Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Burgers

This pizza burger is my favorite Friday night mash-up that brings together two family favorites into one incredible hand-held meal. The savory beef patty seasoned with Italian spices gets topped with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni for a burger that tastes exactly like your favorite pepperoni pizza.

I created these burgers one night when my kids couldn't decide between pizza and burgers for dinner. The compromise became our most requested weekend meal, especially when we have friends over for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• Ground beef 80% lean 20% fat provides the perfect fat content for juicy burgers that won't dry out when grilled
• Italian seasoning infuses the meat with classic pizza herb flavors without needing multiple spice jars
• Garlic powder gives that essential savory note that both good pizza and burgers need
• Pizza sauce creates the authentic pizza flavor foundation choose a thick variety for less mess
• Mozzarella cheese use freshly shredded for best melting quality rather than pre-packaged
• Pepperoni slices look for thinner slices that will crisp up nicely under the broiler
• Hamburger buns brioche buns add richness but any quality bun works well

How To Make Pizza Burgers

Season the meat

Combine ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat which can make burgers tough. Form into four equal patties making them slightly larger than your buns as they will shrink when cooking. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a small dimple this prevents them from puffing up in the middle.

Toast the buns

Arrange your hamburger buns cut side up on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for about 1 minute until they turn golden brown around the edges. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. Remove the top halves and set aside while keeping the bottom halves on the baking sheet.

Grill the burgers

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until you see juices starting to pool on top. Flip once and cook for another 4 minutes for medium doneness or adjust time for your preference. Resist pressing down on the patties with a spatula as this squeezes out precious juices.

Create the pizza base

While the burgers cook, warm your pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Spread a tablespoon of sauce over each bottom bun, then sprinkle with some of the mozzarella cheese. Arrange 2 to 3 pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and pepperoni edges begin to crisp.

Assemble and melt

Place the grilled burger patties on top of the pepperoni cheese layer. Spoon another tablespoon of pizza sauce over each patty, covering the top entirely. Generously sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and arrange 2 to 3 more pepperoni slices on top. Return to the broiler for about 1 to 2 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbling.

Finish and serve

Cap each burger with the reserved toasted top buns and serve immediately while hot and cheese is still gooey. The contrast between the crispy toasted bun, juicy burger and melty pizza toppings creates the perfect bite.

The Italian seasoning in the burger patty is my secret weapon here. My grandmother from Sicily always said that herbs should be in every layer of flavor, not just sprinkled on top. I remember her teaching me to work the herbs directly into the meat mixture rather than just seasoning the outside, and it makes all the difference.

Customize Your Pizza Burger

These burgers are infinitely customizable with whatever pizza toppings you love. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers between the patty and cheese. For heat lovers, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños. My husband loves his with crumbled bacon and pineapple chunks for a controversial Hawaiian pizza burger variation that always starts dinner table debates.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can form and season the burger patties up to 24 hours in advance. Simply place them on a plate lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to cook. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for more even cooking. The pizza sauce can also be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes weeknight assembly even quicker when you're short on time.

Serving Suggestions

These hearty burgers are a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with oven-baked french fries or a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For a true pizzeria experience, serve with garlic knots or breadsticks on the side. I like to set out small bowls of additional warm pizza sauce for dipping both the burger and sides. When entertaining, I sometimes make slider-sized versions of these pizza burgers as part of a game day spread.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use pre-made burger patties instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use pre-made patties, but the flavor won't be as robust. If using store-bought patties, consider sprinkling them with Italian seasoning and garlic powder before cooking to enhance the pizza-inspired flavor profile.

→ What cheese alternatives work well if I don't have mozzarella?

Provolone, fontina, or a mild cheddar would make good substitutes. For an authentic pizza experience, a pizza blend cheese (mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan mix) works exceptionally well.

→ Can I make these burgers on a stovetop instead of a grill?

Absolutely. Use a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for approximately 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness.

→ What sides pair well with pepperoni pizza burgers?

Garlic parmesan fries, a simple green salad with Italian dressing, or breadsticks would complement these burgers perfectly. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables seasoned with Italian herbs would work well.

→ Can I add other pizza toppings to these burgers?

Definitely! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted bell peppers, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian-style burger. Just ensure any raw vegetables are pre-cooked to remove excess moisture.

→ How can I prevent my buns from getting soggy?

Toasting the buns creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess. You can also spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the toasted side before adding the pizza sauce as an additional moisture barrier.