If you love the comforting flavors of a classic pizza and the satisfying heartiness of a juicy burger, then buckle up for a culinary mashup you’re going to fall head over heels for. This Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe takes all the best parts of pizza—zesty marinara, melted mozzarella, fragrant basil, and Italian herbs—and blends them seamlessly into a tender beef patty that cooks quickly and bursts with flavor. Whether you’re craving a new twist on burger night or aiming to impress friends with something fun and delicious, this recipe will soon become your go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to bring this Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe to life. Each one plays a vital role: the herbs and spices infuse that unmistakable pizza aroma, the cheese adds creamy richness, and the marinara taps into the essence of everyone’s favorite Italian classic.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Your juicy base for the patty; choose lean if you prefer a healthier option.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty punch that deepens the burger’s flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): A classic Italian herb that evokes the scent of fresh pizza.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Brings aromatic sweetness and complexity.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses a savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the flavor profile with subtle sharpness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- Burger buns (4): Toasted lightly for a perfect contrast of textures.
- Marinara sauce (1/2 cup): The tomatoey heart of this burger, just like on a pizza.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully to create that luscious, gooey topping.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): A garnish that brightens the entire dish with freshness.
- Olive oil: For grilling, adding a subtle fruity richness and preventing sticking.
How to Make Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Patties
Start by heating your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high and brush it lightly with olive oil. This step ensures your patties cook evenly and develop those irresistible charred grill marks. Next, combine the ground beef with Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mixing these flavors straight into the meat is what truly sets the Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe apart. Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties—try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
Step 2: Grill the Patties
Place the patties on the hot grill and let them sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Cooking time varies by your preferred doneness, but reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) ensures fully cooked, juicy patties. This step is where the magic begins: the herbs penetrate the meat while the exterior crisps perfectly.
Step 3: Add Marinara and Melt the Mozzarella
In the last minute of cooking, spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each patty and lay a slice of fresh mozzarella on top. Close the grill lid or cover the pan to trap heat and let the cheese melt into a creamy, gooey blanket. This finishing touch transforms your burger into a mouthwatering pizza homage.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the cheese melts, toast your burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until just golden and slightly crisp. This adds texture and helps prevent sogginess once you add the saucy burgers.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Place each patty on its toasted bun, then add extra marinara sauce, fresh basil leaves, or even more mozzarella cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. The result is a vibrant, flavorful burger that captures the spirit of pizza in every bite.
How to Serve Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a burst of herbal brightness that balances the rich cheese and tangy marinara. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with crispy garlic fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables to complement the Italian-inspired flavors without overpowering the main event. A simple side of pickles or even a Caprese salad ties in beautifully, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these burgers open-faced on a sturdy plate so the gooey mozzarella is on full display. You could also make sliders using smaller buns for parties or game days. Another idea: serve alongside a small bowl of warmed marinara for dipping the semi-loaded burger bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover patties separate from buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store extra buns wrapped in foil or plastic to maintain softness. This lets you enjoy your Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe again without sacrificing quality.
Freezing
To freeze patties, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Adding a little extra marinara and mozzarella on top before reheating can help recover some of the fresh-cooked charm.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works perfectly in the Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times since turkey tends to dry out faster than beef.
What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?
Shredded mozzarella cheese is a great substitute and melts nicely. Just sprinkle it generously on top during the last minute of grilling.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and form the patties a few hours ahead or the day before. Just keep them refrigerated and cover well to maintain freshness before cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While this one focuses on beef, you can adapt the Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe by using plant-based grounds or thick portobello mushrooms grilled with the same herbs and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian option.
What sides best complement these pizza-flavored burgers?
Classic choices like garlic fries, a crisp salad, or even roasted veggies create a balanced meal that lets the burger shine as the star.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably inviting about this Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe that just sparks joy every time you bite into it. It’s fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for anyone wanting a unique twist on burger night. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and indulge in this delightful fusion of two all-time classics!
Print
Pizza Flavored Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
These Pizza Flavored Burgers combine the best of two favorites – juicy grilled burgers infused with Italian spices and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, delivering a delicious pizza-inspired twist perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping and Assembly
- 4 burger buns
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (pizza sauce can also be used)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Burger Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough burgers. Form into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Grill Patties: Place the patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C) for well-done, or cooks to your preferred doneness.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: During the last minute of grilling, spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each patty. Immediately top with a slice of mozzarella cheese, then close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.
- Toast Buns: While burgers cook, toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until they become golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Assemble Burgers: Place each cheesy burger patty onto a toasted bun. Add additional marinara sauce, fresh basil leaves, or extra mozzarella cheese if desired for enhanced flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pizza-flavored burgers hot, perfect for a delicious meal that captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza in burger form.
Notes
- Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef for a healthier option.
- Ensure burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with shredded mozzarella if preferred.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely fresh aroma and flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works just as well.
- For extra crisp buns, toast them slightly longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
