Pizza Burgers
These easy pizza burgers are a nostalgic family favorite. Simple ingredients, customizable toppings, and perfect for busy weeknights or fun family dinners.
Equipment
- 1 Large (12-inch) skillet
- 1 Large baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
- 1 14 oz. jar pizza sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 oz. tomato paste
- 4 hamburger buns (split)
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- While the sauce simmers, preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Arrange the bun halves, cut-side up, on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Lightly toast the buns in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges are just starting to brown.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly onto each toasted bun half.
- Top each pizza burger with about 1 ½ teaspoon of tomato paste, spreading it slightly, then place one slice of mozzarella cheese over each.
- Return to the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Serve warm.
Notes
Serving size:
- Our suggested serving size is two pizza burgers. This recipe will make 4 servings based on this serving size.
To store:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat the meat in a skillet before assembling and baking the buns.
To reheat:
- If you have already-assembled leftovers, the best way to revive them is in the air fryer or oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5 to 6 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the bun crisp, whereas the microwave will make the bread chewy or soggy.
To freeze:
- The cooked beef mixture freezes beautifully! After completing Step 2, let the beef mixture cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Then, complete Steps 3 to 7.
- Note: Do not freeze the fully assembled burgers, as they will become mushy upon thawing.