Deluxe Pizza Burgers
This recipe creates a unique fusion of classic burger and pizza flavors. Ground beef is mixed with chopped pepperoni, mushrooms, and spices, formed into patties, and cooked. Each burger is then topped with a slice of green bell pepper, mozzarella cheese, and warm pizza sauce, served on a toasted bun. It's a satisfying and flavorful meal that combines two beloved comfort foods into one delicious dish.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl For combining ground meat and ingredients
- 1 Large Skillet or Grill Pan For cooking burger patties
- 1 Spatula Heat-resistant for flipping patties
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
Ingredients
Main
- 1-1/4 pounds ground round
- 4 ounces sauteed fresh mushrooms or canned mushrooms roughly chopped
- 3 ounces pepperoni roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 1/2-inch thick slices of green bell pepper
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup prepared pizza sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Roughly chop the sauteed or canned mushrooms and pepperoni.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground round with the chopped mushrooms, pepperoni, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid overworking the meat.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into 1/2-inch thick patties.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, place one 1/2-inch thick slice of green bell pepper on top of each patty.
- Immediately follow by placing a slice of mozzarella cheese over each bell pepper slice.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the cheese melts, warm the prepared pizza sauce in a small saucepan or microwave. Lightly toast the hamburger buns.
- To assemble, place a cooked pizza burger patty (with bell pepper and cheese) on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Spoon a generous amount of warm pizza sauce over the cheese, then top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
For optimal flavor and texture, consider using an 80/20 ground chuck for juicier burgers, or add a tablespoon of grated onion to the lean ground round to retain moisture. When forming patties, ensure ingredients like pepperoni and mushrooms are evenly distributed. Sear the patties over medium-high heat to develop a crust, then reduce heat to cook through. For a perfect cheese melt and tender bell pepper, cover the skillet for a minute or two after placing them on the cooked patty. Lightly toast the hamburger buns for improved texture and to prevent them from becoming soggy from the pizza sauce.