Pizza Burgers

Pizza Burgers are the ultimate fusion of two beloved dishes—burgers and pizza! Juicy ground beef and sausage, combined with flavorful marinara, mushrooms, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella, create a delicious and satisfying meal. These fun and easy-to-make burgers are served on toasted English muffins for a crunchy, savory twist. Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or a game-day treat, these Pizza Burgers will quickly become a family favorite.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground beef: Provides the meaty base for the burger, giving it a rich, savory flavor.
• 1/2 lb ground sausage (bulk or Italian): Adds extra flavor with spices and seasoning, creating a delicious blend with the ground beef.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Enhances the richness of the dish and helps cook the mushrooms and onions.
• 8 ounces mushrooms, thickly sliced: Adds texture and a savory, umami flavor to the burgers.
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and a hint of sharpness, balancing the richness of the meat.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic garlic flavor, perfect for both burgers and pizza.
• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram: A subtle herb that complements the other flavors, adding depth to the sauce.
• 3 cups marinara sauce: The pizza element of the dish, adding that familiar tomato flavor.
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Seasoning that enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 6 English muffins: The crispy base for the pizza burgers, toasted to golden perfection.
• 2 ounces pepperoni, diced: Adds a spicy, tangy flavor to the burgers, perfect for pizza lovers.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the meat, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and ground sausage. When it’s about halfway through browning, add the butter, mushrooms, and chopped onions. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned, the mushrooms are tender, and the onions are soft.

Step 2:

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the minced garlic and marjoram, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3:

Pour in the marinara sauce and season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 7-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4:

While the sauce is simmering, preheat the broiler. Split the English muffins and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the muffins under the broiler until they are golden brown.

Step 5:

Divide the meat mixture evenly over the toasted English muffin halves. Top each one with diced pepperoni and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the tops.

Step 6:

Place the assembled pizza burgers back under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Pizza Burgers are best served fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is melted and the English muffins are crispy.
• If you have leftovers, store the pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispness and melt the cheese again.
• For an extra flavor boost, serve with marinara or garlic dipping sauce on the side. You can also add a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables as a side dish.

Helpful Notes

• If you want to make this dish spicier, you can substitute hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add olives, bell peppers, or even jalapeños to give your pizza burgers more personality.
• For a low-carb option, skip the English muffins and serve the meat mixture over roasted vegetables or lettuce wraps.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Bobby Flay: “When making pizza burgers, always toast the bread first. It gives a nice crunch and helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.”
• Chef Giada De Laurentiis: “Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the marinara sauce for an added burst of flavor.”
• Chef Rachael Ray: “For an extra cheesy finish, use a blend of mozzarella and provolone to create a gooey, irresistible topping.”