Pizza Burgers

Combining the best of both worlds—pizza and burgers—this recipe creates a delicious fusion that’s sure to be a hit. Juicy beef patties are topped with pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all sandwiched between burger buns. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean for juicy patties)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other pizza toppings of your choice (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Buns:

• 4 hamburger buns
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the buns)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Burger Patties:

1. Season Beef:
   • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until combined; avoid overworking the meat.
2. Form Patties:
   • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up too much during cooking.

2. Cook the Patties:

1. Heat the Grill or Skillet:
   • Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Patties:
   • Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, spoon a little pizza sauce onto each patty and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover to melt the cheese.

3. Prepare the Buns:

1. Toast Buns:
   • While the patties are cooking, melt butter in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Place the buns cut-side down and toast until golden brown.

4. Assemble the Pizza Burgers:

1. Spread Sauce:
   • Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
2. Add Patties:
   • Place the cooked burger patties with melted cheese on top of the sauce.
3. Add Toppings:
   • Add your preferred pizza toppings, such as sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
4. Top with Buns:
   • Spread a bit more pizza sauce on the top half of the bun if desired, then place it on top of the burger.

5. Serve:

1. Serve Hot:
   • Serve your pizza burgers hot with your favorite side dishes, such as fries, salad, or a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• Homemade Pizza Sauce: If you have time, try making your own pizza sauce for extra flavor. Simply combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, and a pinch of sugar in a saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Custom Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizza burgers with your favorite pizza toppings or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavors.

Enjoy your delicious pizza burgers—perfect for a fun twist on a classic meal!