Old School Pizza Burgers

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 6 slices of mozzarella cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 4 hamburger buns - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) - Olive oil (for grilling) These ingredients create the base for your Old School Pizza Burgers. The ground beef brings flavor and texture, while breadcrumbs help with binding. Parmesan cheese adds a rich taste. Garlic and onion powders boost the overall flavor. Italian seasoning gives that pizza vibe. Don't forget the mozzarella cheese for that melty goodness! Marinara sauce adds a delicious layer, and fresh basil gives a nice touch. - Sliced pepperoni - Green bell peppers - Red onion slices - Crushed red pepper flakes Adding sliced pepperoni can enhance the pizza taste. Green bell peppers and red onion slices add crunch and freshness. Crushed red pepper flakes offer a spicy kick. Feel free to mix and match these extras to suit your taste. - French fries - Garlic bread - Mixed green salad - Soda or iced tea For sides, French fries and garlic bread are classic choices. They complement the juicy burgers well. A light mixed green salad adds freshness and balance. For drinks, a cold soda or iced tea will refresh you while enjoying your meal. These pairings make your pizza burger night even more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well but avoid overworking the meat. This keeps your patties tender. Next, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil. Place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip them and cook for another 3 minutes. After flipping, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty. Cover the patties to help the cheese melt for about 2 minutes. While the cheese melts, toast the hamburger buns. You can do this on the grill or in a toaster until they turn golden brown. To assemble, place the cheesy patty on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the melted cheese. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor. Finally, cap it all with the top bun. Serve these delicious pizza burgers hot and enjoy the mix of great flavors! To get the right patty texture, start with good ground beef. Use a mix that is about 80% lean. This gives you the right balance of flavor and juiciness. Mix the meat gently with the breadcrumbs and spices. Overmixing can make the patties tough. Shape each patty to about ½ inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly. To melt the cheese perfectly, add it on the patty right after you flip it. Cover the grill or skillet with a lid. This traps heat and makes the cheese melt faster. Use fresh mozzarella slices for a gooey texture. If you want a stronger flavor, try provolone or cheddar. Always preheat your grill or skillet. This helps get nice grill marks and a great sear. Brush the cooking surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip. Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. This keeps all the juices inside, making your burgers tasty and moist. Pro Tips Keep It Juicy: To maintain the juiciness of the burgers, avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. Cheese Melt Perfection: Cover the patties with a lid when adding cheese to help it melt evenly and quickly. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni or bell peppers for added flavor! Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serve extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping for a fun twist! {{image_2}} You can make a great vegetarian version of pizza burgers. Use cooked lentils or black beans in place of ground beef. Mix them with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them just like the beef version. This swap keeps the flavor while adding health benefits. While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist. For sauces, you can switch marinara for pesto or a creamy Alfredo. Each cheese and sauce combo gives a new taste to your pizza burgers. Toppings can make your pizza burgers even better. Try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor. Fresh spinach or arugula can add a nice crunch. Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add some heat. To store leftover pizza burgers, let them cool first. Place each burger in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. When you're ready to eat, reheating is key. You can use a skillet or an oven. For a skillet, heat it over medium-low heat. Place the burger in the pan and cover it. Heat for about 5 minutes or until hot. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F. Put the burgers on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the bun nice. To freeze pizza burgers, wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can store them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat using the tips above for the best flavor. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These options are leaner and still tasty. You could also try a plant-based meat substitute. This can make a great vegetarian or vegan pizza burger. You can keep pizza burgers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Yes, you can make pizza burgers in advance. Prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for a day. You can also cook them ahead of time and reheat when ready to eat. You can add pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor. Fresh spinach or arugula also works well. Experiment with your favorite pizza toppings to create your ideal burger! In this post, we explored how to make delicious pizza burgers. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips to get perfect patties. Variations like vegetarian options and extra toppings can enhance your meal. Don't forget about storing and reheating leftovers for later enjoyment. Try these pizza burgers. They are fun, tasty, and simple to make. Enjoy cooking and sharing them with your friends and family!$

A delicious combination of pizza and burger flavors, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
6 slices mozzarella cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
4 units hamburger buns
for garnish Fresh basil leaves
as needed Olive oil

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brush with olive oil.
Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip them over.
After flipping, cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and cover to melt the cheese for about 2 minutes.
While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
Assemble the burgers by placing the cheesy patty on the bottom half of each bun, spooning marinara sauce generously over the cheese.
Add fresh basil leaves on top and cap it with the top bun.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of pizza and burger flavors!

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Keyword burger, grilling, pizza