I am beyond excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: the Ultimate Pizza Burgers. Let me tell you, when I first whipped these up for a backyard barbecue, they blew everyone away. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy burger patty layered with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a splash of zesty pizza sauce. It’s like a pizza and burger had a delicious love child, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
The beauty of these Ultimate Pizza Burgers is in their versatility and the sheer joy they bring to a gathering. I always remember one summer night, the air filled with laughter and the aroma of burgers sizzling on the grill. As everyone gathered around, I placed these pizza burgers on the table, and it was pure magic. They disappeared in seconds! So, are you ready to join the burger revolution? Let’s dive into what makes these bad boys so incredible!
What’s in Ultimate Pizza Burgers?
Burger Patties: The star of the show – I recommend using fresh ground beef. Aim for at least 80% lean to keep things juicy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some Italian seasoning!
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes creates the perfect flavor for the patties. You can customize it to your liking!
Mozzarella Cheese: Always a favorite! Feel free to go for the sliced variety so it melts perfectly on the patty, or shred your own for a fun twist!
Pepperoni: Slice them up and layer generously – because pizza is all about that meaty goodness, right?
Pizza Sauce: You could whip up homemade sauce, but honestly, store-bought can be a lifesaver. Look for one that’s rich and flavorful!
Burger Buns: A toasted brioche or sesame seed bun works beautifully and adds that extra touch of indulgence.
Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves brings brightness and a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Additional Toppings: Go wild with your favorite pizza toppings! Think mushrooms, olives, or even jalapeños for a heartfelt kick.
Is Ultimate Pizza Burgers Good for You?
While we can’t claim these mouthwatering burgers are packed with superfoods, they do have their perks!
Lean Beef: The foundation of these burgers provides protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Just remember to opt for grass-fed beef if you can!
Pepperoni: These little slices add flavor but can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so moderation is key. You could always skip these if you prefer a lighter option!
Basil: Fresh basil not only adds flavor but is also packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
As with everything, it’s all about balance. Pair these indulgent burgers with a side of salad or baked sweet potato fries for some added nutrients!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound ground beef (80% lean recommended)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
– 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
– 16 slices of pepperoni
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 burger buns (toasted)
– Fresh basil leaves
– Optional toppings (mushrooms, olives, jalapeños)
Serves: 4
How to Make Ultimate Pizza Burgers?
1. Preheat your grill (or stovetop grill pan) over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Form into four equally sized patties, making a slight indentation in the center.
3. Grill the burger patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked to your desired doneness (160°F for medium).
4. One minute before the burgers are done, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
5. Once melted, remove patties from the grill. Top each patty with slices of pepperoni and a spoonful of pizza sauce.
6. Meanwhile, toast the burger buns on the grill until golden brown.
7. Assemble your Ultimate Pizza Burgers by placing the cheesy, sauce-covered patties on the bottom buns, adding fresh basil and any additional toppings you desire.
8. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately with fries or a side salad.
Pizza Party Tips!
– Get creative! You can easily swap the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based option like black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
– If you want a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the beef mixture for a fun twist.
– Don’t forget to offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own Ultimate Pizza Burger.
Remember, cooking should always be fun! Everyone’s taste varies, so feel free to play around with the spices and toppings until they suit your fancy. I can’t wait for you to try these out and experience the joy they bring to the table. Now grab your grill, gather your friends, and get ready for a burger night that will go down in history! Happy cooking!
