Think of this recipe as your favorite Friday night pizza and your favorite Saturday afternoon burger having a delicious party right on your plate. We start with juicy, seasoned ground beef patties, cook them up until they’re perfectly charred, and then smother them in a simple, flavorful marinara sauce and a blanket of melted, stretchy mozzarella cheese. It’s the heartiness of a great beef dinner with all the Italian-inspired flavors we know and love, served up on a toasted bun. It’s a fun, easy, and incredibly satisfying mash-up that delivers on bold flavor every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza-Style Burgers Recipe
Who doesn’t love the gooey, cheesy, saucy goodness of a great pizza? And who doesn’t love a juicy, perfectly grilled burger? I’m telling you, when you combine these two classic comfort foods into one amazing Pizza-Style Burger, it’s a total game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine. These burgers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that come together in under 30 minutes, meaning you get all that flavor without spending your whole evening in the kitchen. Honestly, they might just become your new favorite hamburger recipe. So good.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend): For the best juicy, flavorful burgers.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: To enhance all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a little background heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that essential savory, pizza-parlor note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings in classic Italian seasoning.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought jar for ease.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: For that iconic, melty cheese pull.
- 4 burger buns, preferably brioche: Their slight sweetness pairs perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For brushing the grill and toasting the buns.
- Optional for serving: fresh basil leaves, pepperoni slices (or a turkey alternative), red pepper flakes.
Step-By-Step Method
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, pressing a slight dimple into the center of each one with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
- Preheat your grill, grill pan, or a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grates or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the burger patties on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, without moving them, until you see a good sear.
- Flip the burgers and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness. In the last minute of cooking, top each burger with a slice of mozzarella, cover the grill or pan with a lid (or a metal bowl if using a skillet) to help the cheese melt beautifully.
- While the cheese is melting, lightly brush the cut sides of your burger buns with a little olive oil and toast them on the grill for about 30-60 seconds until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
- To assemble, place a cheesy burger patty on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon a generous amount of warmed marinara sauce over the cheese, add your favorite toppings like fresh basil, and crown it with the top bun. Serve immediately.
Key Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to make these grilled burger recipes a success. A reliable grill (charcoal or gas) or a heavy-duty grill pan will give you those beautiful, crave-worthy sear marks. A good pair of long-handled tongs is essential for flipping. If you’re melting the cheese on a grill, having a lid or a large metal bowl to trap the heat is a pro move. And of course, a trusty spatula for serving.
Flavor Twists for Your Burgers
Feel like mixing it up? This recipe is so easy to customize. For a “supreme” style burger, sauté some sliced mushrooms and bell peppers to pile on top. If you’re missing that pepperoni kick, try a few slices of chopped smoked turkey summer sausage—it gives a similar smoky flavor without the pork. Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes directly into the meat mixture or sprinkle them on top of the marinara. For a fresh, herby punch, mix a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil into your ground beef before forming the patties.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These burgers are a complete meal all on their own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a real feast. A crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Garlic Parmesan fries or a handful of crispy potato chips are always a win. For a lighter option, some quick-pickled cucumber slices or roasted zucchini spears are delicious. And honestly, you can’t go wrong with a classic pasta salad on the side—it leans right into the Italian theme!
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you somehow have any leftovers, let the cooked burgers cool completely before storing. Keep the patties separate from the buns and sauce. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, or for about 45-60 seconds in the microwave. I highly recommend toasting a fresh bun for the best results. These burgers can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each cooked, cooled patty individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Doneness Test for Perfect Burgers
The best way to know if your burger is cooked to your liking is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F. For medium, which is what I recommend for the best juicy texture, you’re looking for 140-145°F. For medium-well, 150-155°F. And remember, the burgers will continue to cook a little (what we call carryover cooking) once you take them off the heat, so pull them off about 5 degrees before they hit your target temp. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can make a small cut to peek inside, but a thermometer is the surest way to nail it every time.
FAQs About Pizza-Style Burgers
- Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time for a party?
A: Absolutely! You can shape the patties a day in advance. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper on a plate, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This is one of those easy beef recipes that’s perfect for entertaining. - Q: What’s the best beef to use for grilled burger recipes?
A: For the juiciest, most flavorful results, an 80/20 blend (that’s 80% meat, 20% fat) is your best bet. The fat renders as it cooks, keeping your Pizza-Style Burgers incredibly moist and preventing them from drying out on the grill. - Q: My cheese never seems to melt right. Any tips?
A: The key is to cover the burgers for the last minute of cooking. This traps the heat and creates a little steam (like a mini-oven) that melts the cheese so, so perfectly. If you’re using a block of fresh mozzarella, slicing it a bit thinner will help it melt faster.