Pizza Burgers: The Epic Mash-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now)
Cheeseburger? Good. Pizza? Great. Pizza burger? Absolute chaos—in the best way.
Let’s be honest. We’ve all been torn between two cravings before. Do you want the juicy satisfaction of a burger or the gooey, saucy magic of pizza? Why not both?
Enter: pizza burgers. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a glorious union of beefy burger goodness and cheesy pizza flavor. And it slaps. Hard.
I tried my first one at a backyard BBQ years ago. Someone slapped marinara and mozzarella onto a patty and casually called it “a pizza burger.” I was skeptical… but I took one bite, and suddenly, my life had a new meaning. (Okay, maybe not life—but definitely dinner plans.)
Whether you’re looking to shake up pizza night or just flex at your next cookout, I’ve got you covered.
What Exactly Is a Pizza Burger?
Good question, my fellow flavor-seeker.
A pizza burger is basically a beef (or meat alternative) patty that’s topped with pizza ingredients—we’re talking:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni or Italian sausage
- Pizza sauce or marinara
- Toasted buns (or garlic bread, if you’re feeling chaotic-good)
Some people go wild and add mushrooms, onions, or even olives. And guess what? There are no rules. This isn’t math class—it’s burger time.
Why Pizza Burgers Are Actually Brilliant
Juicy patties are the foundation here. Serious Eats offers a fantastic guide to grilling great burgers—covering fat ratios, seasoning tricks, and forming patties perfectly.
Still not convinced this unholy hybrid is a good idea? Let me hit you with some truths:
- You get the best of both worlds – Juicy burger? Check. Cheesy pizza toppings? Check.
- They’re super customizable – Veggie lovers, meat lovers, pineapple-on-pizza folks… go wild.
- They’re easier than you think – If you can make a burger, you can make a pizza burger.
- Kids LOVE them – And adults pretend they’re making it for the kids. (We see you.)
Plus, it’s a total conversation starter. You will get asked for the recipe.
Let’s Build One: How to Make the Ultimate Pizza Burger
You don’t need anything fancy here—just good ingredients, a hot pan, and an appetite the size of Italy. If you’re firing up the grill, Weber’s ideal cheeseburgers guide delivers essential timing, heat, and bun-toasting tips to nail that melty cheese moment.
Ingredients (for 4 pizza burgers):
For the patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for juicy patties)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the toppings:
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (or fresh slices)
- 16–20 slices pepperoni (optional… but is it?)
- Parmesan, if you want to get fancy
- Basil or oregano for garnish
For the buns:
- 4 burger buns (brioche, ciabatta, or even garlic bread halves)
- Butter or olive oil for toasting
Step-by-Step:
1. Make the Patties
Mix the beef and spices in a bowl—don’t overwork it or you’ll end up with hockey pucks. Shape into 4 patties, slightly wider than your buns (they shrink when cooked, unlike us after dinner).
2. Sear ‘Em
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side. In the last minute, spoon a bit of pizza sauce on top and pile on the mozzarella. Cover the pan to help it melt.
Feeling fancy? Add a couple of pepperoni slices directly on top while the cheese is melting.
3. Toast the Buns
Butter the insides of the buns and toast them in the pan or on the grill until golden. Garlic butter is highly encouraged.
4. Assemble & Devour
Stack your patty on the bottom bun. Add extra sauce, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a few basil leaves if you’re bougie like that. Crown it with the top bun.
Take a bite. Question your life choices up to this point. Repeat.
For a flavorful, no-fuss marinara, check out The Kitchn’s classic marinara sauce recipe—it’s easy to make and thickens beautifully when simmered down (just what you need on a burger).
Fun Variations to Try (Because Why Not?)
Wanna get weird with it? I support that. Here are some creative twists:
1. The Meat Lovers Pizza Burger
Add crumbled sausage, bacon, and a second slice of mozzarella. Skip the gym.
2. The Veggie Supreme
Top with sautéed mushrooms, red onions, olives, and green peppers. Still cheesy, still epic.
3. Hawaiian Pizza Burger
Yes, this is controversial. But if you like pineapple and ham on your pizza, this version is fire. Add grilled pineapple rings and sliced ham.
4. Margherita Style
Use fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil. It’s classy and messy.
5. Breakfast Pizza Burger
Fry up a patty, top with a fried egg, cheese, and a smear of pizza sauce. Boom—brunch sorted.
Pizza Burger vs. Regular Burger: Let’s Break It Down
| Feature | Regular Burger | Pizza Burger |
| Cheese | American/Cheddar | Mozzarella/Parmesan |
| Sauce | Ketchup, mustard, etc. | Pizza sauce/marinara |
| Vibe | Classic cookout | Saucy and unexpected |
| Toppings | Lettuce, tomato, onion | Pepperoni, mushrooms, basil |
| Crowd Reaction | “Yum!” | “Wait, what?! Gimme one!” |
IMO, pizza burgers are the chaotic good cousin of regular burgers—and I’m here for it.
