Pepperoni Pizza Burger is a bold, cheesy fusion of juicy burger and zesty pizza—melty, savory, flavor-packed, craveable, and unforgettable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Pepperoni Pizza Burger lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a small but crucial role, giving the burger its signature taste, crowd-pleasing aroma, and that swoon-worthy combination of flavors you crave.
- Ground beef (80/20): The perfect lean-to-fat ratio keeps your burger juicy and flavorful—don’t go too lean!
- Pepperoni: Adds a bold, spicy bite inside and on top of your burger—double up for maximum pizza vibes.
- Finely diced onion (optional): If you like a hint of sweetness and moisture, onions are a great addition, but skip if you’re not a fan.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the patties with a fragrant, Italian kick.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon makes the whole burger taste like your favorite slice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for making each flavor pop; season to your liking.
- Shredded mozzarella (or slices): Melts beautifully, giving you a classic stretchy cheese pull every time you bite in.
- Pizza sauce or marinara: Saucy goodness is the soul of any pizza-inspired meal—choose your favorite brand or homemade!
- Burger buns: Go for soft, sturdy buns that hold up to all the fillings and sauce.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Burger
Step 1: Make the Flavor-Packed Patty
Start by combining the ground beef with chopped pepperoni, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix everything with your hands—just enough to bring it together, but not so much that the meat becomes tough. Shape the mixture into four thick, even patties. The pepperoni inside not only keeps every bite interesting, it also brings that classic pizza zing right to the very core of your burger.
Step 2: Cook to Juicy Perfection
Heat up your skillet or grill over medium-high. Cook each patty for 3 to 5 minutes per side, flipping just once for the best crust. You want the outside caramelized and the center just cooked through—aim for 160°F if you’re using a meat thermometer. The aroma of sizzling pepperoni will have everyone hovering close by, plates in hand!
Step 3: Cheese and Pepperoni Finale
A minute before the patties are done, top each one with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella (or a slice or two) and a few more pepperoni slices for good measure. Cover the pan or close your grill lid to trap the heat, letting the cheese melt and the pepperoni crisp up just slightly on top. This step transforms the whole experience into a true Pepperoni Pizza Burger extravaganza.
Step 4: Toast Those Buns
While the patties finish, take a moment to toast your burger buns, either on the grill or in a dry skillet. Lightly toasting creates a golden crust that soaks up just enough pizza sauce without getting soggy—a little detail that goes a long way for texture and flavor.
Step 5: Build and Sauce
Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place your molten, cheesy burger on top, spoon on a bit more sauce if you’re feeling extra, then crown with the top bun. Press it all together gently, and brace yourself for that first glorious bite of your homemade Pepperoni Pizza Burger!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Burger
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a light dusting of grated parmesan to finish your Pepperoni Pizza Burger with a pop of color and a touch of extra flavor. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper does wonders as well.
Side Dishes
Pair your burger with oven-baked fries, a crunchy Caesar salad, or roasted garlic broccoli. For a true pizza night feel, garlic knots or mozzarella sticks add another layer of indulgence to your Pepperoni Pizza Burger platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve sliders for parties, or slice the burgers in halves or quarters for sharing. You can even lay out toppings—extra sauce, cheese, and herbs—so everyone can customize their Pepperoni Pizza Burger masterpiece at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra burgers (though they tend to disappear!), allow them to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store the patties, buns, and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep everything tasting fresh and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked Pepperoni Pizza Burger patties, layered with parchment paper, in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, and wait to add cheese and toppings until they’re hot and ready to serve.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to their cheesy, melty glory, reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, topping with fresh mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni. Warm the buns and sauce separately to keep bread from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey for the Pepperoni Pizza Burger?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well for a lighter take, but try to choose a blend with a little fat for juicy results. You may need to adjust cooking times as lean meat cooks faster, and keep an eye on moisture so the burgers don’t dry out.
What’s the best way to prevent my Pepperoni Pizza Burger from falling apart?
Be careful not to overmix the meat when forming your patties, and make sure they’re thick and even. If you’re concerned about crumbling, you can add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or a beaten egg to help bind everything together.
Is there a good vegetarian version of Pepperoni Pizza Burger?
Definitely! Swap out the beef for a plant-based burger patty and use vegetarian pepperoni (widely available at most groceries). Pile on the same cheesy, saucy toppings for an irresistible, meatless pizza burger feast.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes—form your patties up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or easy entertaining when you want all the flavor of a Pepperoni Pizza Burger, fast.
What kind of buns work best?
A sturdy, slightly soft bun—like a potato roll or brioche—strikes the perfect balance, holding up to the juicy patties and all that oozy cheese and sauce. Toast them for extra structure and flavor!
Final Thoughts
This Pepperoni Pizza Burger is an explosion of everything you love about pizza and burgers, all wrapped up in one unforgettable sandwich. Give it a try soon, and let yourself savor the fun of a new, mouthwatering classic at home—you might just find it becomes your go-to favorite for every cookout or cozy night in.
More Cheesy Comfort Foods You’ll Love
If this Pepperoni Pizza Burger made your dinner lineup a hit, you’ll want to keep the cheesy goodness going. Try our fan-favorite Cheeseburger French Fry Bake Recipe — it’s a layered, loaded casserole perfect for game night. Craving something bold and easy? The Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna brings heat, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. For snackable bites, check out the Taco Salad Bourbon Queso Bites Recipe — perfect for parties or weeknight indulgence. You’ll also love the savory layers in our Stuffed Breakfast Pretzel Rolls Recipe or the comforting warmth of our Creamy Cornbread Chicken Bake Recipe.
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Pepperoni Pizza Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Burger is everything you love about a classic pizza and a juicy burger, all in one. Italian-seasoned beef patties are mixed with pepperoni and aromatics, then cooked to perfection, topped with gooey mozzarella, extra pepperoni, and a dollop of zesty pizza sauce. Served on a toasted bun, it’s a crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible meal perfect for pizza and burger lovers alike.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 oz thinly sliced pepperoni, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 4 slices)
- Extra pepperoni slices, for topping
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, chopped pepperoni, diced onion, minced garlic, dried oregano (or Italian seasoning), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a large, flat patty, making a slight indentation in the center with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high. Cook patties for 3–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness and are cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella (or a slice), followed by extra pepperoni slices. Cover with a lid to allow the cheese to melt.
- Toast the Buns (Optional): While the cheese is melting, toast your burger buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler until golden brown for extra flavor and sturdiness.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cheesy, pepperoni-topped patty on top, spoon over a bit more sauce if desired, and cap with the top bun. Serve hot for maximum deliciousness!
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza sauce for convenience or extra flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the burger mixture or sauce.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add any of your favorite pizza toppings, like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, inside the burger or as additional toppings.
- Brioche or potato buns work beautifully for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion