**Mini Pizza Burgers

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Burger Patties**:
Start by placing the ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine. Form the mixture into 8 small, round patties, roughly the size of the mini buns you’re using. Try to make the patties just a little smaller than the buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking.

2. **Cook the Burger Patties**:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, place the burger patties in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re browned and cooked through. If you’re using a grill, cook them for about 4 minutes on each side, adjusting the time depending on the thickness of the patties. You can also cook the burgers in the oven if you prefer—simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

3. **Prepare the Mini Buns**:
While the burger patties are cooking, lightly toast the mini burger buns. You can do this by placing them under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or toasting them in a toaster. Toasting the buns gives them a nice crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy once you add the pizza sauce.

4. **Assemble the Mini Pizza Burgers**:
Once the burgers are cooked, it’s time to assemble! Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then, add a cooked burger patty on top of the sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the patty. For an extra pizza flair, top the cheese with a slice or two of pepperoni (or any other pizza toppings you like).

5. **Melt the Cheese**:
Place the assembled mini pizza burgers under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning the buns.

6. **Finish and Serve**:
Remove the burgers from the oven, and place the top halves of the buns on each mini burger. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil or oregano for that authentic pizza flavor. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy these cheesy, savory bites!

### Why You’ll Love Mini Pizza Burgers:

1. **Fun and Customizable**: These mini pizza burgers are so much fun to make and eat! Plus, they’re highly customizable—swap out the toppings to suit your tastes. Try adding mushrooms, onions, or even anchovies for a more adventurous twist.

2. **Perfect for Parties and Gatherings**: Because they’re mini, these pizza burgers are great for serving at parties or casual gatherings. They’re bite-sized, making them easy to grab and eat, and they’ll be a hit with both kids and adults.

3. **Kid-Friendly**: Mini pizza burgers are a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help assemble their own burgers and choose their favorite toppings, making mealtime both fun and interactive.

4. **Quick and Easy**: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want a quick, satisfying dinner. The ingredient list is simple, and cleanup is a breeze, especially if you’re using a single skillet or grill pan.

5. **Cheesy Goodness**: Who doesn’t love a burger with melty mozzarella cheese on top? These mini pizza burgers bring all the delicious, cheesy goodness of pizza in a convenient, bite-sized package.

### Variations to Try:

– **Veggie Pizza Burgers**: Skip the meat and use veggie patties or portobello mushroom caps for a vegetarian version of these mini pizza burgers. Top with your favorite pizza veggies like bell peppers, olives, and onions.

– **BBQ Chicken Pizza Burgers**: For a BBQ twist, swap the pizza sauce for barbecue sauce, and top the burgers with grilled chicken, red onions, and a little cheddar cheese.

– **Buffalo Chicken Pizza Burgers**: Use buffalo sauce instead of pizza sauce, top with grilled chicken and blue cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a spicy kick.

– **Hawaiian Pizza Burgers**: Add a few pineapple chunks along with the pepperoni and cheese for a sweet and savory Hawaiian pizza flavor.

### Final Thoughts:
Mini pizza burgers are a creative and mouthwatering fusion of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and burgers. Whether you’re serving them for a fun weeknight dinner, as an appetizer for a party, or just looking for a new way to enjoy pizza, these mini burgers are sure to be a hit. With endless topping options, quick prep time, and a cheesy, savory flavor that everyone loves, mini pizza burgers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Try them today and enjoy the pizza party in burger form!