.pizza burger

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction:

If you’re a fan of both pizza and burgers, then this recipe will be your new go-to comfort food. The Pizza Burger combines the flavors of a classic pizza with the juicy, savory goodness of a burger. It’s an easy and creative twist on two of the most beloved dishes worldwide. In just 30 minutes, you’ll be able to serve up this delicious, cheesy, and flavorful pizza burger that will make everyone in the family or at your next party ask for seconds.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even as a fun homemade treat. It can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings, and it’s sure to become a hit at your dinner table. So, let’s dive right into how to make this mouthwatering Pizza Burger!

Ingredients:

For the burger patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the pizza toppings:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or any preferred pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers)
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)

For the burger assembly:

• 4 hamburger buns (preferably toasted)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties

Start by making the burger patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Once the ingredients are combined, divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty, ensuring they are roughly the size of your hamburger buns.

Step 2: Cook the Burger Patties

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for about 1-2 minutes. Place the burger patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the burger reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. Be sure not to overcook them, as the burgers will continue cooking a bit after being removed from the pan.

Once cooked, remove the patties from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Let them rest while you prepare the pizza toppings.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

While the burgers rest, it’s time to toast the buns. Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut side of each hamburger bun. Place the buns, buttered-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toast them for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. This step will add extra flavor and prevent the buns from becoming soggy when you add the pizza sauce later.

Once the buns are toasted, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Burger

Now it’s time to assemble your pizza burgers. Start by spreading a generous tablespoon of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun.

Place the cooked burger patty on top of the pizza sauce, and then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the patty. Add your preferred pizza toppings such as pepperoni slices, red onions, and green bell peppers. Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

To make sure the mozzarella cheese melts perfectly and gives the pizza burger a gooey, cheesy texture, you can return the assembled burger to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can place the burgers under the broiler in your oven for 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to burn the tops of the buns.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the pizza burgers from the skillet. Garnish them with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Finally, place the top half of the hamburger buns on the burgers and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your pizza burgers with your favorite side dishes like:

• Crispy French fries or potato wedges
• A fresh mixed green salad
• Coleslaw for a crunchy contrast
• A side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a more pizza-like experience

Recipe Intensity:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy – Perfect for beginners and home cooks looking for a fun and quick dinner option.
• Spice Level: Mild – The recipe can be adjusted for more or less spice depending on your preference for toppings like hot pepperoni, jalapenos, or chili flakes.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips and Variations:

1. Healthier Alternatives: You can make this recipe a bit healthier by swapping the ground beef for lean turkey or chicken. You could also opt for a whole wheat bun to add fiber and reduce the calorie count.

2. Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version of the pizza burger, replace the beef patty with a veggie burger or a portobello mushroom cap, which makes for a great meat substitute. Add your favorite veggies as pizza toppings for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.

3. Homemade Pizza Sauce: If you have time, you can make your own pizza sauce from scratch. Simply simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for a fresher taste.

4. Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, don’t hesitate to double the amount of mozzarella. You can also try adding other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra richness.

5. Grill It: If you’re grilling the burgers instead of pan-frying, feel free to add some smoky flavor by placing the patties on a grill instead of a skillet. This works especially well when cooking outside in the summer.

Conclusion:

The Pizza Burger is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together the best parts of two iconic dishes. With juicy, flavorful burger patties, melty mozzarella cheese, and classic pizza toppings, this recipe will satisfy all your cravings in one delicious bite. It’s a perfect blend of savory flavors with the option for endless customization based on your favorite pizza toppings.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering or simply enjoy a tasty meal at home, this pizza burger recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, get your ingredients ready and enjoy this flavorful twist on the classic burger!