Mini Pizza Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small burger buns or slider buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices (or other favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms)
- For Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced green onions
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Additional crushed tortilla chips for crunch (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
3. Form the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a small patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Cook the Patties:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have nice browning.
5. Add Cheese and Toppings:
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt.
6. Assemble the Mini Pizza Burgers:
- Slice the buns in half and place each cheesy patty on the bottom half of a bun. Add pepperoni slices or your choice of toppings. You can drizzle a little extra pizza sauce on top if you like.
7. Bake (Optional):
- If you want toasted buns, place the assembled mini burgers on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-10 minutes, until the buns are lightly toasted and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Serve:
- Garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mini Pizza Burgers!
Tips for Success
- Customization: Feel free to mix in or top the burgers with your favorite pizza toppings, like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook, making this a great option for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestion: These mini burgers pair well with a side of potato wedges, salad, or chips.
Enjoy these fun and tasty Mini Pizza Burgers at your next gathering or as a satisfying weeknight meal!