Description
Juicy ground beef burgers topped with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, all on a toasted bun. A delicious mashup of two comfort food classics!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, split
- 1 cup pizza sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, onions
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for grilling or pan-frying
Instructions
- Combine the Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Chill the Patties (Optional): Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled or sprayed with cooking spray.
- Grill the Burgers: Place the patties on the hot grill grates. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add the Pizza Sauce and Cheese: During the last minute or two of grilling, spread pizza sauce over each patty. Then, top with two slices of mozzarella cheese. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt completely. Add any optional toppings.
- Remove from Grill: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, carefully remove the burgers from the grill.
- Prepare the Pan: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Burgers: Place the patties in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
- Reduce Heat and Cook Through: Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You may need to add a little water or broth to the pan and cover it with a lid to help the burgers cook through without burning.
- Add the Pizza Sauce and Cheese: During the last minute or two of cooking, spread pizza sauce over each patty. Then, top with two slices of mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt completely. Add any optional toppings.
- Remove from Pan: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, carefully remove the burgers from the skillet.
- Toast the Buns (Optional): Lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each pizza burger patty on the bottom half of a hamburger bun. Top with any additional toppings you like.
- Serve Immediately: Place the top half of the bun on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Don’t overmix the ground beef mixture, as this can result in tough burgers.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and toppings.
- For a spicier burger, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the burger mixture or pizza sauce.
- Leftover pizza burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes