If, like me, you love pizza and you love burgers, you’re going to really love this recipe for pizza burgers with grilled hamburger patties and stacks of pizza-inspired ingredients. These tasty burgers are made from a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, then topped with sautéed vegetables, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and basil. It’s a two-in-one meal that I love to make!
What’s in this Pizza Burger Recipe?
Ground Beef: I like to use 85%-lean ground beef for burgers. Italian Sausage: You can use hot or sweet Italian sausage. Look for loose crumbled sausage, or remove it from the casings. Egg: Helps bind the burger patties together. Italian Seasoning: Adds classic Italian flavor. Italian Breadcrumbs: You can also use plain or Panko breadcrumbs. Vegetables: Green pepper, onion, and cremini mushrooms add Italian flair to these burgers. Mozzarella Cheese: Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese so that it binds to the burger patties. Fresh mozzarella will not work well. Hamburger Buns: Use your favorite kind. You could also use focaccia bread or ciabatta buns. Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite brand or make your own. Pepperoni: You can also use turkey pepperoni. Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Success
Thoroughly preheat the grill. Bring the burger patties to room temperature before grilling. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the burgers are cooked through. You can cook the burger patties on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the air fryer instead! The USDA officially recommends that hamburgers be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure all bacteria is killed. If you choose to do more of a Medium cook, be sure you’re using the freshest beef or even making your own ground beef! Check out our meat temperature guide for more specifics.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or wrapped in aluminum foil in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a nonstick pan on the stovetop until they are fully heated through. Try adding about 3 tablespoons of water to the pan to create steam–this will keep the patties from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
My number one tip is to serve these tasty homemade pizza burgers with extra marinara sauce for dipping! They’re great with crispy Parmesan potato wedges or crispy pasta chips on the side. When I want to go all out, I’ll even make some mozzarella sticks!
How to Make a Pizza Burger Step by Step
Form the Patties: Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 pound of ground Italian sausage, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ cup of Italian breadcrumbs, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a large bowl. Form into 6 patties.
Guide to Cooking Burgers at Home
See all of our favorite burger recipes plus tips and tricks for cooking the ultimate burger at home. Grill the Burgers: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350-375°F). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (on the stove or grill).Add in 1 sliced green pepper and ½ of a sliced onion and sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Sauté for a few minutes until softened and the edges are browned. Transfer to a plate. Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes until softened. Grill the burgers for 4 minutes. Flip the burgers. Then, top each burger with a slice of mozzarella cheese and cook for another 4 minutes. Assemble the Burgers: Place the burger on the bottom half of the bun. Then, add on a few spoonfuls of pizza sauce, 4 slices of pepperoni, and a pile of vegetables over the top. Top with basil leaves and more pizza sauce before placing on the top bun and serving.
