Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices pepperoni
- 4 burger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sautéed onions
- Sautéed bell peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: Gently form the ground beef into evenly sized patties, about 4 to 5 ounces each. Season both sides with salt and pepper to build flavor without pressing too hard to keep the patties juicy during cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until they reach your preferred doneness. Remove patties from heat and set aside.
- Toast the Buns: Brush the burger buns lightly with olive oil. Toast them in the same pan or on a grill until golden brown and slightly crispy to add crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Pizza Burger: Place the cooked patty on the bottom bun. Spread a generous spoonful of warm pizza sauce over the patty, then layer with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Return the assembly to the pan or under a broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Final Touches: Add any preferred extra toppings such as fresh basil, sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. Crown the burger with the top bun and serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the burger is hot.
Notes
- Use room temperature beef to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overload the patties; keep them moderately thick to cook evenly without drying out.
- Opt for fresh mozzarella for the best melt and authentic pizza flavor.
- Warm the pizza sauce slightly before spreading for better flavor melding.
- Cover the burger while melting cheese to trap heat and melt cheese perfectly without overcooking the patty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying, Grilling, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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