Pizza Burgers (Easy Homemade Recipe)
If you love pizza and burgers, this Pizza Burgers recipe is the perfect combination of both. It brings together the rich flavor of seasoned ground beef, savory marinara sauce, classic pizza toppings, and melted mozzarella cheese, all served on toasted English muffins. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, parties, or even a quick weekend meal.
Pizza burgers are popular because they combine the heartiness of a burger with the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza. The result is a satisfying open-faced sandwich loaded with flavor and customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Burgers
There are many reasons why this recipe is a favorite for home cooks:
- Quick and easy to prepare – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly meal – Kids and adults both love it.
- Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Budget-friendly – Made with simple and affordable ingredients.
- Perfect for busy weeknights – Minimal prep and cooking time.
Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or looking for a fun twist on traditional burgers, these pizza burgers are a delicious option.
Ingredients
To make about 6 servings, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound bulk sausage (Italian sausage works great)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, thickly sliced
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 English muffins, split in half
- 2 ounces pepperoni, diced
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings
You can customize your pizza burgers with extra toppings such as:
- Black olives
- Green bell peppers
- Jalapeños
- Red onions
- Extra pepperoni
- Cooked bacon
- Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and the bulk sausage to the pan.
Cook the meat while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking for about 6–8 minutes until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
If there is too much grease in the pan, carefully drain the excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In another large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly translucent.
Next, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture.
3. Prepare the Pizza Meat Sauce
Add the cooked meat mixture to the skillet with the vegetables.
Then add:
- Marinara sauce
- Marjoram
- Salt and black pepper
Stir everything together until well combined.
Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Prepare the English Muffins
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Split the English muffins in half and arrange them on a large baking sheet with the cut side facing up.
Place them in the oven for about 3–4 minutes to lightly toast them. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy once the toppings are added.
5. Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Remove the toasted muffins from the oven.
Spoon a generous amount of the meat and marinara mixture onto each muffin half.
Top each one with:
- Diced pepperoni
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
If you like, you can add extra toppings like olives, bell peppers, or extra cheese.
6. Bake Until the Cheese Melts
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes.
Bake until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Serving Suggestions
Pizza burgers are best served hot and fresh from the oven. You can serve them with:
- Crispy French fries
- Potato wedges
- A fresh green salad
- Coleslaw
- Garlic dipping sauce
They also make great party food because they are easy to prepare in large batches.
Tips for the Best Pizza Burgers
- Use good marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Toast the muffins first so they stay crisp.
- Don’t overload the toppings to keep the burger balanced.
- Use fresh mozzarella if possible for a richer taste.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the pizza burgers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving them if possible because the bread can become soft.
Final Thoughts
These Pizza Burgers are the perfect comfort food when you’re craving both pizza and burgers. The combination of seasoned meat, rich tomato sauce, crispy English muffins, and melted mozzarella creates a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply looking for a creative dinner idea, this easy pizza burger recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.