Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni

My teenage son came home from school one day absolutely raving about this Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni his friend’s mom had made.

The way he described it – all that melty cheese, crispy pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce on a perfectly seasoned burger patty – I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen.

After a few tries and plenty of taste testing, I finally nailed the perfect balance of flavors that makes this dish such a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Made This Pizza Burger with Pepperoni

This recipe hits all the right notes for busy weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike.

You get that satisfying burger experience combined with everyone’s favorite pizza flavors – it’s comfort food at its finest.

The patties stay incredibly juicy while developing those crispy edges we all crave, and the combination of oregano, garlic, and parmesan in the meat mixture creates such a wonderful Italian-inspired base.

Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which is perfect when you’re feeding hungry teenagers or hosting friends.

More Goodness from My Kitchen

If you’re loving this fusion approach to comfort food, you’ll want to try my Easy Hatch Chile Relleno Grilled Cheese – it’s another one of those brilliant combinations that just works.

The smoky heat of the chiles paired with creamy melted cheese creates pure magic between two slices of bread.

What You’ll Need to Make This Pizza Burger with Pepperoni

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

For the Toppings:

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 3 oz pepperoni slices
• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns work wonderfully)
• 2 cups fresh lettuce leaves
• 1/4 cup garlic aioli or mayo mixed with minced garlic
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

The key to a great Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni is using quality ingredients – don’t skimp on the Parmesan or the mozzarella.

I always buy my pepperoni from the deli counter when possible, as it has better flavor and texture than pre-packaged varieties.

Here’s How I Make This Pizza Burger with Pepperoni

Step 1: Start by mixing your pizza sauce with Italian seasoning in a small pot. Let it simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes while you prepare everything else – this concentrates the flavors beautifully.

Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix – you want the patties to stay tender. Form the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into balls.

Step 3: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot. Place your beef balls in the pan and immediately press them down with a spatula to create thin patties. This Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni technique gives you those wonderfully crispy edges.

Step 4: Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes until you see a golden crust forming on the bottom. Flip them carefully, then immediately top each patty with a spoonful of your seasoned pizza sauce, a slice of mozzarella, and 3-4 pepperoni slices.

Step 5: Add a tablespoon of water to the pan and quickly cover with a lid to create steam – this helps the cheese melt perfectly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the pepperoni starts to crisp around the edges.

Step 6: Toast your buns lightly, spread them with garlic aioli, add fresh lettuce, and top with your Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni patties. Finish with fresh basil leaves for that authentic Italian touch.

My Kitchen Secrets for Getting Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni Just Right

The secret to perfect Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni is all in the timing and temperature.

Make sure your pan is properly heated before adding the patties – you should hear that satisfying sizzle when the meat hits the surface.

Don’t press down on the patties after the initial smash, as this pushes out all those wonderful juices.

Also, I always warm my pizza sauce first because cold sauce on a hot burger just doesn’t feel right. Trust me on this one!

Can I make this Pizza Burger ahead of time?

You can form the patties a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

The Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni is definitely best served fresh and hot, though!

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What’s the best cheese to use?

Fresh mozzarella gives you that gorgeous cheese pull we all love, but you can absolutely use regular mozzarella if that’s what you have.

Some folks like to mix in a little provolone for extra flavor depth.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well, though I’d recommend adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture since turkey is leaner.

The Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni will still be wonderful.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a covered pan with a splash of water to keep them moist.

Want more cozy, family-friendly recipes like this Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni? I’d love to have you follow along on Pinterest where I share all my latest kitchen adventures and comfort food creations

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How I Love to Share Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni

This recipe is perfect for those casual Saturday nights when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I often make these when we’re having friends over to watch the game – they’re easy to eat and always get people talking.

The Classic Pizza Burger with Pepperoni also makes fantastic summer grilling food if you want to take the party outside.

Just cook them on a hot grill instead of in a pan, and you’ll get that wonderful smoky flavor too.