Pizza Burgers with Mozzarella

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Enjoy a savory fusion of classic burger and pizza flavors in every bite. Pizza burgers combine ground beef and sausage, grilled and served on toasted English muffins for a satisfying crunch. They're topped with a rich layer of zesty marinara sauce, pepperoni slices, and melty mozzarella cheese. Each mouthful offers the comforting notes of a pizza paired with the hearty satisfaction of a burger. Perfect for a casual meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner, these burgers are sure to delight fans of both beloved favorites. Garnish with fresh herbs or a side of crisp salad if desired.

Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 23:28:12 GMT
Two cheese pizza slices on a plate. Save
Two cheese pizza slices on a plate. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Pizza Burgers are the ultimate comfort meal when you crave both pizza and a juicy burger. This recipe brings together tender beef, savory sausage, and bubbling cheese over a crisp English muffin, all under a blanket of zesty marinara and classic pizza toppings. Whether it is game night or just a craving for something fun, these always deliver.

The first time I served these was at my nephew's birthday party. Not a crumb was left and now every family gathering includes a plate of these fun burgers.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: for juicy burger texture and robust flavor Look for fresh ninety percent lean beef for best results
  • Italian sausage: for rich savory undertones I prefer mild but spicy works too
  • English muffins: provide a sturdy base that holds all the toppings Toast until barely golden to avoid any sogginess
  • Marinara sauce: for classic pizza flavor Choose a brand with simple ingredients or make your own
  • Pepperoni slices: add that unmistakable pizza taste Opt for thin cut and lower sodium when possible
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: for gooey melt and mild creaminess A whole milk mozz gives better melt
  • Olive oil: for brushing on muffins Adds subtle flavor and helps with the perfect bake
  • Salt and pepper: to bring out the flavors Freshly ground is best
  • Crushed red pepper: for a little heat optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the English Muffins:
Split the muffins with a fork for nooks to catch sauces Brush each half lightly with olive oil and toast on a baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until just golden
Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet set over medium heat crumble ground beef and sausage together Let them brown fully breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon Drain any fat for a less greasy burger
Season and Sauce:
Sprinkle the cooked meat with salt and pepper Add marinara sauce right to the pan and stir Let simmer for five minutes so the meat really soaks up the flavor
Assemble the Burgers:
Spoon the saucy meat evenly over each toasted muffin half Top with pepperoni slices and scatter mozzarella cheese over all Press toppings down gently to keep them in place
Bake:
Slide the tray of loaded muffins onto the middle rack of a 400 degree oven Bake for about seven minutes just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling but not browned
Serve:
Transfer burgers to plates and sprinkle with crushed red pepper if using Serve piping hot with extra marinara for dipping if you like
A close up of a cheese and tomato pizza. Save
A close up of a cheese and tomato pizza. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Pepperoni is my favorite part because it gets just a little bit crisp at the edges from baking growing up my brothers and I would always argue who got the ones with the most pepperoni.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge These are best eaten within two days For longer keeping you can freeze the assembled but unbaked burgers and then bake them straight from frozen add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap English muffins for mini bagels or thick crusty bread Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version Skip pepperoni and add mushrooms bell peppers or olives for a vegetarian twist

Serving Suggestions

Pair pizza burgers with a simple green salad or garlic roasted vegetables Chips or fries also make a fun side dish For a party set up a topping bar with options like sliced olives onions or jalapenos

Cultural Context

Pizza burgers are a nostalgic American diner classic especially popular in the Midwest They were a staple in school cafeterias and local burger joints This homemade version lets you enjoy all those classic flavors right from your kitchen

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of beef should I use for pizza burgers?

Choose ground beef with moderate fat content for juicier burgers and enhanced flavor. Blending with sausage adds extra richness.

→ Can I substitute English muffins with another bread?

Yes, try burger buns, ciabatta rolls, or even French bread to hold your patties and toppings securely.

→ What types of cheese work well for topping?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone or a sprinkle of parmesan can add a new flavor twist.

→ How can I prevent the burgers from becoming soggy?

Lightly toast the English muffins before assembling to create a barrier against the sauce and maintain texture.

→ What are some favorite side dishes to serve?

Crispy fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with pizza burgers for a balanced meal.

Pizza Burgers Marinara Mozzarella

Juicy beef and sausage patties with marinara, pepperoni, and mozzarella on toasted English muffins.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
30 mins
Total Duration
50 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (4 burritos)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 450 g ground beef
02 1 can refried beans (approximately 425 g)
03 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 packet taco seasoning (approximately 30 g)
06 120 ml water
07 4 large flour tortillas
08 120 g shredded cheddar cheese
09 240 ml enchilada sauce
10 240 ml sour cream
11 1 medium tomato, diced
12 15 g chopped fresh cilantro
13 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Step 02

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 03

Add refried beans, taco seasoning, and water to the beef mixture. Stir well and cook until thoroughly heated and combined.

Step 04

Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave to improve flexibility for rolling.

Step 05

Spoon the beef and bean filling onto each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and roll up tightly.

Step 06

Place the filled tortillas seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 08

Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped fresh cilantro.

Notes and Tips

  1. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking and ensure even rolling.

Required Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Mixing spoon

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream.
  • Contains wheat from flour tortillas.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 650
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 32 g