Description
Scrumptious Pizza Burgers blend Italian and American classics into one mouthwatering meal. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and juicy beef create a crowd-pleasing comfort dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Cheese:
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Bread and Additional Toppings:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Pepperoni slices (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ground beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the seasonings into the meat.
- Shape the seasoned meat mixture into 4 uniform burger patties, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Preheat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat, allowing the cooking surface to reach optimal temperature for searing.
- Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, developing a rich brown crust and reaching the desired internal doneness.
- In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella on each patty and cover to create a melted, gooey cheese topping.
- Soften butter and spread it evenly on the interior of burger buns, preparing them for toasting.
- Toast the buttered buns in a skillet until they turn a golden, crispy brown, creating a crunchy texture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun, creating a flavorful base.
- Carefully place the cheese-topped burger patty on the marinara-coated bun.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the burger and add pepperoni slices for extra flavor and texture.
- Complete the burger by placing the top half of the toasted bun, and serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Spice levels can be easily adjusted by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes for personal heat preference.
- Opt for lean ground beef to create a healthier burger without sacrificing flavor complexity.
- Consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary variations that maintain the pizza burger concept.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses to enhance the pizza-style profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg