Pepperoni Pizza Burgers are a combination bringing together the best of both worlds! Beef, sausage, mozzarella, grilled pepperoni, and zesty pizza sauce on a toasted bun make one delicious burger.
It is July. It is burger time. We are year-round grillers, but during summer we grill multiple times per week, and it is one of my favorite things about summer. Today, a few friends and I are sharing some of our favorite burger recipes with you. I am sharing one of my family's all-time favorite- my Pepperoni Pizza Burger.
This is not any run-of-the-mill burger. I use ground beef, Italian sausage, crispy GRILLED pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce filled with lots of herbs and spices. This Italian style burger is served on a toasted bun, and to not skip this step because it gives the burger a delicious crunch- just like pizza.
What do you need to make a Pepperoni Pizza Burger?
- Ground Beef
- Ground Italian Sausage
- Large Pepperoni Slices
- Mozzarella Cheese Slices
- Pizza Sauce
- Hamburger Buns- I like to get a hearty bun so it can hold all this deliciousness
- Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning
- ThermoPop Thermometer- temping your meat will allow you to get the best results when grilling. I know, I know...you "never" use a thermometer- my husband was one of these people at one point.... Become a person who temps their food because all products are not the same, and inconsistency in cooking is no good, and neither is cutting into your meat to check if it is pink. All the flavorful juices come pouring out, and typically this leads to over cooking because meat needs a chance to rest and the temperature will still slightly rise after it is remove from the heat. I swear by my ThermoPop because I love my meat grilled to perfection, and have used it for years. Plus, they are back-lite and come in a ton of fun colors!
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Frequently Asked Questions
I don't like Italian sausage- can I leave it out?
Absolutely, just sub in ground beef in place.
Why do you grill the pepperoni?
It is soooooooooooo good. You know when you order it on pizza and the side curl-up and get crispy and crunchy? This does the same thing and it is one of m favorite textures in this burger!
I don't eat beef or pork- will chicken work?
For sure! You can grill a chicken breast and use it in place of the burger, or you could even use ground chicken (or turkey). I recommend seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Can I make these in a skillet?
Yes you can! The pepperoni will be different, but you can still pan fry before cooking the burgers.
Do you use fresh mozzarella cheese ?
I opt for slices for this burger because it melts a little faster. Fresh would be delicious, but make sure that the slice isn't too thick.
I like a loaded pizza- can I add other toppings?
Um yum! Sure you can! If you want to make a supreme pizza burger I would saute the mushrooms, peppers, and onions before cooking. I would place them on top of the burger right after the pepperoni, but before the cheese.
What is a safe temp for the burgers?
Good question! If you are just using beef I like a medium burger and will remove the burger at 150°F (medium temperature), and let it rest (if you prefer a well-done burger cook the burger to 160°-165°F). If you are mixing in the sausage you want to remove the burger at 160°F and let it rest and it will be around 165°. If you are using chicken or turkey the same rules applied as they do to sausage.
Looking for more summer grilling favorites!?
Grilled BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs
Pepperoni Pizza Burger
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground mild Italian sausage
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 8 large pepperoni slices
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoon softened butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix by hand the beef, sausage, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Form the meat into 4 burger patties. Set aside.
- Pre-heat grill to medium-high heat. Using a tongs, place pepperoni on the grill. Cook for about 30-45 seconds and flip. Remove from grill and set aside.
- Butter both sides the buns. Place buns quickly on the grill to get a light toast. Be certain not to leave them on more than 20-30 seconds because they will burn. You can also toast them on a skillet or in the oven as well.
- Place burgers on the grill. Grill 4 minutes, and then flip. Wait an additional 4 minutes, and check the temperature of the burgers. The burgers should be 160°F before removing from the grill. Just before you remove the burgers add a slice of mozzarella to each burger and allow a few minutes for it to melt. Remove burgers and allow them to rest 2-3 minutes.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on the bottom bun. Follow with the burger, and then with 2 slices of grilled pepperoni. Top with additional sauce and bun. Serve and enjoy!
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This post was originally created in 2015, and updated in 2019 for reader enhancement and recipe updating.
Kylee Ayotte
That looks awesome - the gooey delicious cheese, and the marinara .... YUM!!
Wendy Klik
The Angel Face and Teen will love these burgers, not to mention me. I am the biggest pizza lover in the household.
Terri Steffes
This looks so good. I have seen so many amazing hamburgers today!
Karen
I'm a huge fan of using a thermometer both with grilling and baking. These look delicious!
Audrey
My son hates burgers, but loves pizza, which really cramps my husband and my summer cooking style. But, I bet he would try these. If not, we can take the patty off of his and Dad gets a double. 😉
Hezzi-D
OH my husband woudl love these! They sound awesome
GUNJAN C Dudani
Oh my gosh! I am drooling over the melted cheese out of that juicy burger. I am trying this for sure. My 7 year old would love this dinner because it has all her favorite ingredients.
Ramona
These looks absolutely amazing and super delicious. Lovely combination - yummmmm.
Denay DeGuzman
Oh my gosh, these pepperoni pizza burgers look fabulous! I'm loving hard on this recipe!
Jo
It's like two of the best things in the world. I'm finding it hard to decide which is my favorite part - the pepperoni pizza stuffing or the delicious burger. This is very interesting stuff.
Mahy
I love pipperoni pizza and I like burgers. There is just no way I won't enjoy this recipe - can't wait to have everything I need to try it!
Robotance
I am the guy who loves a pizza more than anyone. This Pepperoni pizza burger looks divine and I hope taste would be great. Thanks for sharing this!
Leslie
We love to try different types of burger recipes. This one definitely looks like one worth trying and looks like the whole family can enjoy!
Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng
Pizza burgers were a big favorite growing up! I really must try this!
Christie
I have GOT to find those large pepperoni slices. This looks so good! Pepperoni is my fave pizza.