Quick & Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Burgers for a Fun Family Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating pepperoni pizza burgers doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just a few staples that bring bold, familiar flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy and cheesy family dinner.

For the Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef – The base of your burger. You can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option. For more about ground beef, check Wikipedia’s ground beef page.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds an herby pizza flavor directly into the patty.

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the savory notes.

• Salt and pepper to taste – Balances and enhances all other flavors.

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over the patties, mimicking the best part of any pizza. Learn more about mozzarella cheese from Wikipedia.

• 24 slices turkey pepperoni – Adds classic pizza flavor with less fat. Read about what is pepperoni and its variations here.

• ½ cup pizza sauce – Brings the signature pizza tang.

• 4 hamburger buns – A soft base that holds everything together.

• 2 tablespoons butter (optional) – For toasting buns to a golden crisp.

If you’re looking for ideas on customizing your ingredients or want to explore similar recipes, check out this collection of quick weeknight dinners for extra family-friendly inspiration.

Optional Additions & Swaps:

• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or a cheese blend for added flavor (learn more on Wikipedia’s cheese page).

• Use spicy pepperoni, plant-based patties, or gluten-free buns for dietary preferences.

• Add chopped onions, mushrooms, or olives to mimic your favorite pizza toppings.

With just these ingredients, you’re only a few steps away from enjoying cheesy, satisfying, and fun-to-make pizza burgers.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Burgers – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making pepperoni pizza burgers is quick, fun, and ideal for any skill level. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to bring this crowd-pleaser to your dinner table.

1. Season and Shape the Patties:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper.

• Mix gently—overworking the meat can make the patties tough.

• Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties.

2. Cook the Patties:

• Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat.

• Cook each patty for about 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked through (internal temp of 160°F).

• During the last minute of cooking, spoon pizza sauce over each patty and top with shredded mozzarella and 6 slices of turkey pepperoni.

• Cover the skillet with a lid or close the grill to melt the cheese fully.

3. Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended):

• While the patties cook, butter the insides of the hamburger buns.

• Toast them in a separate skillet or on the grill until golden brown.

4. Assemble the Burgers:

• Place each patty on a toasted bottom bun.

• Add extra pizza sauce if desired.

• Cover with the top bun and serve hot.

For visual ideas and variations, explore Pinterest’s collection of fun family dinner ideas. This recipe turns out just like your favorite slice—only burger-style.

Tips for Making the Best Pizza Burgers

Perfecting your pizza burger is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to make sure yours turn out juicy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor:

• Use quality ground beef – Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy patties. If you’re using leaner meat, avoid overcooking.

• Don’t overmix the meat – Light mixing keeps the patties tender and juicy.

• Cover the pan to melt cheese – A lid traps steam and helps the mozzarella melt evenly over the pepperoni.

• Toast the buns – Butter-toasting gives the burgers structure and prevents sogginess from the sauce.

• Add sauce after cooking – Applying pizza sauce too early may cause excess moisture.

Looking to switch things up? Try using homemade pizza sauce or add crushed red pepper for a kick. For more ideas like this, check out this Pinterest board for easy pizza burger recipes.

Delicious Variations to Try

Pepperoni pizza burgers are incredibly versatile. Try these mouthwatering variations to keep dinner exciting:

• Spicy Pizza Burger
  Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or spicy pepperoni for a bold flavor kick.

• Veggie Pizza Burger
  Replace the meat patty with a grilled portobello mushroom or plant-based patty. Top with peppers, onions, or spinach.

• Hawaiian Pizza Burger
  Add a slice of grilled pineapple and thin-sliced ham for sweet-savory contrast.

• BBQ Pizza Burger
  Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add red onions and cheddar cheese.

• Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Burger
  Use lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns. Serve open-faced or in a bowl for a low-carb version.

Inspired to get creative? Browse more fun burger variations for families.

What to Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Burgers

Pairing your pizza burgers with the right sides turns dinner into a complete, satisfying meal. Here are some tasty ideas:

Kid-Friendly Sides:

• Garlic fries

• Mozzarella sticks

• Onion rings

• Tater tots

Healthier Options:

• Side salad with vinaigrette

• Steamed or roasted broccoli

• Zucchini fries

• Coleslaw with Greek yogurt dressing

Fun Drinks to Match:

• Sparkling lemonade

• Iced fruit tea

• Fruit punch

Check out this collection of quick weeknight dinners to find complementary dishes and beverages that pair well with pizza burgers.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to prep your pizza burgers ahead of time? Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

• Prep patties in advance: Form the patties and store them in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking.

• Store leftovers: Place cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freeze for later: Freeze uncooked patties with parchment between them for up to 3 months.

• Reheat properly: Warm leftover patties in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add fresh sauce and cheese when reheating for best results.

These storage tips help reduce food waste and make weeknight dinners even easier.

Making It a Family Activity

Turn dinner into an interactive experience by involving the whole family in making pepperoni pizza burgers.

Ways Kids Can Help:

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese

• Layer slices of pepperoni

• Spread sauce on the patties or buns

Make it a Pizza Burger Night:

• Set up a toppings bar

• Let everyone build their own burger

• Offer sides like mozzarella sticks or fruit skewers

For themed fun, turn your kitchen into a pizzeria or play music while cooking. Explore more fun family dinner ideas to make mealtime memorable.

Nutrition Information (Optional Section)

While exact nutrition depends on ingredients used, here’s a general breakdown per pepperoni pizza burger (using turkey pepperoni and lean beef):

• Calories: ~500

• Protein: ~28g

• Fat: ~30g

• Carbohydrates: ~28g

To make it lighter:

• Use a whole wheat or lettuce bun

• Substitute part-skim mozzarella

• Go for a leaner meat blend or plant-based patty

FAQs – Answered from “People Also Ask” on Google

Are pizza burgers the same as regular burgers?
No, pizza burgers include pizza toppings like sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, giving them a different flavor profile than traditional burgers.

Can I use real pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?
Yes, traditional pepperoni can be used, though it adds more fat. Turkey pepperoni is a lighter alternative.

What kind of cheese is best for pizza burgers?
Mozzarella is the classic choice due to its meltability and flavor, but provolone or a pizza blend also works well.

Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked, then add sauce and cheese during the last few minutes.

How do I keep the burgers from getting soggy?
Toast the buns and avoid overloading with sauce. Assemble right before serving to keep them crisp.

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