Description
This homemade pizza burger combines the flavors of a classic pizza with the satisfying bite of a juicy burger. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for customization.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: Choosing quality meat is essential for flavor and texture. Look for ground beef with a good fat content for juiciness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs and spices adds the quintessential Italian flavor that makes pizza burgers so special.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the overall taste, giving your burgers that extra kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that elevates the flavor profile of the beef.
- 4 hamburger buns: Opt for fresh, high-quality buns that can hold up to the juicy patties and toppings.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought sauce, but either way, it’s the tangy base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Choose a good melting mozzarella for that deliciously gooey topping.
Instructions
Preparing the Patties
Start by mixing the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure to combine the ingredients thoroughly without overworking the meat, as this can lead to tough patties. Once mixed, divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
Cooking the Patties
Now it’s time to cook those patties! You can either grill them or use a skillet. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For skillet cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The goal is a nice sear with a juicy center. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; 160°F is the safe temperature for ground beef.
Assembling the Burger
Once your patties are cooked, it’s time to assemble your pizza burgers. Place each patty on a hamburger bun, then generously spoon marinara sauce over each patty. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover the sauce completely.
Melting the Cheese
To achieve that glorious, bubbly cheese finish, set your oven to broil. Place the assembled burgers on a baking sheet and broil for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close watch to prevent burning! Once ready, remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
Customizing your homemade pizza burgers is part of the fun! Here are a few suggestions:
- Adding Toppings: Consider loading your burgers with fresh toppings like sliced bell peppers, onions, or even pepperoni for an extra pizza twist.
- Alternative Meats: If you prefer, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pizza burger, homemade burger, Italian burger, comfort food