This fun mash‑up brings together two irresistible favorites: a juicy beef burger infused with Italian seasoning and garlic, topped with molten mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a dab of pizza sauce. Think of it as a personal pepperoni pizza you can bite into.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It delivers all the flavor of a pepperoni pizza in burger form.
Simple ingredients, straightforward steps—great for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: add your favorite pizza toppings or adjust the spice to suit your taste.
Melty cheese, crispy pepperoni, and seasoned beef combine for a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
In a bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties. If you like, press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty (this helps them cook more evenly).
Preheat a skillet (or grill) over medium heat. Cook the patties about 4–5 minutes per side (or until cooked through to your liking).
In the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, top each patty with a slice of mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Cover (or use a lid) to let the cheese melt.
While the patties finish melting, lightly toast the buns. Spread some pizza sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
Place the burger (with melted cheese and pepperoni) on the sauced bun. Add additional pepperoni or sauce if desired. Top with the bun and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 burgers
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes
Variations
Add Italian sausage: Mix in ¼ pound of ground Italian sausage with the beef for extra flavor.
Extra vegetables: Top with sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it more pizza‑style.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño into the patties.
Veggie/plant-based version: Use a plant‑based burger patty and vegan mozzarella.
Different cheese: Swap mozzarella with provolone or a blend of mild cheeses.
Open-face version: Serve the burger on open bun halves and add extra sauce and toppings on top.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooled burger patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days (store buns separately if possible).
Freezing: After cooking (without cheese topping), let patties cool, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. To preserve juiciness, you can cover with foil or add a splash of water and cover briefly. For buns, toast lightly before assembling.
FAQs
What kind of ground beef is best?
Use an 80/20 blend (that is, 80% lean, 20% fat) — it helps keep the burgers juicy and flavorful without drying out.
Can I bake these instead of pan‑frying or grilling?
Yes. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Place patties on a baking sheet and bake ~10–15 minutes, then add cheese and pepperoni and bake a few more minutes until melted.
Can I skip the pepperoni inside and only top the burger?
Absolutely. You can choose to mix pepperoni slices into the patty or reserve them for the topping step only.
How do I prevent the burger from puffing up in the center?
Press a shallow indentation (a dimple) into the center of each patty before cooking. This helps it stay flat and cook evenly.
Should I salt the meat ahead of time?
It’s better to add salt just before cooking. Salting too early can draw moisture out and make the burger denser.
What buns work best?
Choose sturdy buns—like brioche, kaiser, or potato rolls—that can hold up to the sauce and melting cheese without getting soggy.
Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes. Use gluten‑free buns and ensure your pizza sauce and any additional toppings are gluten‑free.
How do I avoid overcooking the cheese?
Add cheese toward the end of cooking and cover briefly so it melts without drying out—or finish under a broiler for just a minute if using an oven.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Of course! Try sliced olives, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a fun twist.
Is this recipe kid‑friendly?
Very much so. Many kids enjoy burgers and pizza, so combining the two is often a hit. Just watch spice levels and toppings to suit younger palates.
Conclusion
This Pizza Burger Pepperoni Mozzarella recipe is a delicious fusion of two beloved foods—burgers and pizza—wrapped into one handheld treat. With minimal prep and easy assembly, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal that feels fun and indulgent. Adjust toppings, seasoning, and cooking style to your liking, and you’ve got a custom pizza‑style burger ready to satisfy cravings.
A juicy, seasoned beef burger topped with melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce — this pizza burger brings together two classic comfort foods in one delicious bite.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 hamburger buns
1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus more if desired)
4 slices mozzarella cheese
8–12 slices pepperoni
Instructions
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties, pressing a shallow dimple in the center of each.
Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with mozzarella and pepperoni. Cover to melt cheese.
Toast buns lightly. Spread pizza sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
Place the burger patties on the sauced buns, add extra pepperoni or sauce if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overmix the beef mixture to keep patties tender.
For extra flavor, mix in chopped pepperoni or sausage with the ground beef.
Customize toppings like mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños.
