Cheesy Italian Burgers with Pizza Toppings (Print version)

Juicy Italian-seasoned burgers topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, vegetables, and toasted garlic buns.

# Ingredients:

For the patties

01 - 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
02 - 4 oz (115 g) mild Italian sausage, casing removed
03 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the buns

06 - 4 brioche or potato burger buns, split
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced

For the pizza toppings

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) thick marinara or pizza sauce, warmed
11 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
12 - 24 pepperoni slices
13 - 1/2 cup (55 g) thinly sliced mushrooms
14 - 1/3 cup (45 g) thinly sliced bell pepper
15 - 1/4 cup (30 g) thinly sliced red onion
16 - 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
17 - 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil

# Instructions:

01 - Mix the ground beef, Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper just until combined. Shape into 4 wide patties and press a shallow dent into the center of each one.
02 - Melt the butter with the garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Brush or spoon it over the cut sides of the buns, then toast the buns cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden. Transfer to plates.
03 - Add olive oil to the skillet. Cook the pepperoni, mushrooms, bell pepper, and red onion for 3-4 minutes until the pepperoni edges curl and the vegetables soften. Move to a small plate.
04 - Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and the center reaches 160°F.
05 - Spoon warm marinara over each patty. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
06 - Place each topped patty on a toasted bun. Finish with parmesan and basil, then close the burgers and serve right away with extra warm sauce if desired.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served immediately while the buns are crisp and the mozzarella is melted.
02 - Use thick pizza sauce or marinara so the burgers do not turn soggy.
03 - Cook ground beef patties to 160°F for food safety.

Back