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Bite into pizza burgers and you get the best of both worlds—a juicy burger hug paired with all those cheesy pizza flavors, sandwiched right into a golden brioche bun. This mashup totally hits the spot, whether you’re looking for something fast on a random Tuesday or just hanging out in the backyard wishing for pizza and a burger at once.
The first time I grilled up a batch in my yard, they disappeared in minutes and now my friends are always asking when I’ll do them again.
Flavorful Ingredients
- Provolone cheese: Melts like a dream and keeps those pizza burger toppings in check
- Green bell pepper: Classic pizza taste and a nice fresh bite
- Red onion: Pops in some tangy flavor with color
- Brioche buns: Slightly sweet and soft enough to soak up all the good stuff
- Chunky deli pepperoni: Go thick-sliced if you can for that hearty meaty flavor
- Ground chuck: The right amount of fat means patties come out juicy (not dry!)
- Ready-to-go pizza sauce: Big tomato flavor—find one with herbs if you want a punch
- Garlic paste: Quick and easy sub for peeling and chopping fresh garlic; mixes right in
- Mayo: Turns into a garlicky spread that acts like sauce but creamier
- Garlic powder, salt, pepper: Just the basics to make the meat stand out
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast the Buns and Build:
- Get the brioche buns nice and golden for crunch, spread on a scoop of that garlic mayo, drop in veggies, then stack your patty and cap it off with the top bun
- Assemble with Sauce and Cheese:
- Flip the grilled burgers, spoon on pizza sauce, add provolone, pile pepperoni on top, cover and let it all melt together for about four minutes then move them onto a wire rack
- Crisp the Pepperoni:
- Fire up a cast iron pan, toss in pepperoni slices, give them about a minute per side ‘til the edges curl and they’re crispy, let them drain so they don’t sog out your burger
- Season and Grill Patties:
- Pull patties from the fridge, shake on salt, pepper, garlic powder, then cook over high heat for around six minutes each side for that crave-able crust
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Chop peppers and red onions, throw them into a hot pan with salt and butter, let them soften and brown for about ten minutes, keep them warm nearby
- Prepare Garlic Mayo:
- Just mix mayo and garlic paste together in a little bowl and set it aside; you’ll use it for spreading later for some extra flavor punch
- Make the Patties:
- Form your ground chuck into burger rounds, chill in the fridge for at least thirty-five minutes—this helps keep their shape and lets the flavors soak in
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Letting that cheese get gooey and pepperoni crisp reminds me of my little brother begging for pizza burgers at every birthday. He always said it’s just like his favorite burger from the pizza place. When provolone melts, every forkful just melts in your mouth—so good.
Storage Tips
Stash your burger patties and toppings apart in sealed food containers and keep them in the fridge—they’ll stay tasty up to three days. Warm the patties slow on the stove or oven so the cheese gets soft again and the burgers don’t overcook.
Ingredient Swaps
No provolone? Go ahead and try mozzarella or cheddar. Beef not your thing? Ground turkey or chicken is great too, just oil your pan well since those meats can stick. For a sweeter bite, go with red or orange bell peppers if you’ve got them.
Serving Ideas
You can dish these up with crispy oven fries or a fresh green salad on the side. They’re perfect with a frosty lemonade or root beer. Drizzle with extra pizza sauce or a smear of pesto if you want to mix things up a bit.
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Cultural Context
Back in the 60s and 70s, pizza burgers were the go-to for anyone craving both diner comfort food and pizza on the same plate. It’s a little Italian American, a little burger joint—just the kind of fun classic you can make at home now.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which ground beef is best to use?
For juicy burgers, pick 80/20 ground chuck—it delivers the perfect amount of fat for grilling.
- → Are there other cheeses I can substitute?
If you’re out of provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all fantastic options that melt well.
- → Any tips to keep veggies soft and tasty?
Heat butter and cook chopped onions and peppers on high, stirring often, for 8–10 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- → Do I need to grill the pepperoni?
Grilling adds a crispy texture and stronger flavor, but you can skip it if you enjoy softer slices.
- → Can I prepare the burgers in advance?
Sure! Shape the patties ahead of time and chill them, then grill and assemble when you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness.