.
- Place the sautéed veggies on the bottom bun, followed by the cheesy, saucy burger patty. Add an extra layer of pizza sauce and toppings for a more indulgent burger if you like. Top it off with the bun, and enjoy immediately!