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This image shows ground beef being mixed with Italian seasoning, pizza spices like oregano and garlic, creating a flavorful beef mixture in preparation for making pizza burgers.

The Ultimate Pizza Burger Recipe

The pizza burger is incredibly tasty and simple to prepare. Choose your preferred pizza toppings to make your own.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 520kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cast Iron Skillet or Non-Stick Frying Pan
  • Small Saucepan
  • Tight-Fitting Lid
  • Sturdy Metal Spatula
  • Pastry Brush (optional)

Ingredients

For the Pizza-Style Patties

  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is best for a juicy burger
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt and ½ tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp High-Heat Oil such as Avocado or Canola oil for searing

For the Pizza Assembly

  • ¾ cup Pizza or Marinara Sauce divided use
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese provides that "gooey blanket" look
  • 4 High-Quality Burger Buns Brioche or toasted Sesame buns
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter optional, for toasting the buns

Signature Pizza Toppings (Optional)

  • 8 –12 slices Pepperoni
  • ¼ cup Sautéed Mushrooms
  • Thinly sliced Red Onions or Black Olives
  • Fresh Basil Leaves for a pop of color and freshness

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 4 even patties, making them slightly wider than your buns to account for shrinkage.
    Pro Tip: Avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender
    Mix the Meat
  • Heat your skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of high-heat oil. Once the pan is shimmering, add the patties. Sear for 3–4 minutes until a deep, savory crust forms, then flip.
  • While the burgers sear, warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Heating the sauce separately ensures it stays rich and flavorful without cooling down your hot beef patty during assembly.
    Warm the Pizza Sauce
  • Spoon a tablespoon of warm sauce onto each flipped patty and top with a generous portion of shredded mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1–2 minutes; the trapped steam is the secret to getting that perfectly gooey, stretchy cheese finish.
    Add Sauce and Melt the Cheese
  • Lightly butter the cut sides of your burger buns and toast them in a separate pan until golden brown. This creates a "fat barrier" that prevents the pizza sauce from soaking into the bread and making it soggy.
    Toast the Buns
  • Spread a thin layer of extra sauce on the toasted bottom bun. Place the cheesy patty on top, add your favorite toppings (like pepperoni, onions, or fresh basil), and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
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Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 680mg | Potassium: 492mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 263mg | Iron: 4mg
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