Pizza Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Sliced pepperoni, fresh basil leaves, or additional toppings of choice
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Burger Patties
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each portion into a patty.
Step 2: Cook the Burgers
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (internal temperature should be 160°F or 71°C).
Step 3: Add the Marinara and Cheese
- During the last minute of cooking, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each burger patty.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then cover with a lid to help the cheese melt.
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the burgers from the heat.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- While the burgers cook, toast the hamburger buns lightly in a separate skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
- Place each pizza burger patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
- Add extra marinara sauce on top of the cheese if desired, and garnish with fresh basil or pepperoni slices.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
Tips for Success
- Juicy Burgers: Don’t over-mix the beef to keep the burgers tender and juicy.
- Cheese Variation: Try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer flavor.
- Extra Toppings: Customize with mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a more pizza-like experience.
Variations
- Chicken Pizza Burgers: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Spicy Pizza Burgers: Add red pepper flakes to the burger mix or drizzle hot sauce on the finished burger.
- Veggie Pizza Burgers: Replace the beef with a vegetarian patty or a portobello mushroom for a meatless version.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Burgers
- Pizza in a Burger: Enjoy all the flavors of pizza with the convenience of a burger.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun twist on the classic burger that kids and adults alike will love.
Enjoy!
