Ultimate Pizza Burger Recipe: How to Make a Cheesy Pizza-Style Burger

This easy Pizza Burger is a guaranteed family favorite. A savory beef mixture is layered with pepperoni and gooey mozzarella, then broiled until bubbly to create a toasted sandwich you can make in about 30 minutes.

These pizza burgers are a fun twist on classic pizza, turned into a hearty handheld sandwich. They’re full of flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Burgers

• Fast: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe works well for busy weeknights.
• Comforting: Broiling melts the cheese perfectly and crisps the bread for a warm, satisfying bite.
• Filling: The combination of ground beef, pepperoni, and cheese makes it a substantial meal.

Ingredients

• Olive oil – extra virgin is recommended.
• Yellow onion – diced; red onion works as a substitute.
• Garlic – minced.
• Lean ground beef – about 1 pound.
• Salt and pepper – to taste.
• Dried herbs – oregano and basil.
• Marinara or pizza sauce – store-bought or homemade.
• Worcestershire sauce – optional but adds depth.
• Hamburger buns – or any rolls you prefer.
• Mozzarella – sliced, or any melting cheese you like.
• Pepperoni – several slices per burger.

How to Make Pizza Burgers

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Season and simmer: Stir in salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add the marinara (or pizza) sauce and Worcestershire sauce if using. Simmer a few minutes to let flavors meld, then reduce heat and keep warm.
4. Prep buns: Preheat the oven broiler. Split the buns and place the bottoms on a baking sheet. Broil briefly until lightly toasted—watch carefully to avoid burning.
5. Assemble: Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Top each with pepperoni slices and a slice of mozzarella (or shredded cheese).
6. Broil: Return open-faced sandwiches to the broiler and broil 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Finish: Remove from oven and place the top halves of the buns on each sandwich. Serve immediately.

Topping & Variation Ideas

Customize these burgers to your taste with a few simple swaps or additions.

• Make sliders: Use small rolls for appetizer-sized sliders.
• Try different bread: Sourdough, whole grain, or sweet rolls all work well.
• Change the cheese: Pepper Jack, sharp cheddar, or provolone add different flavors.
• Add vegetables: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions or top with baby spinach or sprouts before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pizza burgers with classic sides like fries or a crisp salad. Try garlic fries, zucchini fries, or a simple avocado and tomato salad. Roasted or air-fried vegetables also complement these hearty sandwiches nicely.

Storing and Reheating

• Fridge: Store assembled burgers wrapped in foil for up to 3 days. For best texture, store the meat filling separately in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze leftover filling in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
• To reheat: Rewarm assembled burgers on a baking sheet in the oven until the bread is crisp and the cheese and filling are heated through.

More Beef Recipes to Try

• Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Beef
• Easy Ground Beef Tacos
• Quick Beef Stroganoff
• Instant Pot Pasta and Beef

Pizza Burger

A simple, cheesy sandwich made with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella—ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 6 hamburger buns
• 6 slices mozzarella (or cheese of choice)
• 18 slices pepperoni

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
• Add ground beef, break up with a spatula, and cook 5–7 minutes until browned.
• Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir in pizza sauce and Worcestershire sauce, if using. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then reduce heat and keep warm.

To Assemble

• Preheat the oven broiler.
• Split buns and place bottom halves on a baking sheet. Broil until lightly toasted, 1–2 minutes—watch closely.
• Spoon the meat mixture onto each bottom bun.
• Top each with 3 pepperoni slices and a slice of mozzarella.
• Broil 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Place the top bun on each sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

Storing Leftovers:

• Fridge: Store assembled burgers wrapped in foil for up to 3 days. Storing the filling separately in an airtight container helps maintain texture.
• Freezer: Freeze leftover filling in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
• To Reheat: Warm assembled burgers on a baking sheet in the oven until the bread is crisp and the cheese and filling are heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 401 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 27 g |
Protein: 29 g |
Fat: 19 g |
Saturated Fat: 8 g

Nutritional info is an estimate. Values vary with ingredients and preparation—use your preferred calculator for precise numbers.