Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of both pizza and burgers, this Pepperoni Pizza Burger will be your new favorite! It combines the juicy, savory goodness of a burger with the bold flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza. The hearty blend of ground beef and Italian sausage is topped with gooey mozzarella or provolone cheese, flavorful pizza sauce, crispy pepperoni, and finished off with fresh basil and Parmesan. Perfect for a fun and unique meal, these burgers bring together all the indulgent elements of your favorite pizza, but in a handheld, satisfying burger form.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 8 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 32 slices pepperoni
- 8 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage until well blended. Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties.
- Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through.
- While the patties are cooking, melt the butter and mix in the garlic salt. Brush this mixture onto the insides of the hamburger buns.
- Toast the buns on the grill or in a skillet until they are golden brown.
- Once the patties are nearly cooked, spoon a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each patty, then place a slice of cheese and 4 slices of pepperoni on top. Cover the grill or skillet to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the burgers by placing each patty onto a toasted bun. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Pepperoni: Add a few spicy pepperoni slices to kick up the heat.
- Veggie Option: Skip the meat and add your favorite grilled veggies such as peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor.
- Buns: Swap hamburger buns for a crusty baguette or pizza dough for a different take on the classic.
- Pizza Toppings: Add extra toppings like black olives, onions, or bell peppers to make it even more pizza-inspired.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the burgers in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave for about 1 minute, until warmed through. If desired, add an extra slice of cheese while reheating to keep the burger juicy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?
Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute for a leaner version, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
You can prep the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can easily cook the burgers in a skillet or on a stovetop griddle for a similar result.
How can I make these burgers spicier?
You can add jalapeños to the burgers or use spicy pepperoni or a spicy pizza sauce.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses can add a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can make it gluten-free by swapping the hamburger buns for gluten-free options available at most grocery stores.
How do I get the buns perfectly toasted?
Brushing the buns with garlic butter and toasting them in a skillet or on the grill adds an extra level of flavor and crunch.
Can I make these burgers without the pizza sauce?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute with a marinara sauce or skip it entirely for a more traditional burger experience.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
The burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Conclusion
The Pepperoni Pizza Burger is the ultimate fusion of two fan favorites: pizza and burgers. With its flavorful blend of beef and sausage patties, melty cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and crunchy pepperoni, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Burger
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 burgers
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
If you love both pizza and burgers, this Pepperoni Pizza Burger is your new go-to! It combines juicy beef and Italian sausage patties with gooey mozzarella or provolone cheese, flavorful pizza sauce, crispy pepperoni, and fresh basil. The result is a handheld burger that delivers all the bold, indulgent flavors of pizza. Perfect for a fun, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 8 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 32 slices pepperoni
- 8 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. Mix well and form into 8 equal-sized patties.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- While the patties cook, melt the butter and mix in garlic salt. Brush the garlic butter mixture onto the insides of the hamburger buns.
- Toast the buns on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
- Once patties are almost done, spoon a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each patty. Top with a slice of cheese and 4 pepperoni slices. Cover to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the toasted buns. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For spicy pepperoni lovers, add a few spicy pepperoni slices to amp up the heat.
- If you’re looking for a veggie twist, swap the meat for grilled vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
- For a different flavor, try different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a cheese blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled or Skillet-cooked
- Cuisine: American, Italian
