Pizza Burger Pepperoni Mozzarella

If you’ve ever had to choose between ordering a juicy burger or a cheesy slice of pizza, I’ve got some very good news for you—you don’t have to pick just one anymore. This Pizza Burger with Pepperoni and Mozzarella combines all the best parts of both comfort food classics into one glorious, melty, savory masterpiece. It’s messy in the best way, bold in flavor, and surprisingly easy to throw together any night of the week.

I remember the first time I made a version of this burger—it was a Friday night, and I had both leftover marinara and a serious craving for something indulgent. That’s how the idea was born: a beefy burger with the heart of a pepperoni pizza. Let me tell you, this thing was devoured in minutes, and now it’s part of our regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need a show-stopping weekend dinner, this is one recipe that hits all the right notes.

So, let’s dive into the juicy details and get this burger magic started.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Burger

This isn’t your average burger—it’s fully loaded with Italian-inspired goodness. Think: seasoned beef patties infused with garlic and oregano, melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a rich layer of marinara all tucked inside a buttery toasted bun. It’s hearty, cheesy, a little saucy, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors or firing up a skillet indoors, these pizza burgers come together in under 40 minutes and deliver serious crowd-pleasing energy. They’re also totally customizable. Want more cheese? Add it. Prefer provolone over mozzarella? Go for it. These are your rules, your burger, your flavor party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple with pantry staples and a few Italian-style touches:

For the patties:

• 1½ lbs ground beef

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For assembly:

• 6 burger buns

• 6 slices mozzarella cheese

• 18 slices pepperoni

• ¾ cup marinara sauce, warmed

• Butter for toasting buns

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

This recipe makes 6 seriously satisfying burgers, each one loaded with 510 delicious calories of crispy-edged beef, gooey cheese, and pepperoni pizza flavor.

STEP 1: Mix and Form the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything together—just until combined. You don’t want to overmix, or your burgers can turn out tough.

Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into patties. I like to press a little dimple into the center of each one with my thumb to help them cook evenly and stay flat on the grill.

STEP 2: Cook the Patties

Grab your favorite skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill and heat it over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness.

During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each patty and cover the pan (or close the grill lid) to let it melt into bubbly, gooey perfection. Trust me, that melty cheese moment is key to the pizza burger experience.

STEP 3: Toast the Buns

While your burgers are finishing up, heat a separate skillet or use your grill to toast the buns. Spread a bit of butter on the inside of each bun and cook them cut-side down until they’re golden brown and just slightly crispy. That buttery toast adds such a nice crunch and helps hold all that saucy, cheesy goodness in place.

Now that we’ve got our juicy, cheese-smothered patties ready and our buns perfectly golden and toasty, it’s time for the fun part—assembly! This is where all those bold pizza flavors come together with that satisfying burger texture to create something totally next-level.

What I love most about this part is how customizable it is. You can stick to the classic pepperoni-and-mozzarella combo, or play around with different toppings, sauces, or even cheeses. Want a little spice? Add some red pepper flakes or banana peppers. Prefer something a bit more gourmet? A handful of arugula or some caramelized onions wouldn’t hurt either.

But first, let’s walk through the classic assembly that’s already a flavor bomb as-is.

STEP 4: Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Start with the bottom half of your toasted bun. Spoon a generous bit of warmed marinara sauce right onto it. This is your pizza sauce layer, and it really brings the “pizza” part of this burger to life.

Next, place your cheesy burger patty right on top of the marinara. That melted mozzarella should be draping over the edges of the patty by now, which is exactly what you want.

Now for the best part—pepperoni. Add about 3 slices of pepperoni per burger, layering them directly on top of the melted cheese. They’ll get slightly warm from the heat of the patty, which helps release their oils and deepen the flavor.

If you’re a sauce-lover like me, feel free to spoon a bit more marinara over the pepperoni layer before placing the top bun on.

Finish with the top half of your toasted bun and gently press down to seal the deal.

STEP 5: Garnish and Serve

This is totally optional, but I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving. It gives a little pop of color and adds a hint of freshness that balances out all the rich, cheesy, meaty flavors going on.

Serve your pizza burgers hot, alongside crisp fries, potato chips, or even a simple Caesar salad if you want something a little lighter on the side.

Tips for the Best Pizza Burger Every Time

Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, a few smart tips can help you take it from good to totally unforgettable:

• Don’t overmix your beef mixture. Mixing just until combined keeps the patties juicy and tender.

• Make a thumbprint in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps prevent them from puffing up in the middle and ensures even cooking.

• Use a lid to melt the cheese. Whether you’re using a skillet or grill, covering your burgers for the last minute helps the cheese melt faster and more evenly.

• Toast those buns! A quick toast in butter brings in that crisp, buttery texture and helps prevent sogginess from the sauce.

• Serve immediately. These are best enjoyed right after assembling while everything is hot, gooey, and melty.

Tasty Variations to Try

Don’t be afraid to get a little creative here—this burger is super adaptable to your taste preferences or whatever you’ve got on hand:

• Swap the mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or a shredded Italian blend for a different cheese profile.

• Try sautéed mushrooms or onions under the cheese for an earthy, savory kick.

• Add a spicy twist with sliced jalapeños, banana peppers, or a drizzle of hot honey.

• Go mini and use slider buns for party-size versions of these pizza burgers—perfect for game day or gatherings.

• Bake the burgers on a sheet pan with marinara and pepperoni during the last few minutes for a “melted pizza” effect all over the top.