Description
Delectable pizza burgers blend Italian and American culinary traditions into one mouthwatering masterpiece. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and perfectly seasoned beef create an irresistible fusion you’ll crave with every savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 for juicier burgers)
- ¼ cup (60 grams) pepperoni slices, chopped (optional)
Cheese and Sauce:
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (for grilling or frying)
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- ¼ cup (40 grams) black olives, sliced (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture by combining ground beef with robust Italian herbs, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently shape the seasoned beef into four uniform patties, creating a slight indentation in the center to ensure even cooking and prevent bulging.
- Warm a skillet or grill to medium-high heat, lightly coated with fragrant olive oil. Carefully place the meat patties onto the hot surface, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until a perfect golden-brown exterior develops and the interior reaches the desired level of doneness.
- Transform the patties into pizza-inspired delights by generously spooning marinara sauce over each burger. Layer a slice of creamy mozzarella cheese on top, then cover the cooking surface to allow the cheese to melt luxuriously and create a gooey, pizza-like finish.
- Construct the burgers by nestling each savory patty onto a toasted bun. Enhance the flavor profile by adorning the burgers with classic pizza toppings like crisp pepperoni slices, briny black olives, and a sprinkle of aromatic fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Present the pizza burgers immediately, accompanied by a small ramekin of additional marinara sauce for those who desire an extra dip of tangy, herbaceous goodness.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning by experimenting with different Italian herb blends or adding garlic powder for extra flavor depth.
- Prevent burger patties from puffing up in the center by creating a small indentation, which helps them cook more evenly and maintain a flat surface.
- Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while keeping the burger juicy and flavorful.
- Customize the burger for different dietary needs by using ground turkey, plant-based patties, or gluten-free buns for alternative protein options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg