A Pepperoni Pizza Burger is the ultimate comfort food fusion. I get the best of both worlds—juicy, flavorful burgers and cheesy, saucy pepperoni pizza—stacked into one satisfying sandwich. It’s everything I crave when I can’t decide between two favorites.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for serving)
12–16 slices pepperoni
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Optional toppings: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan
Directions
I preheat my grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
In a bowl, I mix the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Then, I shape the mixture into four patties.
I cook the patties for 3–4 minutes on each side, depending on how well done I like them.
In the final minute of cooking, I spoon marinara sauce over each patty and top with a slice of cheese. I cover the pan or grill to help the cheese melt.
While the patties cook, I crisp the pepperoni slices in a small skillet or in the oven.
I place each patty on a toasted bun, add the crispy pepperoni, and top with any extras like basil, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan.
I serve them hot with a little extra marinara on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 22 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
For a spicy kick, I mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture.
I use different cheeses like smoked provolone, fontina, or even a pizza cheese blend for a twist.
For a low-carb version, I skip the bun and serve the patty over a bed of greens or inside a lettuce wrap.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover patties (without buns) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes. I always add fresh pepperoni and sauce when reheating to bring back that original flavor and texture.
FAQs
How can I keep the patties from drying out?
I use an 80/20 ground beef blend to keep things juicy. Avoid overcooking, and don’t press the patties down on the grill or skillet.
Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, I like using a spicy arrabbiata or even a garlic-parmesan white sauce for a different spin.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
I toast them in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil for extra flavor and crunch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I can prep the patties and sauce in advance and keep them chilled until I’m ready to cook. I always crisp the pepperoni and toast the buns just before serving.
Can I cook these in the oven instead?
Yes, I bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, adding sauce and cheese in the last few minutes. I broil briefly to melt the cheese if needed.
Conclusion
This Pepperoni Pizza Burger brings together everything I love about two iconic dishes. It’s hearty, cheesy, saucy, and easy enough for a quick dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining. Whether I stick with the classic recipe or try out some fun variations, it always hits the spot.
Recipe:
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Pepperoni Pizza Burger
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A Pepperoni Pizza Burger is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites—juicy beef burgers and cheesy pepperoni pizza—stacked together in one irresistible sandwich. It’s quick to make and full of bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for serving)
12–16 slices pepperoni
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Optional toppings: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
- Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side to desired doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, spoon marinara sauce over each patty and top with a slice of cheese. Cover to melt the cheese.
- Crisp the pepperoni slices in a small skillet or oven while patties cook.
- Place each patty on a toasted bun and top with crispy pepperoni and optional toppings like basil, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan.
- Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add crushed red pepper flakes to meat for extra heat.
Use different cheeses like smoked provolone or a pizza blend for variety.
For low-carb, serve patties in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Store leftover patties (without buns) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave, and refresh with new pepperoni and sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
