Cheesy Pizza Burgers: Favorite

This Cheesy Pizza Burger recipe is the ultimate solution for those nights when half the family wants pizza and the other half wants burgers. It’s a wonderfully messy, incredibly satisfying, and ridiculously fast meal that brings all the classic pizza flavors together in a hearty, handheld burger form. It has become our go to for busy weeknights when I need a guaranteed dinner win.

I first threw this together from a tattered page of my grandma’s old recipe binder, and it was an instant hit. Now, it’s the most requested dinner in our house, especially on Friday nights.

Ingredients

• One pound ground beef: an 80/20 blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without being overly greasy.
• One cup pizza sauce: for convenience, a good quality jarred sauce works wonders. Look for one with a rich tomato flavor and minimal added sugar.
• One tablespoon Italian seasoning: this is your secret weapon for that authentic pizzeria taste, bringing together all the classic herbs in one blend.
• Two cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: I highly recommend shredding a block of sharp cheddar yourself. It melts so much better than pre shredded varieties and its tangy flavor cuts through the rich sauce perfectly.
• Six burger buns: choose a sturdy bun like a brioche or potato roll that can hold up to the hearty toppings without falling apart.

Step by Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to continuously break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until no pink remains. Carefully tilt the skillet to one side and use a spoon to scoop out and discard any excess fat that has accumulated. This is key to a non greasy result.

Season and Simmer:

Turn the heat down to medium. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the cooked beef and stir it constantly for about 30 seconds. This quick step toasts the herbs and really deepens their flavor. Pour in the pizza sauce, stir everything together until the meat is fully coated, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for a few minutes until it has thickened slightly.

Prep the Buns:

While the meat mixture is simmering, get your burger buns ready. Place all 12 halves on a large baking sheet with the cut sides facing up. Spacing them out a little gives the edges room to get nice and toasty in the oven.

Assemble the Pizza Burgers:

Spoon the saucy beef mixture generously and evenly over each of the bun halves. Now, pile on that beautiful shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to cover the meat from edge to edge. The more cheese, the better in my opinion.

Bake to Bubbly Perfection:

Place the baking sheet on the center rack of your oven and bake at 375°F for about 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is completely melted, wonderfully bubbly, and the edges of the buns are a perfect toasty golden brown.

Finish and Serve:

Carefully remove the pan from the oven. You can serve these open faced or create a traditional burger by placing a top bun on a bottom one. Let them cool for a minute before serving, as that melted cheese is piping hot.

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My favorite ingredient here is definitely the sharp cheddar cheese. It adds a tangy, bold flavor that you just don't get from mozzarella. It reminds me of watching my dad make his famous homemade pizza on Saturday nights; he always swore that a strong cheese was the most important ingredient, and seeing these burgers bubble up in the oven always brings back that happy memory.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they store wonderfully. Let the pizza burgers cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The best way to reheat them is in an oven or an air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This crisps the bun back up and ensures the cheese gets perfectly melty again, avoiding the sogginess that a microwave can cause.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant based crumble for a vegetarian option. If you don't have pizza sauce, a good quality marinara will work just fine, maybe with an extra pinch of oregano. As for the cheese, provolone or a classic low moisture mozzarella are also fantastic choices.

Serving Suggestions

These pizza burgers are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with simple sides. For a classic burger night feel, serve them alongside crispy oven baked french fries or tater tots. If you want something a bit lighter, a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli provides a perfect, fresh contrast to the rich and cheesy burger.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of cheese works best for these burgers?

Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but mozzarella offers a classic pizza taste. A blend of both is also a great choice!

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lighter alternative. Seasoned lentils or cooked mushrooms also work for a vegetarian option.

→ What can I serve with these cheesy pizza burgers?

Pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, oven fries, or carrot sticks for a complete and balanced meal.

→ How do I get the buns nice and crispy?

Toast the bun halves before topping them with the beef mixture and cheese. This will give them extra texture and prevent them from getting soggy.

→ Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a quick weeknight meal. You can also freeze the assembled burgers for up to two months.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to add pepperoni, olives, or sauteed peppers before baking for a more customized flavor. Get creative and use your favorite pizza toppings!