Pizza Burger Recipe

Form and season patty

Place the 8 oz ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle in salt (use about 1 1/2 tsp from the listed amount), black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix just until combined—do not overwork. Form into a patty slightly larger than the pizza rounds and about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to help it cook evenly.

Cook patty

Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When shimmering, place the patty in the pan. Cook 3.5–4 minutes on the first side without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 3.5–4 minutes for medium (internal temp ~145–155°F). Adjust time for desired doneness. Remove from pan and let rest 3–5 minutes; reserve pan juices for optional drizzle.

Prepare pizza rounds

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). If using premade small pizza crusts or halved personal pizzas, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 2 tablespoons (total 1/4 cup) pizza sauce across each crust, spread evenly but leaving a small edge for a crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over both rounds (about 1/4 cup each). Top with 6 pepperoni slices on each round and a light dusting of dried oregano.

Bake pizza buns

Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and edges are golden. Remove from oven and let cool 1–2 minutes so cheese sets slightly. These will serve as the top and bottom 'buns' of the burger.

While the patty rests and pizza rounds cool slightly, prepare the toppings. Rinse and dry lettuce; shred or place leaves. Slice tomato into 3 even slices. Thinly slice red onion into rings. Set aside.

Toast pizza bun undersides (optional)

If you want a slightly crisp underside, heat a clean skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. Place one pizza round cheese-side up in the skillet and gently press the underside for 30–45 seconds just to warm and crisp the bottom. Repeat with the other round. Alternatively, brush softened butter on the pizza round undersides and briefly broil for 30–45 seconds, watching closely to avoid burning.

Assemble pizza burger

Place one pizza round (this will be the bottom bun) cheese/pepperoni-side up on a plate. If using mayonnaise, spread about 1 tablespoon on the underside of the top pizza round or on the bottom round as preferred. Place the rested beef patty on the bottom pizza round. Top the patty with shredded lettuce (~1/2 cup), 3 tomato slices, and the thinly sliced red onion. Place the second pizza round on top, cheese/pepperoni-side down, to complete the sandwich. Press gently to compact.

Slice in half with a sharp knife and serve immediately with fries.

Oven-baked fries (if using frozen or fresh)

Preheat oven to 425°F (if not already in use for pizzas). Toss fries with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or spray) and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 18–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Remove, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and serve hot.

Pan-fry or deep-fry option

For fresh fries: heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Fry in batches until golden (3–5 minutes), drain on paper towels and season with salt. For frozen fries, follow package instructions or shallow-fry in a skillet with a couple tablespoons oil until crisp.