Grilled Pizza Burgers
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Can’t decide between pizza or hamburgers for dinner? Why not satisfy both cravings by combining them into one delicious dish with a grilled pizza burger? This creative fusion combines a classic hamburger’s juicy, savory goodness with your favorite pizza’s garlicky, cheesy flavors. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled Italian seasoned beef patty topped with melted mozzarella, zesty marinara sauce, and pepperoni! You can also add other toppings, like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers and red onion.
All this is nestled between a toasted bun, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite. Whether you’re grilling up a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend cookout, the grilled pizza burger is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that offers a fun and flavorful twist on two beloved comfort foods. Yum!
Ingredients to Make Grilled Pizza Burger Recipe
- GROUND BEEF (80% LEAN / 20% FAT)
- ITALIAN SEASONING
- GARLIC POWDER
- SALT
- PEPPER
- HAMBURGER BUNS
- PIZZA SAUCE
- SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE
- PEPPERONI
How to Make Grilled Pizza Burgers
Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough. Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties and set them aside to rest while you prepare the other ingredients.
Toast the Buns:
Preheat your grill to medium heat. I use a gas grill. While the grill is heating up, arrange the burger buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Place them under the broiler in your oven and toast until they are golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove the top halves of the buns and set them aside.
Assemble the Pizza Bottom Buns:
Spread half the marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the toasted bottom buns. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and layer with a few slices of pepperoni. Shredded cheese melts better over mozzarella slices. Return the buns to the broiler for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Turn off the oven, but leave the buns inside to keep them warm while you grill the patties.
Grill the Burger Patties:
Place the burger patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Grill marks should form, and the patties should be cooked through but still juicy.
Finish Assembling the Burgers:
Remove the bottom buns from the oven. Place the grilled burger patties directly onto the prepared bottom buns. Top each patty with the remaining sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices. Return the assembled burgers to the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted and everything is heated through.
Serve:
Place the top halves of the buns over the burgers, pressing down gently. Serve the pizza burgers immediately while they’re hot and melty, and enjoy the delicious combination of pizza and burger flavors. This recipe serves 4. These pizza burgers are sure to be a hit, offering a fun and flavorful twist on classic comfort foods!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in this recipe. Remember that these leaner meats may cook a bit faster and dry out more easily, so monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.
What type of cheese works best for pizza burgers?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza burgers because it melts beautifully and complements the pizza flavors. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone cheese, cheddar cheese, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste.
Can I cook the patties on a stovetop instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the patties in a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, just like you would on the grill.
What kind of buns should I use?
Sturdy brioche, ciabatta, or classic hamburger buns work well for pizza burgers. These types of buns hold up nicely to the juicy patties and melted cheese without getting soggy. I think ciabatta would turn out fabulous!
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Grilled Pizza Burgers
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80% lean / 20% fat
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns split and toasted
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16-24 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Shape into 4 patties and set aside to rest. I use a hambuger press.
- Preheat your grill. Then arrange the buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven on broil until golden. Remove the top halves and set aside.
- Spread half of the sauce over the bottom buns and top with half of the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Turn oven off but keep in oven to keep warm.
- Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove the buns from the ove. Place the cooked burger patties on the bottom half of the buns and top them with the remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Broil until melty then place the top halves over the burgers.
- Serve the pizza burgers immediately and enjoy. Serves 4.
Nutrition
Recipe is adapted from Insanely Good Recipes.
