Pizza Burgers (A Fun Retro Family Favorite)

Pizza Burgers are the perfect combination of two family favorites—juicy burgers and cheesy pizza—all in one delicious bite.

Made with seasoned ground beef patties, melty mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and warm pizza sauce, these burgers are served on a toasted garlic butter bun for the ultimate comfort food meal.

 

I remember eating pizza burgers when I was growing up, and they were always such a treat. Back then, they were pretty simple—just a burger topped with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce on a bun.

I made them the same way for my children when they were younger, and they loved them just as much. Over the years, I’ve added a few extra touches to make them even more flavorful, but they still have that same nostalgic feel.

Now I make them for my grandchildren, and just like so many of my “retro” recipes, they always bring smiles to the table.

What Are Pizza Burgers?

Pizza burgers are a fun twist on a classic hamburger. They combine:

• Seasoned ground beef patties
• Mozzarella cheese (sometimes stuffed inside!)
• Pepperoni and pizza-style toppings
• Warm pizza sauce
• Toasted, buttery buns

When I prepared these last week, I made smaller ones (slider size) for my grandchildren, and a double stacked loaded one for my husband.  Plan on having extra napkins or washcloths around, because they get very messy.

HOW TO MAKE A LOADED PIZZA BURGER:

INGREDIENTS:
(Full list of ingredients and instructions in printable recipe card.)
No stick cooking spray
ground beef
onion, diced
green bell pepper, diced
jalapenos, diced
garlic salt
seasoned salt
parmesan cheese, shredded
slices mozzarella cheese
ciabatta buns (or brioche)
butter, softened
garlic powder
pizza sauce
pepperoni
banana peppers

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Jalapeños
• Garlic salt
• Seasoned salt
• Parmesan cheese

Mix just until combined (don’t overmix).

2. Form the Patties

• Divide into 8 equal portions
• Shape into patties sized to your buns

Place mozzarella on 4 patties, then top with remaining patties.
Seal edges well to keep the cheese inside.

3. Cook the Burgers

• Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat
• Cook about 5-7 minutes per side
• Internal temperature: 160–165°F

4. Prepare the Buns

• Mix butter and garlic powder
• Spread on buns
• Toast until golden brown

5. Add Toppings

Once burgers are cooked:

• Add a slice of mozzarella
• Top with pepperoni and banana peppers
• Add another slice of cheese and let melt

. Assemble

• Spoon pizza sauce onto bottom bun
• Add burger patty
• Add more sauce on top
• Finish with top bun

Serve immediately.

Combine ground beef, onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, garlic salt, seasoned salt, and parmesan cheese. 

Divide the mixture into 8 even sized balls. Shape and press into patties to fit the buns.

Place 1 slice of the mozzarella cheese onto 4 of the patties. Top each one with another burger patty and press edges together to seal. Lightly press the patties together.

Cook the burgers. Meanwhile, place the pizza sauce in a small pan and heat on low.

Turn the burger patties off and add 1 slice of cheese to each. Then top each with 4 slices of pepperoni, and the banana peppers. Top each with the remaining slices of cheese.

Assemble the burgers.

To make a pizza burger slider, make the beef patties smaller, to fit a slider bun.

Why You Will Love These Pizza Burgers

• First of all, they are delicious. The flavors of a burger and pizza together are just amazing.
• Nostalgia, so many of us ate these frequently as kids. Our school even served them at lunchtime. I made them for my own children many years ago.
• Great for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings.

Tips For The Best Pizza Burgers

• Form and seal the patties carefully so they don’t break apart and release the cheese before they’re cooked through.
• I use a round cutter to shape the slice of cheese that goes in the middle of the burger patties. That will help keep the cheese in the center and not leak out.
• Make sure to toast the buns, you want that crispy bite.
• Have extra napkins ready—they’re deliciously messy!

Variations

• Slider Version: Make smaller patties for kids
• Extra Loaded: Add mushrooms, olives, or sausage
• Simple Version: Skip stuffed center and just top the burger
• Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeños or spicy pepperoni

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of buns work best for these burgers?
They need a sturdy bun like ciabatta, focaccia, or garlic bread slices. Regular hamburger buns do not work well.

Can these be made ahead of time?
The pizza burgers need to be served immediately after cooking. If you want, you could prep the burger patties, with the cheese in the center, a day ahead. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Can I cook these on the grill?
You can, but be very careful when flipping them so that the cheese does not come out.

These pizza burgers are one of those meals that bring back so many memories. From childhood lunches to making them for my own children, and now for my grandchildren, they’ve always been a favorite.

I love recipes like this that feel a little special, but are still simple enough to make anytime.

Some other sandwich ideas that are a big hit with everyone are
SLOPPY JOES,   PULLED PORK SLIDERS,  and
HOT DOGS with HOMEMADE SAUCE.

This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.