Old School Pizza Burgers
Who doesn’t love a good old-school favorite with a tasty twist? These Pizza Burgers are the perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Mozzarella cheese slices
- Pepperoni slices
- Sliced mushrooms
- Any additional pizza toppings of your choice
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into burger patties and grill or cook on a skillet until cooked through.
- As the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns.
- Once the burgers are done, top each patty with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, mushrooms, and any other toppings you desire.
- Place the burgers on the toasted buns and serve hot.
10 Popular Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? – Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a leaner option.
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough for the buns? – While you can use store-bought pizza dough for the buns, hamburger buns provide a more traditional burger experience.
- Can I freeze the uncooked burger patties? – Yes, you can freeze the uncooked burger patties for future use. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
- Do I have to use pizza sauce? – You can substitute marinara sauce or any other tomato-based sauce for the pizza sauce if desired.
- Can I add different toppings to the burgers? – Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking, such as onions, olives, or bell peppers.
- How long should I cook the burger patties? – Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Can I make these burgers on a grill? – Yes, you can grill the burger patties for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? – While mozzarella is traditional, you can use cheddar, provolone, or any other cheese you prefer.
- How can I make the burgers healthier? – You can use lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat buns, and load up on veggies for a healthier option.
- Can I make these burgers ahead of time? – You can prepare the burger patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook, making them a great option for meal prep.
Helpful Tips:
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Top the burgers with fresh basil leaves for a pop of freshness.
- Experiment with different pizza toppings like sausage, black olives, or bell peppers.
- Serve the burgers with a side of garlic parmesan fries for a complete meal.
- Try grilling the burger buns for added flavor and texture.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the burger patties with a side salad instead of buns.
- Make a double batch of burger patties and freeze the extras for quick and easy meals later on.
- Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the burger mixture for added depth of flavor.
- Serve the burgers with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, just like a classic pizza.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and make these pizza burgers your own!
Expert Secrets:
- Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor in the burger patties.
- Brush the burger buns with garlic butter before toasting for added richness.
- Let the burger patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep them juicy.
- Make mini slider versions of these pizza burgers for a fun party appetizer.
- Try stuffing the burger patties with cheese for a gooey surprise in the middle.
- Add a dash of balsamic glaze to the burger toppings for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the mushrooms and pepperoni slices before topping the burgers.
- Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or oregano into the burger patties for a burst of freshness.
- Drizzle a bit of extra pizza sauce on top of the finished burgers for a saucy finish.
- Pair these pizza burgers with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for the perfect indulgent meal.