These are a favorite in our family! Incredibly simple, adored by my children, and just enjoyable to prepare. Perfect for meal prepping as well!
My Grandma Knew.
A toasted English muffin smeared with garlic butter, piled high with flavorful meat sauce and gooey cheese? Oh WOW, these are fantastic.
I’m currently really keen on these, which makes me giggle a bit because it feels like a quintessential 90s Midwestern mom thing. SO HERE FOR IT!
“Pizza burgers” have been a staple of my childhood. My grandma was always making these, and whenever she visited, she would replenish our freezer supply.
This recipe is like a fusion between my grandma and me: she always made them on English muffins, and I like to use ground Italian sausage (or turkey, or chicken), coupled with brushing everything with garlic butter.
They are just my go-to for the end-of-school-year craziness right now:
- They’re RIDICULOUSLY EASY.
- My kids are big fans.
- Fun toppings can be added (my favorite = pepperoncini).
- And, importantly: they can be removed from the freezer and reheated one at a time – perfect for those moments when we are rushing out the door to soccer or need a quick meal between work meetings while questioning every life decision that led us here.
While composing this post, I literally just consumed two of them for lunch. Oh wow, so delicious.
They came out of the freezer. Air-fried for 8 minutes. Drizzled with some nice olive oil (SO GOOD) and topped with a sprinkle of kosher salt, served next to a tower of incredibly crunchy cucumbers. It was a moment!
Hope you enjoy these! From my Midwestern grandma, to me, to all of us. 🙂
How To Prepare Pizza Burgers
Prepare Your Filling
You have choices. My grandma always used ground beef, but I’m a fan of Italian sausage or well-seasoned ground turkey!
Apply Garlic Butter
This is undeniably a great flavor choice.
Dress the English Muffins
A spoonful of sauce, pepperoncini slices if you’re like me, and a light sprinkle of cheese.
Air Fry
You can air fry these beauties from fresh OR frozen! Deliciously crispy and golden brown.
You’re All Set! Yum!
Tip: sprinkle with extra Italian seasoning, a dollop of pesto, or perhaps a drizzle of quality olive oil. Seriously. I MEAN.
Pizza Burgers
Total Time:
20 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
These pizza burgers are a household favorite! Incredibly simple, admired by my kids, and just enjoyable to prepare. Excellent for meal planning, too!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat Filling
English Muffins and Toppings
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat oil in a large skillet. Brown the meat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix in the tomato sauce; stir to combine. Remove from heat and fold in the cheese.
- Prepare the English Muffins: Combine the melted butter and garlic. Position English muffins face-up on a sheet pan. Brush with the garlic butter blend.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Place a few spoonfuls of the meat mixture atop the English muffins. Top each with shredded Mozzarella, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
- For immediate cooking: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 for 5-7 minutes, then broil as needed to melt and brown the cheese. Alternatively, air fry at 350 for 4-5 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy.
- For freezing: Position individual pizza burgers on a plate or small baking sheet lined with parchment and place it in the freezer. Once solid, transfer them to a bag or container. To reheat, I prefer air frying at 350 for 6-8 minutes to warm them up and achieve crispiness.
Notes
If you’re opting for Italian sausage, it’s already quite flavorful, so there’s no need to season the meat as heavily as indicated here. However, if using ground turkey or chicken, I recommend adhering to the seasoning amounts in the recipe (and/or taste and adjust so that the meat absorbs plenty of flavor).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian American
Keywords: pizza burgers, simple dinner, air fryer meal
More Family-Favorite Dinners
**A Blend of Pizza and Burgers: The Ultimate Pizza Burger Experience**
In the continuously evolving landscape of culinary arts, the blend of various cuisines has led to the emergence of some of the most thrilling and delicious dishes. Among these groundbreaking creations is the pizza burger, a delightful fusion that merges the savory allure of pizza with the satisfying heartiness of a burger. This ultimate pizza burger experience symbolizes the boundless potential of food fusion, presenting a unique flavor adventure that is bound to please food lovers everywhere.
**Understanding the Pizza Burger**
The pizza burger is a culinary wonder that fuses core elements of a traditional burger with the cherished flavors of pizza. At its heart, this fusion dish consists of a juicy burger patty nestled between two slices of pizza, often substituting for the classic burger bun. The pizza slices are usually adorned with traditional toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, crafting a harmonious blend of tastes that captivates the palate.
**Creating the Ultimate Pizza Burger**
Turning out the perfect pizza burger requires meticulous attention to detail and a harmonious blend of flavors. Here are some essential factors to consider when devising this delectable dish:
1. **The Burger Patty**: The foundation of any exceptional burger is its patty. For a pizza burger, a premium beef patty seasoned with Italian herbs such as oregano and basil can enhance the overall flavor experience. Alternatively, chicken or vegetarian patties can be used for those looking for a fresh twist.
2. **The Pizza Base**: Rather than a conventional bun, the pizza burger employs pizza slices as its base. These slices can be topped with various ingredients, but a classic Margherita or pepperoni pizza usually works best. The pizza should be cooked just right, boasting a crispy crust capable of supporting the burger patty’s weight.
3. **Cheese and Toppings**: Cheese is an indispensable part of both pizzas and burgers. A generous helping of mozzarella or a mix of Italian cheeses can be melted over the patty, generating a gooey, irresistible consistency. Additional toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers can be included to elevate the flavor.
4. **Sauces and Condiments**: To unify the pizza burger, a splash of marinara sauce or a touch of pesto can be drizzled on top. These sauces enhance the pizza flavors while adding moisture and richness to the burger.
**The Joy of Savoring a Pizza Burger**
The pizza burger experience epitomizes indulgence and satisfaction. With every bite, the flavors of the pizza and burger meld seamlessly, creating a taste harmony that feels both familiar and novel. The crispy pizza crust contrasts beautifully with the juicy patty, while the melted cheese and savory toppings add layers of flavor complexity.
This fusion delicacy is ideal for those who enjoy both pizza and burgers but seek something fresh and exciting. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for casual gatherings, food festivals, or as a special treat at home. The pizza burger stands as a tribute to the inventiveness and creativity of contemporary cuisine, delivering an exquisite experience that celebrates two adored foods.
**Final Thoughts**
The ultimate pizza burger experience presents a culinary journey that highlights the artistry of food fusion. By combining the recognizable components of both pizza and burgers, this dish offers a distinct and fulfilling flavor experience. Whether relished as a gourmet indulgence or a fun twist on classic fare, the pizza burger epitomizes the limitless possibilities of culinary innovation. So, the next time you yearn for something exceptional, contemplate indulging in the delightful blend of a pizza burger.
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