Best Sides to Serve With Pizza Burgers
You could go with the usual fries… but why not match the energy?
- Garlic parmesan wedges – Garlicky, cheesy, perfect.
- Caesar salad – For balance. (Or at least the illusion of it.)
- Mozzarella sticks – Double cheese? Absolutely.
- Grilled veggies – If you want to feel like an adult.
- Cold pasta salad – Brings picnic energy to your plate.
Pro Tips for Pizza Burger Perfection
- Use fresh mozzarella for that epic cheese pull
- Don’t overcook the patties—juiciness is key
- Lightly toast the buns—soggy buns are illegal in most states (probably)
- Warm your sauce before adding it to the patty
- Serve immediately—these are best hot and melty
FAQs: Because You’ve Got Pizza Burger Questions
What’s a grilled pizza burger, and how do I make one?
A grilled pizza burger is basically the backyard BBQ version of this glorious creation. Instead of cooking your burger patty in a skillet or oven, you toss it on the grill for those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor.
Here’s a quick recipe tip:
Grill your burger patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
After flipping, spoon on a little marinara sauce and add your cheese (mozzarella + Parmesan cheese is a killer combo).
Cover the grill briefly to melt the cheese, then serve it all up on toasted hamburger buns or even English muffins for a fun twist.
Grilling adds serious depth of flavor—and it’s perfect when you want to show off at your next cookout.
Can I use English muffins instead of regular buns?
Yes, and you absolutely should try it at least once. English muffins are sturdy, slightly chewy, and they toast up beautifully. They hold the sauce and cheese without getting soggy, and they add a little texture to each bite.
IMO, they work especially well for mini pizza burgers—like slider-sized deliciousness. Just slice, toast with melted butter, and stack with your saucy patty and toppings. Bonus: they look cute as heck on a serving tray.
Is this a main dish or more of a party snack?
This one’s a main dish, 100%. A pizza burger brings the same hunger-busting energy as a double cheeseburger—just with way more flavor. That said, you can downsize it into sliders or mini versions for parties or tailgates.
And FYI: Serve it with a salad if you want to pretend you’re being balanced.
Which marinara sauce is best for pizza burgers?
Use a thick, flavorful marinara sauce that won’t soak your bun into oblivion. Look for one with garlic, basil, and oregano—or just make your own if you’re feeling extra.
Pro tip: Simmer jarred sauce for 5–10 minutes to thicken it up before spooning it onto the burger patty. You want that pizza flavor punch without the drippy mess.
Can I make this recipe with store-bought hamburger buns?
Yes! Grab your favorite hamburger buns, and if you really want to elevate them, brush the inside with a little melted butter and toast them until golden. Want to take it even further? Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese while they toast. It’s ridiculously good.
You could also try garlic buns, ciabatta rolls, or English muffins (yep, they’re pulling double duty in this FAQ).
How do I keep the cheese from sliding off the burger?
Ah, the eternal melted cheese struggle. The trick is timing. As soon as your burger patty is nearly done, spoon on the marinara sauce and immediately pile on the cheese. Then cover the pan or grill for a minute to let it melt and cling to everything like a flavor blanket.
If you’re using Parmesan cheese in addition to mozzarella, layer it last—it melts more slowly and helps anchor everything in place.
Got any recipe tips for meal prep?
Sure do. You can season and shape your burger patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours. You can also:
Toast your buns and store them in a zip-top bag
Warm your marinara sauce and keep it in a jar in the fridge
Shred your cheeses and pre-slice any toppings
Then when dinner hits, you just grill or pan-sear the patties, melt that cheese, and assemble like a boss. It’s like fast food… but you’re the chef.
Can I make a healthier version?
Definitely. Try these swaps:
Use ground turkey or chicken for the patty
Go light on the cheese (or try part-skim mozzarella)
Swap hamburger buns for whole wheat or lettuce wraps
Use a lower-sugar marinara sauce
Toast English muffins instead of standard buns—they’re lower in calories
You’ll still get all that pizza burger flavor without the food coma.
Final Thoughts: Pizza Burger = Peak Comfort Food
Look, pizza burgers aren’t trying to be refined. They’re not the delicate amuse-bouche of some Michelin-star menu. They’re loud. They’re cheesy. They might drip down your wrist. And they are so worth it.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, feeding hungry teenagers, or just feeding your inner child, pizza burgers deliver—literally and metaphorically.
So go ahead. Fire up the skillet. Layer the sauce. Melt that cheese. And tell your tastebuds they’re in for a wild ride.
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