If you’ve ever been torn between ordering a juicy burger or a cheesy slice of pepperoni pizza, this recipe is about to make your decision a whole lot easier. Meet the Pizza Burger with Pepperoni and Mozzarella—a flavor-packed combo that brings together the best of both worlds in one gloriously melty, saucy bite. We’re talking about seasoned beef patties topped with crispy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and a generous spoonful of marinara sauce, all tucked inside a toasted bun. It’s comfort food on a whole new level.
I still remember the first time I made this for my family—it was one of those busy weeknights where everyone wanted something different. One kid wanted burgers. The other begged for pizza. So, in a moment of inspiration (or maybe just desperation), I fused the two. The result? Total dinnertime harmony and zero leftovers. Now it’s a regular request at our house, and honestly, I’m not mad about it.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, feeding your family, or just looking to shake up your burger game, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights, casual cookouts, or even game-day eats.
Let’s dive into the details and get this cheesy goodness started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Burgers:
1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Toppings:
8 slices pepperoni
4 slices mozzarella cheese or 1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
4 hamburger buns
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
STEP 1: SEASON AND SHAPE YOUR BURGER PATTIES
Start by adding the ground beef to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together with your hands (don’t overwork it—just enough to combine), then divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s about the same size as your buns.
The Italian seasoning here is what gives the burger that subtle pizza flair, and the garlic and onion powders boost the overall savory flavor. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you could even add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
STEP 2: GRILL OR PAN-SEAR YOUR BURGERS
Next, heat up your grill or a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place your patties on the surface and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on how well-done you like your burgers. Don’t press them down with your spatula—that just squeezes out all those tasty juices we want to keep inside.
While your burgers are sizzling away, go ahead and warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Keeping it warm makes it easier to spoon on later without cooling down the burger.
STEP 3: ADD THE PEPPERONI AND MELTY MOZZARELLA
During the last minute of cooking, it’s time to go full pizza mode. Add two slices of pepperoni directly onto each patty, followed by a generous slice of mozzarella cheese (or a good handful of shredded mozzarella). Cover your grill or skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt faster and get that lovely gooey texture.
This step is seriously satisfying. You’ll see the cheese bubbling just slightly and the pepperoni curling up at the edges—like it would on a real slice of pizza. It smells amazing, too.
Pizza Burger with Pepperoni and Mozzarella: The Ultimate Cheesy Mash-Up
Now that your patties are sizzling, the mozzarella is melted, and the pepperoni is just starting to crisp around the edges, you’re already halfway to burger bliss. In Part 1, we walked through seasoning the patties, grilling them to juicy perfection, and topping them with all that gooey, pizza-style goodness. But we’re not done yet.
Part 2 is where everything comes together—from toasting your buns just right to building a burger that’s as satisfying to look at as it is to eat. Plus, I’ll share a few helpful tips and fun ways to mix things up based on what you’ve got in your kitchen. Ready to wrap this up and get to the good part? Let’s finish strong!
STEP 4: TOAST THE BUNS (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)
If you’ve got a couple of extra minutes, buttering and toasting the buns will take this burger to the next level. Just spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of each bun (top and bottom), then place them cut-side down in a hot skillet or on the grill for about 1–2 minutes, or until they’re golden and crisp.
That light crunch gives the perfect contrast to the soft cheese and saucy layers inside. If you want to go the extra mile, try using garlic bread-style buns. Just brush with garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan before toasting. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
STEP 5: ASSEMBLE YOUR PIZZA BURGERS
Now for the fun part—building your burger masterpiece.
Start with the bottom half of your toasted bun. Spoon a generous amount of warm marinara sauce over it (about a tablespoon or so). Place your pepperoni-mozzarella topped burger patty right on top of the sauce. If you’re feeling extra saucy, go ahead and add another spoonful of marinara right on top of the patty.
Finish with the top half of the bun, and if you’re using any fresh herbs like basil or parsley, sprinkle a little over the top before serving. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. Plus, it makes the whole thing feel just a little fancier—even though it’s still totally comfort food.
VARIATIONS TO TRY
This burger is fantastic as-is, but it’s also super easy to customize based on what you have or what your crew prefers. Here are a few of my favorite variations:
Loaded Pizza Burger: Add sautéed mushrooms, black olives, or sliced jalapeños before the cheese for a more fully-loaded pizza vibe.
Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara or the burger patties for heat lovers.
Garlic Bread Burger: Toast the buns with garlic butter and a little grated Parmesan for a garlic bread twist.
Turkey or Chicken Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner version. Just add a bit of olive oil to the mix to keep it juicy.
Mini Sliders: Make smaller patties and serve them on slider buns for a party appetizer or game-day snack.
SIDES THAT PAIR WELL
Need something to serve alongside your pizza burgers? Here are a few ideas that keep with the casual, comfort-food vibe:
Crispy Fries or Waffle Fries
Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Onion Rings
Caesar Salad or Italian Chopped Salad
Mozzarella Sticks (because… more cheese)
You can also serve these with a small bowl of marinara on the side for dipping. Yes, just like a pizza crust—but with a burger!
Pizza Burger with Pepperoni and Mozzarella: The Ultimate Cheesy Mash-Up
We’ve seasoned and grilled the patties, melted the cheese, layered on the pepperoni, and built one of the most flavorful, satisfying burgers you’ll ever taste. But before we wrap things up, let’s take a moment to answer a few common questions about this Pizza Burger with Pepperoni and Mozzarella.
Whether you’re wondering how to make these ahead of time, or how to customize them to fit different dietary needs, I’ve got you covered below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the burger patties up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling or pan-searing.
Can I freeze these burgers?
Absolutely. Once cooked and cooled, the patties (without the cheese and sauce) can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them on the stove or grill and add the pepperoni and cheese during the last few minutes of reheating.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can definitely get creative. Provolone, fontina, or even a smoky gouda would all be delicious. Shredded or sliced both work—just make sure to melt it thoroughly.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef patty with a plant-based burger, or even a grilled portobello mushroom cap if you prefer. Keep the same seasoning mix for that Italian flavor, and just skip the pepperoni—or use a vegetarian version if available.
Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Definitely. A good jarred marinara works perfectly here. If you have a homemade version you love, feel free to use that, but store-bought keeps things quick and easy.
How do I keep the burgers from falling apart on the grill?
Make sure not to overmix the meat when forming the patties, and chill them for 10–15 minutes before grilling if you have time. This helps them hold their shape better. Also, avoid pressing down on them while cooking.
What are some fun sides or drinks to serve with this?
Classic sides like fries, onion rings, or a Caesar salad are perfect. For drinks, think fun and casual—maybe an Italian soda, root beer float, or even a red wine spritzer for the adults.
CONCLUSION: BURGER NIGHT JUST GOT A MAJOR UPGRADE
There’s something really fun about taking two classic comfort foods and combining them into something totally new—and completely delicious. These Pizza Burgers with Pepperoni and Mozzarella check every box: savory, cheesy, juicy, and loaded with flavor.
They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve at a backyard barbecue or casual get-together. And the best part? You can customize them endlessly to fit your mood or pantry.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it went! Did you make any tweaks? Add extra toppings? Serve it up with a side I haven’t thought of yet? Drop a comment below and share your version—because the best recipes are the ones we make our own.
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Pizza Burger Pepperoni Mozzarella
Description
This Pizza Burger with Pepperoni and Mozzarella is a delicious fusion of two favorites—juicy burgers and classic pepperoni pizza. With melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce stacked between a toasted bun, it’s a bold, cheesy twist on the traditional burger that delivers big flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the burgers:
1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
For the toppings:
8 slices pepperoni
4 slices mozzarella cheese or 1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
4 hamburger buns
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into 4 equal-sized patties.
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness.
While the burgers cook, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
During the last minute of cooking, place 2 slices of pepperoni and 1 slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty. Cover the pan or grill to melt the cheese.
If desired, butter the buns and toast them lightly on a skillet or grill until golden.
Assemble the burgers by spreading a spoonful of marinara sauce on the bottom bun, placing the pepperoni-mozzarella burger on top, adding more sauce if desired, and finishing with the top bun.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving if preferred.
Notes
For extra flavor, use garlic bread-style buns or add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the burgers before cooking. These pair well with fries, onion rings, or a simple Caesar salad. You can also add extras like sautéed mushrooms, olives, or jalapeños for a more loaded pizza-style experience.
