Pizza Burgers Recipe: Easy Weeknight Favorite

This Pizza Burgers Recipe is a savory, high-protein dish with 25 grams of protein per serving. It combines juicy beef patties, tangy pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella for a fun, pizza-inspired flavor. I made these for a family game night, and everyone loved the cheesy, hearty taste! Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings. This stovetop and oven recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Burgers Recipe

This dish is easy to prepare with one skillet and a quick bake. It offers 25 grams of protein from beef and cheese, making it a filling main course. The pizza sauce and mozzarella add a familiar, comforting flavor that kids and adults enjoy. I love how you can customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. It’s ideal for family meals, game nights, or weeknight dinners.

Health Benefits of Pizza Burgers

Beef provides protein and iron for muscle health and energy. Mozzarella offers calcium for strong bones. Tomatoes in the pizza sauce add vitamin C for immune support. Whole wheat buns can boost fiber for digestion. This dish is a balanced, protein-packed option for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Pizza Burgers

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 slices pepperoni (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For Serving:

• 4 hamburger buns (whole wheat or regular)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 tsp grated parmesan cheese

Substitutions: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. Swap mozzarella with cheddar for a different flavor. Replace pepperoni with mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for a gluten-free version.

Notes: Choose a high-quality pizza sauce for better flavor. Form patties evenly for consistent cooking.

How to Make Pizza Burgers

Prepare the Patties

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, egg, and breadcrumbs until combined. Form into 4 equal patties, about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures flavorful, juicy burgers.

Cook the Patties

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked to 160°F internally. This gives a nice sear while keeping them tender.

Add the Toppings

Preheat oven to 400°F; place cooked patties on a baking sheet. Spoon pizza sauce over each patty, then top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and olives if using.

Bake the Burgers

Bake patties for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Check to ensure toppings don’t burn. This creates a gooey, pizza-like finish.

Assemble and Serve

Place each patty on a hamburger bun; top with basil and extra parmesan for a fresh touch. Serve hot with extra pizza sauce for dipping if desired.

Cooking Tips

Mix burger ingredients gently to avoid tough patties. This keeps them juicy. I mixed mine lightly, and they were tender.

Cook patties to 160°F for safe, fully cooked beef. This ensures food safety. I used a thermometer, and they were perfect.

Use a high-quality pizza sauce for better flavor. Homemade or jarred works well. I used a good brand, and it made a difference.

Spread toppings evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful. This balances the pizza taste. I layered mine carefully, and it was delicious.

Toast buns lightly before serving for extra texture. This prevents sogginess. I toasted mine, and it added a nice crunch.

Bake burgers briefly to avoid drying out the patties. This keeps them moist. I checked at 5 minutes, and they were just right.

Add cheese generously for a gooey, pizza-like texture. This makes them extra indulgent. I piled on mozzarella, and it was a hit.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap beef for ground chicken for a lighter option. Chicken cooks similarly and stays juicy. I tried chicken, and it was a great change.

Use cheddar instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor. This adds a new twist. I used cheddar, and it was delicious.

Add 1/4 cup diced bell peppers for extra crunch. This mimics pizza toppings. I added peppers, and it was a nice touch.

Replace pepperoni with sausage crumbles for a different meaty flavor. This keeps it hearty. I tried sausage, and it worked well.

Use portobello mushrooms instead of beef for a vegetarian version. This maintains a meaty texture. I used mushrooms, and it was satisfying.

Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This enhances the pizza flavor. I added flakes, and it was bold.

Make it gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns. This keeps it accessible. I tried gluten-free, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Freeze patties (without buns) for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before reheating, but cheese may lose some texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Burgers Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why are my patties dry?
   Avoid overmixing or overcooking; cook to 160°F. I mixed lightly, and they were juicy.
2. Can I use frozen patties?
   Yes, thaw completely and cook as directed. I used fresh, but thawed worked fine.
3. How do I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns. I tried gluten-free, and it was perfect.
4. Can I grill the patties?
   Yes, grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side. I grilled mine, and they were flavorful.
5. How do I increase the protein?
   Add extra beef or serve with a protein-rich side like beans. I added more beef, and it hit 30 grams.
6. Why is my cheese not melting?
   Bake longer or use shredded cheese for even melting. I shredded mine, and it melted perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of fries or a green salad for a balanced meal. Pair with marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza flavor. Enjoy with a cold soda or iced tea for a refreshing touch. I served it with cucumber slices, and it was a perfect combo. It’s great for game nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Nutrition Info for Pizza Burgers

Per serving (1 burger, 4 servings):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Burgers Recipe is a savory, high-protein dish with fun, pizza-inspired flavors. Its quick prep makes it perfect for family meals or gatherings. How do you like to top your pizza burgers? Let us know in the comments!