How to Make Juicy Pizza Burgers with Cheese and Pepperoni (Print version)
Juicy beef burgers topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and basil on toasted buns.
# Ingredients:
For the burgers
01 -
1 1/4 lb (565 g) 80/20 ground beef, cold
02 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 -
1 tablespoon olive oil, for the skillet if needed
For the toppings
06 -
3/4 cup (180 ml) thick pizza sauce, warmed
07 -
1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
08 -
4 oz (115 g) pepperoni slices
09 -
1/4 cup (25 g) grated parmesan
10 -
8-10 fresh basil leaves
For the buns
11 -
4 brioche or potato burger buns, split
12 -
2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
13 -
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
# Instructions:
01 -
Divide the cold beef into 4 loose portions. Shape each into a patty slightly wider than the bun and press a shallow dimple in the center. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
02 -
Mix the melted butter with the grated garlic. Brush the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a large skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until golden. Set aside.
03 -
Add the pepperoni to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, turning once, until the edges curl and crisp. Transfer to a plate and leave the flavorful drippings in the pan.
04 -
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add olive oil only if the pan looks dry. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and the centers reach 160 degrees F.
05 -
Spoon warm pizza sauce over each patty and top with mozzarella. Cover the skillet for 45-90 seconds, until the cheese melts.
06 -
Place each cheesy patty on a toasted bun. Top with crisp pepperoni, parmesan, and basil. Add the top buns and serve right away.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest texture.
02 -
Warm the pizza sauce before adding it to the patties.
03 -
Cook ground beef burgers to 160 degrees F.