Name: Cheesy Pizza Burger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 450g ground beef; 4 large burger buns (or Italian bread rolls); 240g shredded mozzarella cheese; 120g pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 small onion, sliced; 1 tomato, sliced; 10g fresh basil or oregano leaves (optional); 120g pepperoni slices (optional); 240ml marinara sauce or pizza sauce (for drizzling); Salt and pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Pizza Burgers are the ultimate fusion of two comfort foods: burgers and pizza. The beef patty is enhanced with flavorful pizza sauce and topped with melted cheese, just like your favorite pizza. Add some classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives, and you’ve got a burger that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re a pizza lover, a burger enthusiast, or both, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

For the Burger:

450g ground beef
4 large burger buns (or Italian bread rolls)
240g shredded mozzarella cheese
120g pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 small onion, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
10g fresh basil or oregano leaves (optional)

Toppings:

120g pepperoni slices (optional)
240ml marinara sauce or pizza sauce (for drizzling)
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You can also use any other pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers, depending on your preference.)

Directions

Prepare the Patties:
Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then shape into 4 even-sized patties. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
Cook the Patties:
Grill or pan-fry the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each patty and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover with a lid to melt the cheese.
Toast the Buns:
While the patties cook, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a pan for about 1 minute until golden.
Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the cooked patty on top, then add the sliced onion, tomato, and any additional pizza toppings like pepperoni or olives.
Serve:
Top the burgers with fresh basil or oregano leaves (optional), and cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add some hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the patty mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for veggie patties or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meatless option.
Add More Toppings: Feel free to load up your burgers with classic pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even anchovies.
Cheese Variations: For extra cheesy goodness, try using a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, or even add some provolone for a sharper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover patties and toppings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the patties and toppings in the microwave or on a stovetop. Toast the buns again before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked patties and sauce separately for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm them in the microwave and assemble the burgers with freshly toasted buns.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use cheddar, provolone, or any other cheese you like. Just make sure it melts well for that gooey pizza burger experience.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.

Can I grill the burgers instead of pan-frying them?

Yes! Grilling the burgers adds extra flavor, and it’s an easy option if you’re making multiple burgers at once. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, store-bought pizza or marinara sauce works great! Just make sure it’s a good quality sauce that’s not too watery.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Burgers are the perfect blend of two beloved comfort foods, creating a burger that’s savory, cheesy, and bursting with pizza flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or something special for a gathering, these burgers are sure to be a hit. The melted cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings will make every bite irresistible.

Cheesy Pizza Burger