Cheesy Italian Pizza Burgers

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Enjoy a fusion of burger and pizza flavors with beef patties seasoned in Italian herbs, grilled to succulent perfection, and topped with marinara sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Personalize with your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers. All this goodness is nestled between toasty hamburger buns for a satisfying handheld meal. The key is gentle mixing of the beef for tenderness and choosing toppings to suit your cravings. Serve these hot and melty for a comforting and bold twist on classic burgers.

Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Fri, 30 May 2025 18:28:58 GMT
Three cheese pizzas on a wooden board. Save
Three cheese pizzas on a wooden board. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Cheesy Italian Pizza Burgers are a crave-worthy twist on classic burgers that combine the juicy satisfaction of beef patties with the fun of your favorite pizza toppings. If you are looking for an easy weeknight meal that makes everyone at the table smile this is it. Every bite bursts with gooey cheese rich marinara and that nostalgic pizzeria flavor.

The first time I made these was at my son’s birthday party and they disappeared in minutes. Now we bring them out for movie nights and backyard dinners alike.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: look for fresh beef with good marbling for juicy patties
  • Italian seasoning: delivers that classic herby pizza aroma choose a blend with oregano and basil for best results
  • Salt and Black pepper: brings out the savory meat flavor freshly cracked pepper is worth it
  • Marinara sauce: choose a high quality jarred sauce or make your own for that signature Italian tang
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: buy whole milk mozzarella for extra melt and richness
  • Assorted pizza toppings: pick what you love from pepperoni and olives to diced bell peppers for color and crunch
  • Hamburger buns: opt for sturdy buns that toast well and hold up to saucy toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Patty Base:
Gently mix ground beef Italian seasoning salt and black pepper in a large bowl just until everything is blended to keep the patties soft
Shaping the Patties:
Divide the beef into four equal portions shape into patties about one and a half centimeters thick taking care not to compact the meat
Cooking the Patties:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium high wait for it to get hot then add the patties cooking them three to four minutes per side so the crust forms but the center stays juicy
Toasting the Buns:
While patties cook split the buns and place cut side down in a separate pan toast until lightly golden for structure and flavor
Building the Pizza Burger:
Once the patties are almost done spoon marinara on each one cover with mozzarella and pile on your chosen pizza toppings cover the pan and let the cheese melt for two to three minutes
Serving Up:
Carefully place each cheesy topped patty onto a toasted bun and serve piping hot for the best flavor and texture
Three cheese and meat filled pizzas on a tray. Save
Three cheese and meat filled pizzas on a tray. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Mozzarella cheese is my personal favorite for its classic stretchiness and mellow profile. My daughter loves loading her burger with extra bell peppers for crunch making this dish a real family affair every time.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers wrap patties separately from buns and refrigerate up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven until warmed through. Toast the buns again for best taste.

Substituting Ingredients

Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter take. You can use provolone cheese if mozzarella is not on hand. Try marinara with roasted garlic or arrabbiata for extra zest.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad or classic French fries for a diner style meal. If you are feeling festive a side of garlic knots makes it a full Italian feast.

Bringing Pizza and Burgers Together

Combining pizza toppings with a burger base comes from classic American comfort food mashups. This kind of meal always feels playful and reminds me of summer cookouts when everyone wanted a taste of both.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the beef patties from becoming tough?

Mix the ground beef just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to denser, tougher patties, so handle the beef gently.

→ What pizza toppings work best for these burgers?

Classic options include pepperoni, sliced olives, and bell peppers, but feel free to add mushrooms or onions to match your preferences.

→ Can I prepare the patties in advance?

Yes, you can shape and refrigerate the patties ahead of time. Bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results.

→ How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?

After adding the mozzarella and toppings, cover the pan for a couple of minutes to help the cheese melt evenly over the patties.

→ Are toasted buns necessary for serving?

Toasting the buns enhances flavor and texture, helping them hold up better to juicy patties and saucy toppings.

Cheesy Italian Pizza Burgers

Juicy beef patties layered with marinara, mozzarella, and favorite pizza toppings served on toasted buns.

Prep Time
12 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Total Duration
27 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: Italian-American

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (4 burgers)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Beef Patties

01 450 g ground beef
02 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
03 Salt, to taste
04 Black pepper, to taste

→ Pizza Toppings

05 250 ml marinara sauce
06 170 g shredded mozzarella cheese
07 Assorted pizza toppings, such as pepperoni slices, sliced olives, or chopped bell peppers

→ To Serve

08 4 hamburger buns

Steps To Follow

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated, taking care not to overwork the meat.

Step 02

Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty approximately 1.5 cm thick.

Step 03

Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place patties on the pan and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through to your desired doneness.

Step 04

While the patties cook, split the hamburger buns and toast the cut sides in a separate pan over medium heat until lightly golden.

Step 05

Spoon marinara sauce over each patty, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Add selected pizza toppings. Cover the pan and allow the cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 06

Transfer the patties with toppings and melted cheese onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes and Tips

  1. Handle the beef mixture gently to ensure the patties remain tender. Personalize with your favorite pizza toppings for variety.

Required Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Knife

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (cheese).
  • Contains gluten (buns).

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 572
  • Fats: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 37 g