Fun and Easy Open-Faced Pizza Burgers

Looking for a delicious and fun way to elevate your next family dinner, swim party, or game day gathering? These open-faced pizza burgers are the perfect solution! Combining the best of both worlds—juicy, flavorful burgers and the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza—this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. Made with a hearty blend of ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, onions, pepperoni, and mozzarella, these pizza burgers are not only mouthwatering but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a movie night or looking for a quick dinner idea, these pizza burgers are a surefire winner.

Why You’ll Love These Pizza Burgers

Pizza burgers bring together the best elements of two beloved dishes—pizza and burgers—in a way that’s satisfying and fun. Here’s why they’re sure to become a favorite:

Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a total cook time of 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Versatile: Customize the toppings to suit your family’s preferences—add extra cheese, swap out the pepperoni for your favorite toppings, or even use a different type of bread.
Crowd-Pleaser: The savory combination of ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni, all smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Entertaining: These open-faced pizza burgers are ideal for casual get-togethers, making them a great choice for pool parties, movie nights, or game day celebrations.

Now, let’s dive into how to make these delectable pizza burgers from scratch!

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering pizza burgers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef: Adds a hearty, beefy flavor to the pizza burgers.

½ lb. ground sausage (bulk or Italian): Enhances the flavor with a touch of spice.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the dish and helps sauté the vegetables.
8 ounces mushrooms (thickly sliced): Brings an earthy, umami flavor that complements the meat.

½ yellow onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the burger mixture.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.
½ teaspoon marjoram: A fragrant herb that enhances the overall flavor profile.
3 cups marinara: The tomato-based sauce that ties everything together.
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: To season and enhance the flavors.
6 English Muffins: The base for your open-faced pizza burgers, providing a crunchy texture.
2 ounces pepperoni (diced): Adds a classic pizza flavor with a hint of spice.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey topping that makes these burgers irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and ground sausage over medium-high heat. As the meat begins to cook, add the butter, mushrooms, and onion to the skillet. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned, the mushrooms are tender, and the onions have softened.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Marjoram

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and marjoram to the skillet, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. This step allows the garlic to release its full flavor without burning. Next, stir in the marinara sauce and season the mixture with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 7-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Toast the English Muffins

While the meat mixture is simmering, prepare the English muffins. Split each muffin in half and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Toast the muffins under the broiler until they are golden and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Once the muffins are toasted, it’s time to assemble your pizza burgers. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the toasted muffins, spooning it over the top. Next, sprinkle the diced pepperoni over the meat, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Broil Until Cheese is Melted

Place the assembled pizza burgers under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the pizza burgers from the oven. Serve them hot, and watch as they disappear in no time!

Tips for Perfect Pizza Burgers

To ensure your pizza burgers turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Use Pizza Sauce: If you prefer a thicker, more traditional pizza flavor, substitute pizza sauce for marinara. Simmer it for a few minutes to thicken it up and intensify the flavors.
Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding sliced olives, bell peppers, or jalapeños for a bit of extra flavor.
Toast the Muffins: Toasting the English muffins before adding the meat mixture helps prevent them from becoming soggy. If you don’t have English muffins, you can use hamburger buns—just be sure to toast them first.
Safety First: When using the broiler, always line your baking sheet with aluminum foil rather than parchment paper, as parchment paper can catch fire under high heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pizza Burger?

A pizza burger is a delicious fusion of two classic dishes: pizza and burgers. It typically consists of a ground meat mixture (like beef or sausage) cooked with pizza sauce and toppings, then served on a bread base like an English muffin or hamburger bun, and topped with melted cheese.

Can I Use Different Meat for Pizza Burgers?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and sausage with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.

Can I Make Pizza Burgers Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture, toast the muffins, and assemble the pizza burgers as directed.

How Can I Make Pizza Burgers Healthier?

To make a lighter version of pizza burgers, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage. You can also opt for whole wheat English muffins and reduce the amount of cheese used.

Can I Freeze Pizza Burgers?

While it’s best to enjoy pizza burgers fresh, you can freeze the cooked meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, and assemble as usual.

What Sides Go Well with Pizza Burgers?

Pizza burgers pair well with a variety of sides such as a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even classic French fries. For a healthier option, consider serving them with a side of steamed broccoli or a quinoa salad.

By following this recipe and these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious, fun, and easy open-faced pizza burgers that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures, and feel free to experiment with your own variations to make this recipe truly your own!