It’s 6pm and you need a dinner win fast. If you’re craving something comforting and fun, look no further. These Pizza Burgers are the ultimate mashup your family will love. They deliver big flavors without any of the stress.
Why You’ll Make This Again
This recipe is a total life-saver during the busy Fall season. It is a Quick Weeknight Dinner that everyone actually eats. You get the juicy bite of a burger. You also get the zesty flavor of a pepperoni pizza. It is ready in 30 minutes from start to finish. Your kids will likely ask for this every week.
How This Comes Together
Making these is as simple as it gets. You just season the beef and hit the skillet. There is no complicated prep or fancy equipment needed. Using store-bought marinara saves you so much time. Even a beginner can master this meal on the first try.
What You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely in your pantry right now. Keep it simple and fresh for the best results.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Step-By-Step Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into four equal patties, approximately 3/4-inch thick.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- While burgers cook, butter the buns and toast them on a separate pan until golden brown.
- Top each cooked patty with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, 1/4 cup of mozzarella, and 4 pepperoni slices.
- Place a lid over the skillet for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Place the patties onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.
How To Serve It
Serve these hot while the cheese is still perfectly melty. They look impressive on a big wooden serving board. Pair them with crispy garlic fries or a fresh Caesar salad. This meal is perfect for a casual Friday night at home. It also works great for a quick lunch on weekends.
Leftovers & Storage
If you have extras, keep the components separate. Store the cooked patties in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet to keep them juicy. Add fresh cheese and sauce just before serving. Freezing the cooked patties is also a great meal prep hack.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t skip toasting the buns with butter for extra flavor.
- Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Use a high-quality marinara for a more authentic pizza taste.
- Press a small dimple in the center of raw patties to prevent shrinking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use a cast-iron skillet to get a perfectly golden crust.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone if you want a sharper flavor.
- Let the meat sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Try using ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms and green peppers for a “Supreme” style.
- Use gluten-free buns to make this diet-friendly.
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage crumbles for more protein.
Quick Questions
Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?
Yes, these are great on the grill! Just be careful when adding the sauce and cheese. Use a closed grill lid to melt the cheese quickly.
What is the best beef to use?
I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. The fat keeps the burger juicy while it cooks. Leaner beef might turn out a bit dry.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the patties and spices a day early. Store them in the fridge with parchment paper between them. This makes dinner time even faster!
I hope your family loves this fun twist on burger night. It is simple, fast, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try tonight!
— Ethan
Pizza Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into four equal patties, approximately 3/4-inch thick.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- While burgers cook, butter the buns and toast them on a separate pan until golden brown.
- Top each cooked patty with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, 1/4 cup of mozzarella, and 4 pepperoni slices.
- Place a lid over the skillet for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Place the patties onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.
