If you’re searching for a fun and flavor-packed twist on two all-time favorites, you have to try Pizza Burgers. These delicious sandwiches combine the juicy, savory goodness of a classic hamburger with the bold, cheesy, tangy elements of a pizza, creating a meal that’s comforting and exciting all at once. Picture ground beef cooked with onions and mushrooms, simmered in rich pizza sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella, all nestled inside a toasted bun. Pizza Burgers are the kind of dish that invite casual gatherings, satisfy kid and adult appetites alike, and transform mealtime into a celebration of gooey, saucy delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward crafting these irresistible pizza burgers. Each component plays a key role in layering flavors and textures — the beef brings richness, the pizza sauce adds zest, and the mozzarella gives that perfect gooey finish.

1-1/2 pounds ground beef: Choose lean yet flavorful beef to keep the patties juicy without excess fat.

1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked with the beef.
1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce: This is the heart of the pizza flavor, bringing tang and herbs to the mix.

1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained: Lends an earthy texture that complements the meat perfectly.
1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the pizza sauce with a hint of sweetness.

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that flavors both the sauce and the beef beautifully.
6 hamburger buns, split and toasted: Toasting ensures the buns stay sturdy and adds a slight crunch.
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to deliver that signature pizza cheesiness.

How to Make Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground beef along with the chopped onions. Break up the meat as it cooks to achieve a crumbly texture and cook until no pink remains, typically 3 to 5 minutes. This step develops the savory base of your Pizza Burgers, and draining excess fat ensures a better texture and flavor balance.

Step 2: Combine with Pizza Sauce and Mushrooms

Once your beef and onions are ready, stir in the pizza sauce, drained mushrooms, sugar, and dried oregano. The pizza sauce infuses the mixture with classic Italian flavor, while the mushrooms provide an earthy undertone that elevates the whole dish. The sugar cuts through the sauce’s acidity, creating a harmonious taste balance you’ll crave.

Step 3: Assemble on Toasted Buns

Next, spoon the saucy beef mixture generously onto each toasted hamburger bun. The toasting step is essential—it prevents sogginess and offers a satisfying bite that holds up against the melty toppings.

Step 4: Top with Mozzarella and Broil

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauced beef on each bun, then place the open-faced burgers on an ungreased baking sheet. Pop them under the broiler about 4 inches from the heat for roughly 2 minutes, keeping a close eye until the cheese beautifully melts and bubbles, adding that signature gooey finish that makes Pizza Burgers so addictive.

How to Serve Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can brighten and personalize your Pizza Burgers. Try sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and herbal aroma. For a little heat, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy olive oil create a lively contrast against the cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

Pizza Burgers are the star of the show, but sides round out the meal beautifully. Crispy oven fries or a simple green salad with vinaigrette balance the richness. For extra indulgence, serve alongside garlic parmesan roasted vegetables or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your Pizza Burgers on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, accompanied by small bowls of extra pizza sauce for dipping. You can also layer the toppings and cheese inside sliders for a fun appetizer or party platter, making the meal interactive and visually enticing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Pizza Burgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld together overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier. Keep the buns separate if possible to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled but unbroiled Pizza Burgers by wrapping each tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer bag for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before broiling the cheese as directed. This makes meal prep super convenient without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your Pizza Burgers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese is melted, roughly 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible, as that can make the buns soggy and the texture less satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for Pizza Burgers?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well and can offer a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.

What kind of pizza sauce is best to use?

Choose a good-quality pizza sauce with balanced herbs and tomato flavor. If you prefer, marinara sauce can also work, just keep an eye on the seasoning so it complements the patties.

Can I add other toppings inside the Pizza Burgers?

Definitely. Feel free to mix in ingredients like diced bell peppers, olives, or even cooked sausage to customize your pizza burger experience.

Is it possible to make Pizza Burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to assemble and broil the burgers.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy buns, toast them first and try to serve the burgers immediately after assembling and broiling. Storing buns separately until serving is also a great strategy.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Burgers are truly a delightful way to blend two crowd-pleasing dishes into one unforgettable meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, these juicy, cheesy, flavorful sandwiches bring joy and comfort with every bite. Give them a try and prepare to have a new favorite in your recipe collection — I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Pizza Burgers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

These Pizza Burgers combine the juicy flavors of a classic cheeseburger with all the delicious toppings of a pizza. Ground beef is cooked with onions and blended with pizza sauce, mushrooms, sugar, and oregano, then piled onto toasted buns and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1–1/2 pounds ground beef

1/4 cup chopped onion
1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained

1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
6 hamburger buns, split and toasted

1–1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Cook the beef and onions: In a large cast-iron or heavy skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Mix in pizza ingredients: Stir in the pizza sauce, drained mushrooms, sugar, and dried oregano. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the meat mixture.

Assemble the burgers: Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto each toasted hamburger bun. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each assembled burger.
Broil to finish: Place the assembled burgers on ungreased baking sheets. Broil about 4 inches from the heat source for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sliced pepperoni or bell peppers to the meat mixture.

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use whole wheat buns for added fiber and nutrients.
If you don’t have a broiler, you can place the burgers in an oven preheated to 400°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.

Drain mushrooms well to prevent soggy burgers.
Adjust sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of your pizza sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet Cooking and Broiling

Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 390 kcal

Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 18 g

Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g

Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 26 g

Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: pizza burgers, ground beef burgers, easy pizza recipes, quick dinner ideas, mozzarella cheese burger

Pizza Burgers Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need