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Stuck between burger and pizza cravings? Whip up some Pizza Burgers! They blend your two food loves into one tasty meal. Just pile beef patties with tangy sauce and gooey cheese on soft buns. They're perfect for family meals and only pack 205 calories each.
Worth Trying
You'll enjoy two comfort foods at once. They're super simple and always a crowd-pleaser. Makes a fun switch from regular burgers. Fast enough for hectic evenings. The savory meat, zesty sauce, and stretchy cheese combo hits the spot without making you stuffed.
What You Need
- Ground Beef: Go for something with a bit of fat
- Onion: Finely diced
- Pizza Sauce: Store-bought works great
- Mushrooms: Either canned or fresh
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon
- Oregano: For authentic flavor
- Burger Buns: Whatever type you prefer
- Mozzarella: For that stretchy goodness
How to Make Them
- Prepare Meat:
- Cook beef with onions until brown. Pour off extra grease.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add sauce, mushrooms, sugar, oregano. Mix thoroughly.
- Prepare Buns:
- Spread meat mixture onto toasted bun halves.
- Top With Cheese:
- Sprinkle generous amounts of mozzarella.
- Heat Up:
- Place under broiler roughly 4 inches away.
- Keep an Eye:
- Let cook for 2 minutes until cheese gets bubbly.
- Time to Enjoy:
- Grab them while they're warm and gooey.
What Makes Them Special
You get pizza and burger flavors in every mouthful. The tangy sauce and melty cheese transform ordinary burgers. The open-faced style means more toppings, less bread. They satisfy hunger without that too-full burger feeling.
Fast Preparation
You'll spend 5 minutes prepping, 6 minutes cooking. No need to flip them - your broiler handles everything. They're just right when you're rushed but want something warm. Even simpler than making regular burgers or pizza.
Ingredient Notes
Pick beef with some fat for moisture. Onions boost the overall flavor. The pizza sauce brings that Italian kick. Both mushroom options work fine. A touch of sugar balances the sauce nicely. For the stretchiest cheese, grate a block yourself.
Custom Variations
Stuff cheese into the meat for a gooey center. Drizzle with spicy honey for extra kick. Swap in meat alternatives for a veggie version. Create mini versions on smaller buns. Add whatever toppings you fancy - customize to your taste.
Storage Tips
They'll last in your fridge about 4 days. You can pop them in the freezer too. Prepare the meat mixture ahead and add cheese when you're ready to eat. Warm them under the broiler with fresh cheese on top. They go great with a side salad or green beans.
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Handy Advice
Always toast your buns first to avoid sogginess. Make sure to drain the meat properly or you'll get runny sauce. Don't walk away during broiling as cheese burns quickly. Let them cool slightly before serving so the cheese firms up. Double the meat mixture and freeze half for another dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different cheese?
Any meltable cheese works great. Sharp varieties give nice flavor. White cheeses melt smoothly. Feel free to combine types. Just keep an eye so they don't burn.
- → What about special buns?
Many grocery stores carry options. Rice buns work too. Always check the ingredient list. Make sure to toast them well. Some types break apart easily.
- → Don't fancy mushrooms?
Bell peppers are a great swap. Try black olives instead. Onions cook wonderfully. Almost any vegetable fits. Just cut everything small.
- → Can I prepare ahead?
The meat mixture can be made early. Store in fridge up to two days. Heat up when you need it. Save cheese for the last moment. Fresh buns taste best.
- → What about leftover burgers?
Store them in airtight containers. They'll last three days refrigerated. Reheating in the oven works best. Wrap them in aluminum foil. Microwaving makes them soggy.
- → Is my meat too dry?
Try cooking it less time. Keep extra sauce nearby. Add more while reheating. A bit of butter helps too. Lower the cooking temperature.
- → Need to transport them?
Carry ingredients separately. Assemble at your destination. Bring additional sauce. Keep cheese refrigerated. Toast the buns on-site.
- → Need a faster version?
Use store-bought sauce. Get pre-chopped vegetables. Have cheese sliced ready. Toast buns beforehand. The meat cooks quickly.
- → Making for a crowd?
Cook meat in batches. Use warming trays. Grab extra ingredients. Leave bun toasting till last. Consider your oven capacity.
- → Want stronger pizza flavor?
Sprinkle in pizza seasoning. Use more sauce in your mix. Add some pepperoni slices. Try anchovies if you dare. Fresh Italian herbs work wonders.
- → Too sloppy to handle?
Toast your buns longer. Drain meat thoroughly. Cut back on sauce. Make smaller portions. Keep napkins handy.
- → Need smaller portions?
Go for slider buns. Use less filling per burger. Cut them into four pieces. Make thinner patties. They'll still be tasty.
Conclusion
Enjoyed these? Small steak sandwiches are worth trying next. Or maybe some hot meatball sandwiches. They'll use similar tasty ingredients.