Pizza Burgers

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### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Prepare the Patties:**
– Start by shaping the ground beef into **4 equal-sized patties**. If you’re using turkey, ensure that it’s not too lean, or the burgers may turn out dry.
– Season the patties with **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **Italian seasoning**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Mix the seasoning into the meat gently, making sure not to overwork it, which can lead to tough burgers.
– Press a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb—this helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up.

#### **2. Cook the Patties:**
– Heat a grill or skillet over **medium-high heat** and cook the patties for about **4-5 minutes per side** (depending on thickness), or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For best results, cook them to **160°F (71°C)** for medium doneness.
– If you’re using a skillet, feel free to add a bit of **olive oil** to prevent sticking, and cook the patties in batches if necessary.

#### **3. Toast the Buns (Optional):**
– While the burgers are cooking, you can toast your buns for an added crunch. Brush the inside of the buns with a little olive oil or butter and toast them in a skillet or on the grill for **1-2 minutes** until golden brown.

#### **4. Assemble the Pizza Burgers:**
– Once the patties are cooked, it’s time to assemble the **Pizza Burgers**. Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
– Spoon about **2 tablespoons of pizza sauce** onto each patty, spreading it out evenly. Then, top with about **1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese**. You can also add a few **slices of pepperoni**, **sausage**, or any of your favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
– Place the assembled burgers on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe skillet and bake in the **oven at 375°F (190°C)** for about **5 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer, you can also melt the cheese in a skillet with a lid on top for a quicker result.

#### **5. Garnish and Serve:**
– Once the cheese is melted, remove the burgers from the oven and top with a sprinkle of **dried oregano** or a few fresh **basil leaves** for that classic pizza flavor.
– Place the top half of the bun on the burger, serve, and enjoy!

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### **Why You’ll Love These Pizza Burgers:**

1. **The Best of Both Worlds**: These **Pizza Burgers** combine the hearty, savory satisfaction of a burger with the cheesy, tangy goodness of pizza. It’s a delicious mash-up that’s sure to please everyone.

2. **Customizable**: Just like pizza, **Pizza Burgers** are versatile and can be made with your favorite toppings. Whether you love **pepperoni**, **sausage**, or **vegetables**, you can create a burger that suits your tastes. You can even go vegetarian with a **veggie patty** and **vegan cheese**.

3. **Quick and Easy**: This recipe is perfect for a **weeknight dinner**. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes.

4. **Fun and Kid-Friendly**: Pizza Burgers are a great option for kids who love pizza but want something a little different. They can even help assemble their own burgers, making it a fun family activity.

5. **Comfort Food**: This dish hits all the right comfort food notes. It’s cheesy, savory, and satisfying—everything you want in a meal.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Pizza Burger:**

– **Grilled Option**: If you have a grill, these burgers are perfect for grilling. The smoky flavor from the grill adds even more depth to the taste of the patties.
– **Sauce Variations**: Experiment with different sauces! You can swap the classic pizza sauce for **pesto**, **barbecue sauce**, or even **buffalo sauce** for a unique twist.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prep the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This helps the flavors meld and makes for a quicker meal when you’re short on time.
– **Cheese Choices**: While mozzarella is the traditional choice, feel free to use other cheeses like **cheddar**, **provolone**, or **parmesan** for added flavor.

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### **Conclusion:**

**Pizza Burgers** are the ultimate comfort food combination—juicy burgers topped with melty cheese and tangy pizza sauce. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fun twist on a classic burger, these Pizza Burgers are sure to hit the spot.

So next time you’re craving pizza or a burger, why not have both? Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of **Pizza Burgers**!