These are a favorite in our household! Incredibly easy to prepare, my kids adore them, and making them is a blast. Perfect for meal prep as well!
My Grandma Knew.
An English muffin toasted with garlic butter, layered with a delicious meat sauce and gooey cheese? Oh WOW these are amazing.
Right now, I’m completely hooked on these, which makes me chuckle a bit, since it feels like a quintessential 90s Midwestern mom moment. TOTALLY ON BOARD!
“Pizza burgers” were a mainstay of my childhood. My grandma would whip these up constantly, and whenever she visited, she’d restock our freezer supply.
This recipe feels like a collaboration between my grandma and me: she always made them on English muffins, while I lean towards using ground Italian sausage (or turkey, or chicken), enhanced with a garlic butter glaze.
They’re simply my favorite during the chaotic end-of-school-year rush right now:
- They’re ABSOLUTELY SIMPLE.
- My kids enjoy them.
- You can mix in exciting toppings (my top choice = pepperoncini).
- And, importantly: they can be taken from the freezer and reheated one at a time – perfect for those moments when we need to dash out the door for soccer or grab a quick bite amidst work meetings while reflecting on every choice that brought us here.
While I was drafting this post, I genuinely just devoured two of these for lunch. Oh man, they’re that good.
Taken from the freezer. Air-fried for 8 minutes. Drizzled with high-quality olive oil (DELICIOUS) and sprinkled with kosher salt, served alongside an exquisite heap of crunchy cucumbers. It was a moment to cherish!
Hope you enjoy these! From my Midwestern grandma, to me, to all of us. 🙂
How To Make Pizza Burgers
Prepare Your Filling
You’ve got choices. My grandma typically used ground beef, but I lean towards Italian sausage or well-seasoned ground turkey!
Brush with Garlic Butter
This is undoubtedly a fantastic flavor move.
Top the English Muffins
A spoonful of sauce, pepperoncini slices if you’re like me, and a sprinkle of cheese.
Air Fry
You can air fry these either fresh OR frozen! They come out wonderfully crisp and golden brown.
You’re All Set! Yum!
Suggestion: top with more Italian herbs, or a dollop of pesto, maybe a splash of quality olive oil. I mean. JUST IMAGINE.
How To Make Pizza Burgers (Video)
Pizza Burgers
Total Time:
20 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
These pizza burgers are a household favorite! Incredibly easy to create, adored by my kids, and simply enjoyable to prepare. Excellent for meal prepping as well!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat Filling
English Muffins and Toppings
Instructions
- Create the filling: Heat oil in a big skillet. Brown the meat. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir in the tomato sauce; mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and add in the cheese.
- Prepare the English Muffins: Combine the melted butter and garlic. Lay English muffins face-up on a baking sheet. Brush with the garlic butter blend.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Place several spoonfuls of the meat blend on the English muffins. Top each one with shredded Mozzarella and a dash of grated Parmesan.
- For immediate cooking: Set on a baking tray and bake at 350 for 5-7 minutes, then broil as necessary to melt and brown the cheese. Alternatively, air fry at 350 for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- For freezing: Set individual pizza burgers on a dish or small baking tray lined with parchment and place in the freezer. Once solid, transfer them into a bag or container. For reheating, I prefer to air fry at 350 for 6-8 minutes to make them warm and crispy.
Notes
If you’re opting for Italian sausage, it’s typically quite flavorful, so you won’t need to season the meat as directed here. However, if you go for ground turkey or chicken, I would recommend using the seasoning amounts stated in the recipe (and/or adjust to ensure the meat is full 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
Title: The Fusion Delight: Burgers with Pizza Toppings
Introduction
In the culinary realm, creativity keeps taste buds intrigued and diners returning for more. One innovation that has made waves in the food landscape is the combination of two cherished comfort foods: burgers and pizza. This delightful blend presents the finest aspects of both worlds, crafting a delicious experience that fulfills cravings for both a juicy burger and cheesy pizza. Let’s explore the world of burgers adorned with pizza toppings and discover what renders this fusion so appealing.
The Concept
The notion of burgers with pizza toppings is straightforward yet brilliant. It entails taking a traditional burger patty and enhancing it with the rich, savory notes usually associated with pizza. This includes ingredients like mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and more. The outcome is a burger that not only provides the hearty satisfaction of a classic burger but also the zesty, cheesy delight of a pizza.
Popular Variations
1. **Pepperoni Pizza Burger**: This variant showcases a beef patty topped with marinara sauce, slices of pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a classic combo that packs the zesty punch of pepperoni with each bite.
2. **Margherita Burger**: Inspired by the renowned Margherita pizza, this burger features fresh basil leaves, slices of tomato, and mozzarella cheese atop a juicy beef or chicken patty. A drizzle of balsamic reduction introduces a hint of sweetness to complement the flavors.
3. **Supreme Pizza Burger**: For those who enjoy a fully loaded pizza, the Supreme Pizza Burger is ideal. It includes toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, and Italian sausage, all heaped on a beef patty with marinara sauce and cheese.
4. **BBQ Chicken Pizza Burger**: This iteration replaces the ordinary beef patty with a grilled chicken breast, adorned with barbecue sauce, red onions, and cheddar cheese. It adds a smoky, tangy spin to the pizza burger theme.
5. **Veggie Pizza Burger**: Catering to vegetarians, this burger presents a plant-based patty topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
Why It Works
The triumph of burgers with pizza toppings lies in their ability to merge the best features of both dishes. The burger serves as a hearty, fulfilling base, while the pizza toppings introduce layers of flavor and texture. The melted cheese and savory sauce create a gooey, comforting sensation, and the toppings provide diversity and excitement. This fusion also allows for infinite customization, catering to various tastes and dietary needs.
Conclusion
Burgers adorned with pizza toppings exemplify the inventiveness and flexibility of contemporary cuisine. By combining two iconic dishes, chefs and home cooks have crafted a fusion food that resonates with a broad audience. Whether you lean towards classic pepperoni or prefer a veggie-packed option, there’s a pizza-topped burger waiting to satiate your cravings. So, the next time you’re caught between a burger or pizza craving, why not treat yourself to the best of both worlds with a delightful pizza burger?
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