These Pepperoni Pizza Burgers are a fun and delicious twist on the classic hamburger, combining the flavors of a pizza with the satisfying bite of a juicy burger. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and crispy pepperoni, these burgers bring all your favorite pizza ingredients together in a handheld, hearty meal. Perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend BBQ, they’re sure to please both pizza lovers and burger fans alike. Whether you’re cooking them on the grill or in a skillet, these Pepperoni Pizza Burgers are guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-24 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for toasting buns)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, about 1/2 inch thick. - Cook the Burgers:
Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using a skillet, you can add a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, spoon a little marinara sauce onto each patty and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese, or on the grill, close the lid briefly to allow the cheese to melt. - Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns. You can either toast them on the grill or heat a little olive oil in a separate pan and toast the buns cut-side down until golden brown and crispy. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to the burgers. - Assemble the Burgers:
Once the patties are cooked and the cheese is melted, remove them from the heat. Place the burger patties on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce, followed by a few slices of pepperoni. If you like, you can add a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for extra flavor. - Serve:
Place the top halves of the buns on each burger and serve immediately, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
