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Stuck between burger and pizza cravings? Try Pizza Burgers! They combine your favorites into one tasty meal. Beef patties get covered with tomato sauce and gooey cheese, all on a bun. They're perfect for family meals and only pack 205 calories each.
Benefits Worth Trying
Enjoy two classic foods at once. They're simple to prepare and family-friendly. When regular burgers seem boring, these hit the spot. They fit into busy schedules perfectly. The combo of meat, tangy sauce and melted cheese satisfies without making you feel stuffed.
What You Need
- Ground Beef: Something with a bit of fat tastes best
- Onion: Finely diced
- Pizza Sauce: Store-bought saves time
- Mushrooms: Either type will do
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon
- Oregano: Gives that pizza flavor
- Burger Buns: Whatever you prefer
- Mozzarella: For that stretchy, gooey top
How to Make Them
- Cook Meat:
- Sauté beef with onions until brown. Pour off fat.
- Mix Stuff:
- Add sauce, mushrooms, sugar and oregano. Mix everything well.
- Fix Buns:
- Spread meat mixture onto your toasted buns.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle generous amounts of mozzarella on top.
- Melt:
- Place about 4 inches away from broiler heat.
- Watch Close:
- Let cook for 2 minutes until cheese gets bubbly.
- Eat Up:
- Grab them while they're hot with cheese still gooey.
What Makes Them Special
You get pizza and burger flavors with each mouthful. The sauce and cheese turn ordinary burgers into something special. Less bread means more of the good stuff. They satisfy your hunger without the heaviness of regular burgers.
Fast Cooking
You'll need 5 minutes to prep and 6 to cook. No need to flip anything as the broiler handles everything. Great when time's tight but you want something warm. They take less effort than making either pizza or regular burgers.
Ingredient Notes
Go for beef with some fat for juiciness. Onions boost the meat's flavor naturally. The pizza sauce brings that Italian touch. Both mushroom options work fine. A touch of sugar balances the sauce perfectly. For best melt, grab a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
Custom Variations
Stuff some cheese into the meat for a fun surprise. Drizzle with spicy honey if you want some kick. Swap beef for plant-based crumbles if you prefer. Create mini versions using smaller buns. Add whatever toppings you fancy to make them yours.
Storage and Warming
They'll last in your fridge for 4 days. You can freeze them for later too. Prepare the meat mixture ahead and add cheese when you're ready to eat. Warm under the broiler with fresh cheese sprinkled on top. They go well with a side salad or green beans.
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Handy Advice
Get those buns toasted first to avoid sogginess. Make sure to drain your meat well or you'll end up with runny sauce. Keep your eyes on them under the broiler since cheese can burn quickly. Wait a minute before diving in so the cheese can set. Cook extra meat mix and freeze it for an even faster meal next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different cheese?
Sure thing! Any cheese that melts well will work. A strong-flavored one adds a nice punch, while white cheeses melt beautifully. You can even combine a few types—just watch out so it doesn’t burn.
- → What about the buns?
Check your local bakery. Some stores have rice-based options that work fine. Be sure to read the label if needed, and toast them thoroughly as some are delicate.
- → Not into mushrooms?
Try sliced bell peppers instead. Add olives or caramelized onions. Really, any veggie works—just cut them up small.
- → How can I prepare in advance?
You can cook the meat filling a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it up when you’re ready to eat, but save the cheese and buns until right before serving.
- → What should I do with leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, good for about three days. To reheat, the oven works best—just wrap them in foil. Microwaving can make the bread a bit soft.
- → Why is the meat turning dry?
You might be overcooking it. Keep an eye on it and add a bit more sauce if needed. Butter can also help keep things moist. Make sure the heat isn’t too high.
- → Taking them to go?
Carry the components separately. Put the burgers together once you arrive, bringing some extra sauce and keeping the cheese cool. Toast the buns fresh if you can.
- → Need them done fast?
Grab store-bought pizza sauce and use pre-chopped veggies to save time. Have the cheese ready and toast the bread first—it all comes together in no time.
- → Making a lot at once?
Work in batches for the meat mixture. Keep everything warm as you go, and have extra rolls, sauce, and cheese on hand. Toast the bread when you're almost ready to eat, and manage your oven space carefully.
- → How can I get more pizza flavor?
Add a mix of pizza seasoning or extra tomato sauce. Toss some pepperoni slices or anchovies on top. A sprinkle of dried basil or oregano will also do the trick.
- → Finding them messy?
Toast the buns a bit longer for support. Drain any excess liquid from the meat. You might use a bit less sauce, or even cut the burgers into smaller portions. Keep napkins close by!
- → Can I make them for kids?
Sure, grab smaller buns and use less filling. You can also cut them into quarters or flatten them out so they’re easier to bite into. They’ll still be a hit!
Conclusion
Enjoyed this? Next time, try it with baguette slices. Or make sliders with meatballs. Both use similar ingredients.