The first time I made Pizza Burgers, it was a family game night. I wanted something fun and easy that would please both the kids and the adults. I remembered a recipe that combined the best elements of pizza and burgers, and I knew it would be a hit. As the oven timer dinged and the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of melting cheese and pepperoni, everyone gathered around the table, excited for the unique creation. The result? An instant favorite that has become a regular on our family meal rotation.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, preparing a fun weeknight dinner, or just in need of a satisfying and creative meal, Pizza Burgers are the answer. This recipe is straightforward yet packed with flavor, offering a delightful twist on traditional burgers that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
1 whole medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can (10 oz) tomato soup
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon pizza or Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons butter
4 whole English muffins, split in half
1 tablespoon garlic salt
32 slices pepperoni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat the Skillet: Begin by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of canola or vegetable oil to the skillet.
Sauté the Onions: Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. This should take about 5 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. This process usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
Add the Tomato Soup: Once the beef is cooked, stir in 1 can (10 oz) of tomato soup. This will provide a rich, tomatoey base for your pizza burgers.
Incorporate the Water and Seasoning: Add 1/4 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of pizza or Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Prepare the English Muffins
Preheat the Oven: While the meat and sauce are simmering, preheat your oven to the broil setting. This will help you get a crispy, golden-brown top for your pizza burgers.
Butter the Muffins: Spread 3 tablespoons of butter evenly on the cut sides of 4 English muffins.
Season the Muffins: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of garlic salt over the buttered sides of the muffins. This adds a delicious, savory flavor that complements the pizza toppings.
Add Pepperoni: Top each muffin half with 4 slices of pepperoni. This will provide that classic pizza flavor and a bit of extra indulgence.
Broil the Muffins: Place the prepared English muffins on a cookie sheet and put them under the broiler. Broil for about 2 minutes, or until the edges of the muffins begin to brown slightly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
3. Assemble and Broil the Pizza Burgers
Top the Muffins: Once the muffins are out of the oven, spoon about 1/4 cup of the meat and sauce mixture onto each muffin half. Spread it out evenly to cover the muffin.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat mixture on each muffin half. The cheese will melt beautifully and add that gooey, delicious factor that everyone loves.
Final Broil: Return the assembled muffins to the broiler. Broil for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Again, keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Cool Slightly: Once the cheese is perfectly melted and golden, remove the cookie sheet from the oven. Let the Pizza Burgers cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to eat.
Serve: Cut each muffin half into quarters if you prefer smaller pieces, or serve them as is. These Pizza Burgers are perfect for a fun family dinner or a casual gathering.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pepperoni and use additional vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. You might also use a vegetarian meat substitute for the sauce.
Cheese Choices: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella or want to experiment, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the pizza seasoning to your taste. You can add extra herbs like basil or oregano for a more robust flavor.
Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free English muffins and ensure that the other ingredients are free from gluten.
Conclusion
Pizza Burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy two beloved foods in one delicious dish. Combining the comforting qualities of a burger with the flavors of pizza, these savory delights are sure to be a hit with everyone. The blend of gooey melted cheese, spicy pepperoni, and flavorful meat sauce over crispy English muffins creates a delightful culinary experience that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, for game night, or just as a fun weeknight treat, Pizza Burgers offer a creative twist on traditional fare. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to bring smiles all around. So gather your ingredients, fire up the broiler, and get ready to enjoy a pizza-burger hybrid that’s bound to become a favorite in your household!
