If you love the bold, comforting flavors of classic Italian pizza but crave the hearty satisfaction of a burger, then Pizza Burgers are going to be your new favorite indulgence. This ingenious twist on two beloved dishes combines juicy seasoned ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and familiar pizza toppings all nestled inside a toasted hamburger bun. Each bite bursts with cheesy, saucy goodness, making Pizza Burgers the ultimate treat for family dinners, game days, or anytime you want a quick and delicious meal that feels special without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the heart and soul of these Pizza Burgers, and each plays a vital role in delivering that irresistible pizza-inspired flavor packed inside a juicy burger. From the savory ground beef to the rich mozzarella cheese, every component brings something tasty to the party.

1-1/2 pounds ground beef: Choose 80/20 for the right balance of juiciness and flavor in your patties.
1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth, perfectly complementing the beef.
1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce: The star of the show, infusing each bite with classic pizza tang and herbs.
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained: Brings an earthy texture and flavor typical of beloved pizza toppings.
1 tablespoon sugar: A little sweetness balances the acidity of the pizza sauce brilliantly.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Evokes that unmistakable Italian aroma and seasoning common in pizzerias.
6 hamburger buns, split and toasted: Toasting adds a slight crunch to hold all the juicy ingredients without getting soggy.
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that ooey-gooey texture pizza lovers live for.

How to Make Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions

Start by warming a large heavy skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook this mixture until the beef loses all pinkness and the onions become soft, breaking the meat into small crumbles as you go. This ensures every bite is tender and evenly seasoned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your Pizza Burgers from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Mix in the Pizza Sauce and Toppings

Next, stir in the pizza sauce, drained mushrooms, sugar, and oregano right into the skillet with your cooked beef. This blend simmers just enough time to marry all those robust flavors beautifully without overcooking the sauce. The result is a rich, tangy filling that’s bursting with the classic pizza vibe.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Spoon generous portions of the beef and sauce mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns laid out on a baking sheet. The toasted bun’s slight crunch perfectly contrasts with the warm, saucy meat you’re piling on.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Broil

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each assembled burger to cover the savory topping. Place the baking sheet under the broiler set about 4 inches from the heat source and broil until the cheese bubbles and melts into golden perfection—this usually takes around 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!

How to Serve Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

To up the flavor and visual appeal of your Pizza Burgers, try fresh garnishes like torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A few red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of heat, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance the richness.

Side Dishes

Pizza Burgers pair wonderfully with simple sides that won’t overshadow their bold flavor. Think crispy oven-roasted fries, a crisp garden salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, or even classic garlic breadsticks. These sides keep the meal fun, fresh, and satisfying without taking focus away from your star burgers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve your Pizza Burgers open-faced on a wooden board, allowing guests to pile on extra toppings like sliced olives, pepperoni, or diced bell peppers. Alternatively, wrap them up in foil for an informal picnic style, perfect for enjoying these crowd-pleasers during casual gatherings or outdoor meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Pizza Burgers left (and why wouldn’t you?), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their flavor and texture while keeping everything safe to eat.

Freezing

Pizza Burgers also freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option. Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best taste and texture retention.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover or frozen Pizza Burgers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the buns soggy. An oven or toaster oven keeps things crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well if you want a leaner option. Just be aware that the flavor might be milder, so consider adding an extra pinch of seasoning or garlic to keep that savory punch.

What cheeses work besides mozzarella?

Mozzarella is classic here because it melts so beautifully, but provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar can add interesting twists without overpowering the pizza flavors.

Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Assemble the burgers completely and place them on a baking sheet, wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for a few hours before broiling just before serving to keep everything fresh and melty.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of Pizza Burgers?

Definitely. Use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils as a substitute for ground beef, and keep all your favorite pizza toppings to maintain that amazing Pizza Burger experience.

How spicy are Pizza Burgers?

These Pizza Burgers are generally mild, but you can easily add spice by including crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce or topping them with jalapeño slices to suit your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Burgers bring together two of the most beloved comfort foods into one mouthwatering delight, perfect for any occasion where you want to treat yourself and your loved ones. They’re easy to make, full of incredible flavors, and versatile enough to customize exactly to your taste. If you haven’t tried them yet, I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl—you might just find your new go-to meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!