Combining the best elements of pizza and burgers, pizza burgers offer a delicious and creative twist on traditional comfort foods. This dish brings together the savory, cheesy goodness of pizza with the hearty, satisfying nature of a burger. Perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a fun meal option for kids, pizza burgers are easy to prepare and customize to suit various tastes.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about pizza burgers is their versatility. You can easily tailor this recipe to accommodate dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or to simply experiment with new flavors. Here are some variations and substitutions to consider:
Pizza Burger Recipe
Ingredients
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can (10 oz) tomato soup
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon pizza or Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons butter
4 English muffins, split in half
1 tablespoon garlic salt
32 slices pepperoni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned.
Stir in the tomato soup, water, and pizza seasoning. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer.
Prepare the Muffins:
Preheat the oven to broil.
Spread butter evenly on each English muffin half.
Sprinkle with garlic salt and top each with four slices of pepperoni.
Place the muffins on a baking sheet and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
Remove the muffins from the oven and top each with about ¼ cup of the meat mixture.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
Return to the broiler for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Burgers
Monitor the Broiler: Broiling happens quickly, so keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, drain it before adding the tomato soup and seasonings to avoid a greasy result.
Pre-Cook Toppings: If adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, pre-cook them to reduce moisture and enhance flavor.
Protein Alternatives
Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef. These proteins work well with the pizza flavors and reduce the overall fat content.
Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative or create a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and beans to mimic the texture of ground beef.
Bread Choices
Buns: While English muffins provide a crispy base, you can use hamburger buns, ciabatta, or even sliced baguettes. For a lower-carb option, consider using portobello mushroom caps or large lettuce leaves.
Gluten-Free: Choose a gluten-free bread option to cater to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Cheese Variations
Different Cheeses: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer flavor.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
Sauce and Seasoning
Homemade Sauce: Instead of canned tomato soup, use a homemade tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. This allows for more control over the flavor and ingredients.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes, jalapenos, or hot sauce to the meat mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Toppings and Add-Ins
Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture or as a topping.
Pineapple: For a sweet and savory combination, add pineapple chunks either to the meat mixture or as a topping, inspired by the Hawaiian pizza.
Conclusion
Pizza burgers are a delightful and adaptable dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or experimenting with new ingredients, these pizza burgers are sure to be a hit. The ease of preparation and the endless customization options make them perfect for any meal occasion. Enjoy the fusion of two beloved comfort foods and make pizza burgers a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Pizza Burger
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp canola or vegetable oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can tomato soup 10 oz
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp pizza or Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 English muffins split in half
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 32 slices pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato soup, water, and pizza seasoning. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer.
- Preheat the oven to broil. Spread butter evenly on each English muffin half. Sprinkle with garlic salt and top each with four slices of pepperoni. Place the muffins on a baking sheet and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and top each with about ¼ cup of the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture. Return to the broiler for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
