Pizza Burger Pepperoni Mozzarella

If you’ve ever had to choose between a juicy burger or a slice of pepperoni pizza and felt the internal struggle was just too real, then friend, this recipe was made for you. This Pizza Burger with Pepperoni and Mozzarella is the best of both worlds—think cheesy, saucy, pepperoni-packed pizza flavor wrapped around a thick, juicy beef patty, all tucked into a golden toasted bun. Yep, it’s exactly as indulgent and satisfying as it sounds.

This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner when you’re craving something a little extra, or for a backyard weekend cookout that’ll have everyone asking, “Wait, did you just say pizza burger?” Trust me, they’ll want the recipe.

Personally, I made this for the first time on a random Thursday night when I couldn’t decide between ordering a pie or grilling burgers. I figured—why not both? A few pantry staples, a pound of ground beef, and a little creativity later, I had created a juicy, melty masterpiece that has now earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. And honestly? The leftovers (if there are any) reheat like a dream.

So let’s dive in and build the ultimate mash-up burger that brings together the best parts of two comfort food classics!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for juiciness)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 8 oz sliced pepperoni

• 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)

• 4 tbsp pizza sauce, plus extra for serving

• 4 burger buns

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

STEP 1: Form the Perfect Patty

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The key here is not to overwork the meat. Just mix until everything’s barely combined—that way, the patties stay tender and juicy.

Once it’s all mixed, divide the meat into four equal portions. Shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick, and use your thumb to press a little indentation in the center of each one. This keeps the patties from puffing up too much during cooking and helps them cook evenly. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference!

STEP 2: Sear the Patties and Add the Pizza Layers

Heat up your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, brush the cut sides of the burger buns with olive oil so they’re ready to toast later.

Once your grill or pan is hot, place the beef patties down and let them cook for 4 minutes without moving them. That good sear on the first side really locks in flavor.

Now the fun part—flip the burgers, then immediately spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over each one. Then top with two slices of pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella (about a quarter cup per patty). Cover with a lid or tent loosely with foil so the cheese gets perfectly melty. Let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and the burger is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.

STEP 3: Toast the Buns and Build It All Up

While the patties finish cooking, toss those oiled burger buns onto the hot grill or pan, cut-side down, and toast them for 1 to 2 minutes until they’re lightly golden. A little crunch on the outside keeps the bun from getting soggy once all those amazing toppings come into play.

When the buns are ready, spread a little extra pizza sauce on both the top and bottom halves. Then it’s time to build: start with the sauced bottom bun, stack on your melty, pepperoni-topped burger, and crown it with the bun top. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve it hot.

You can even serve these up with extra pizza sauce (or some hot honey, if you’re like me and enjoy a spicy-sweet finish) on the side for dipping. It’s over the top in the best way.

Now that we’ve got our juicy, cheesy pepperoni-topped patties ready and buns perfectly toasted, let’s finish assembling these pizza burgers and talk about some easy tweaks and tricks to take them to the next level. Whether you’re making these for a small dinner at home or prepping a batch for a casual get-together, this recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

STEP 4: Assemble and Serve

Once your burger patties are cooked through and the cheese is melted just the way you like it, it’s time to bring everything together. Start by placing the bottom half of each toasted bun on a plate or platter. Spoon a little extra pizza sauce on the bottom bun if you’re all about that extra saucy goodness.

Next, gently place one of the pepperoni-mozzarella-covered patties on each bottom bun. The melted cheese should be stretchy and gooey, with the pepperoni slices slightly crisp around the edges. Finally, crown the burger with the top bun—spread with more sauce if desired—and give it a gentle press to help everything settle together.

For a little color and a fresh flavor contrast, garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil leaves. It’s totally optional, but it really elevates the look (and taste) if you’re serving to guests or just want to treat yourself.

STEP 5: Serve with Dips or Sides

One of my favorite ways to serve these pizza burgers is with a little bowl of extra pizza sauce or hot honey on the side. That way, each bite can get a dip of bold flavor, and it adds a fun twist your guests will love. A simple side salad, some baked fries, or garlic-parmesan potato wedges round out the meal nicely without overshadowing the star of the show.

Variations to Try

This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to mix it up. Here are a few delicious spins you might want to try:

• Make It Spicy: Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into your pizza sauce for a spicy kick. Jalapeño slices or spicy pepperoni can also amp things up.

• Go Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground “meat” alternative and skip the pepperoni—or use a vegetarian pepperoni substitute. The mozzarella and pizza sauce still bring plenty of flavor.

• Switch Up the Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, smoked gouda, or even a little parmesan can add a new layer of flavor.

• Crispy Pepperoni Topping: If you want that extra crunch, you can flash-fry your pepperoni slices in a dry skillet before adding them to the burger. Just 30 seconds per side gets them crispy and curled at the edges—so good.

• Make It Ahead: Hosting a party or planning a game night? Cook the patties in advance, cool completely, then store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in a skillet with a splash of water and cover with a lid to steam them hot. Add the sauce, cheese, and pepperoni during the final minutes of reheating so it all melts together perfectly.

Tips for the Best Pizza Burger Experience

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing your ground beef with seasoning, a light hand is key. Overmixing makes burgers tough.

• Indent the Patties: That thumbprint in the center of each patty helps prevent shrinkage and keeps them flat—great for layering toppings evenly.

• Use a Lid or Foil When Melting Cheese: Tenting the pan helps trap heat and melt the mozzarella faster without drying out the beef.

• Toast the Buns Just Right: A quick toast adds texture and helps prevent sogginess from the sauce. Don’t skip this step!

• Serve Immediately: These burgers are best hot off the skillet or grill. If you’re feeding a crowd, keep finished burgers warm in a 200°F oven while you work on the rest.