If you’re craving a slice of pizza but would rather have something more meaty, you’ll love these loaded pizza burgers. They are basically a combination of Friday night takeout pizza and a backyard BBQ. You get all the gooey melted cheese, pizza sauce, and juicy beef in every single bite.
I started making these loaded pizza burgers on busy weeknights for my family because we couldn’t decide whether to order takeout or go to the grill. Not only do they take very little time to prepare, but they also cook in minutes in a skillet or on the grill. And you don’t have to wait an hour for the pizza delivery person to arrive.
These loaded pizza burgers are so customizable, which is especially great if you have picky eaters. You can make a simple topping station for your loved ones to create their own delicious creation. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist making them again.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect when you want a delicious dinner but don’t want to spend all day making homemade bread. The whole thing cooks in one pan, so your counter space stays clear of flour. The juicy beef patty, cheesy mozzarella, and toasted garlic buns make this recipe so tasty.
My family loves this dish because it is like going to a pizzeria without all the work. The stretchy mozzarella and beefy burger combine to give you a filling meal without complaining about having another “boring” weeknight dinner. Every plate gets eaten.
What You Need
For these loaded pizza burgers, you’ll need ground beef, Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, pizza sauce, and hamburger buns.
Ground Beef
An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal here because it will keep your burgers nice and juicy. You simply stir in your spices and don’t handle the meat too much so it remains tender. For a leaner alternative, ground turkey will work great, but you may want to add some extra olive oil to prevent the burgers from becoming dry.
Pizza Sauce
The key to getting that nostalgic, pizzeria flavor in these patties is using a thick, quality pizza sauce. You’ll want to spoon it directly onto the cooked patties as they sit in the pan to warm. No pizza sauce on hand? Reduce some marinara sauce on the stove until thick and jammy.
Mozzarella Cheese
To get the ultimate cheesy cheese pull, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese or thick slices from the deli counter. Let the cheese melt all the way over the patties for a few minutes before putting them on buns. If you like a little bit more bite, try swapping in a thick slice of provolone cheese. It also melts wonderfully.
How to Make Loaded Pizza Burgers
Take your favorite large skillet and start making these burgers.
Mix the Meat
In a large bowl, add your ground beef along with a handful of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Gently mix it up by hand and form four burgers. Press a dimple into the center of each one so they don’t puff up when cooking.
Cook the Patties
Place the burgers in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes on the first side until nicely browned and crusty.
Flip and Top
Flip the burgers and top each with a spoonful of your favorite pizza sauce. Add a layer of pepperoni and a heap of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Melt the Cheese
Top your skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the burgers to finish cooking for another 3-4 minutes. The lid traps in steam to melt the cheese as the burgers come to a medium-well doneness.
Toast and Serve
Toast your hamburger buns under the broiler for a minute or two until lightly browned. Then, place the patties on the buns and eat them while hot!
My Top Recipe Tips
To ensure your burger comes out juicy and tender, handle it gently when forming and mixing. Packing your patties tightly or overmixing the spices will result in a tough, chewy burger rather than a tender one.
Make sure you create a small indentation in the center of your raw patties before they go in the pan. Because the burger will shrink as it cooks, the dent will close up, making your burger nice and flat rather than round and meatball-y.
Toasting the buns is non-negotiable here since you’re smothering your burger in sauce, and the buns would otherwise turn to soggy mess. Brush the buns with garlic butter before toasting for a truly authentic pizzeria experience.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Buns can be stored separately.
- Freeze: Cooked, un-sauced meat patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in foil.
- Reheat: Gently warm the patties in the microwave or hot skillet. Top with sauce and cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Crispy, parmesan-dusted french fries
- Fresh Caesar salad with homemade croutons
- Buttery garlic knots with fresh parsley
- Garlic salted zucchini spears
Loaded Pizza Burgers
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef I recommend 80/20 mix
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 4 hamburger buns toasted, sturdy
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Gently form into 4 equal-sized patties, and press a slight dent into the middle of each patty with your thumb.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4 minutes on the first side.
- Flip patties and immediately top each with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the burgers are cooked through.
- Place the hot, cheesy burgers on toasted buns and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Simply cook the seasoned patties at 375°F for 10 minutes, adding sauce and cheese in the last 2 minutes.
What other toppings can I add?
This is your chance to get creative. Think about toppings you would put on a regular pizza. Sautéed mushrooms, black olives, and green bell peppers (thinly sliced) are great options to stack under the cheese.
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