Why choose between pizza and burgers? Juicy seasoned patties crowned with marinara, molten mozzarella, and pepperoni, tucked into toasted buns. Game night just levelled up.
Ingredients
For the burgers: 500 g ground beef; 4 burger buns; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil. For the pizza toppings: 200 g marinara or pizza sauce; 200 g shredded mozzarella; 100 g pepperoni slices; ½ green bell pepper, finely diced (optional); ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional); 1 tsp dried oregano; grated Parmesan to taste. To serve (optional): fresh basil leaves; extra pizza sauce; pickles or a green salad.
Method
Mix the ground beef gently with the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper — do not overwork it. Divide into four portions and shape patties slightly wider than the buns, as they shrink as they cook. Sear the patties in the olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (71°C / 160°F at the centre). Turn the heat to low and spoon a generous layer of marinara over each patty. Load on the mozzarella, then the pepperoni, diced pepper, and red onion if using, and finish with the oregano and a little Parmesan. Cover the pan for 1–3 minutes until the mozzarella melts into a gooey blanket — or flash the patties under the grill, watching carefully. Toast the buns until golden, set a loaded patty on each, add basil if you like, close, and serve at once with extra pizza sauce on the side.
Tips
Beef around 80/20 lean-to-fat makes the juiciest patties; gentle mixing keeps them tender; customise freely with mushrooms, olives, bacon, or jalapeños; mozzarella plus provolone gives an even richer cheese pull; toast the buns just before assembling so they stay crisp.
