When two beloved classics—pizza and burgers—come together, the result is nothing short of magic. Open-Faced Pizza Burgers are a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal that combines the best of both worlds. They’re easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
With a crispy toasted English muffin as the base, a savory seasoned beef and marinara mixture, and a gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese, every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a fun alternative to traditional burgers or a quick homemade alternative to takeout pizza, these pizza burgers check all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy to Prepare
Unlike traditional burgers, which require shaping patties and grilling, these open-faced pizza burgers come together in just 30 minutes. By using a sheet pan and skillet, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
2. Perfect for Customization
One of the best things about pizza is how easy it is to customize, and these pizza burgers are no different! You can:
- Switch up the protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Try different cheeses – Mozzarella is a classic choice, but provolone, cheddar, or parmesan can add new depth.
- Load up the toppings – Add mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a twist.
3. A Fun and Family-Friendly Meal
These open-faced pizza burgers are a hit with kids and adults alike. They bring together two familiar flavors in a way that feels both fun and comforting. Plus, they’re easy for little hands to eat, making them a great option for family dinners.
4. Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Flavor
Since everything is prepared in a skillet and broiled on a sheet pan, cleanup is a breeze. There’s no need for flipping burger patties or dealing with pizza dough—just a simple, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Burgers:
- Yellow Onion – 1 small, diced
- English Muffins – 4, split in half
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Lean Ground Beef – 1 pound
- Italian Seasoning – 2 teaspoons
- Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon
- Kosher Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground
- Pizza or Marinara Sauce – 1 cup
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup
Directions:
- Preheat and Toast the Muffins
- Set oven rack 6 inches below broiler.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast English muffins, cut-side up, for 5 minutes, then set aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté onions for 5 minutes, then add ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook 5-7 minutes, breaking up meat until browned.
- Add Sauce
- Stir in pizza sauce, simmer 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers
- Spoon beef mixture evenly onto each toasted muffin half.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella.
- Broil Until Bubbly
- Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let cool slightly and serve warm, optionally paired with a side salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Muffin Half):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
The Secret to Making the Best Pizza Burgers
1. Choosing the Right Base
The foundation of this dish is toasted English muffins, which provide the perfect balance of crispness and chewiness. Toasting them before adding the toppings ensures they won’t become soggy from the sauce.
Other great base options include:
- Bagels – For a heartier bite.
- French bread slices – For a crispier, more rustic texture.
- Sandwich rolls or hamburger buns – If you prefer something softer.
2. Building the Perfect Meat Mixture
Instead of a whole burger patty, these pizza burgers use a seasoned ground beef mixture. To enhance the flavor, be sure to:
- Sauté onions for sweetness – This adds depth to the beef mixture.
- Use Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and garlic brings out the pizza flavors.
- Add marinara or pizza sauce – This not only keeps the beef moist but also ties in the pizza theme.
3. Melting the Cheese to Perfection
Broiling the assembled pizza burgers is the key to achieving the perfect bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping. To prevent burning, keep an eye on the oven and adjust the rack so the cheese melts evenly without overcooking the beef mixture.
4. Adding the Right Toppings
While the classic version sticks to ground beef, sauce, and mozzarella, you can take these to the next level with:
- Crispy Pepperoni – Broil some slices on top for a traditional pizza taste.
- Sautéed Mushrooms & Bell Peppers – Adds sweetness and texture.
- Black Olives & Red Onion – For a Mediterranean twist.
- Jalapeños & Crushed Red Pepper – If you like a spicy kick.
Creative Variations of Pizza Burgers
1. Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Burgers
For lovers of heat, mix red pepper flakes into the beef mixture and top with spicy pepperoni slices before broiling.
2. Hawaiian Pizza Burgers
If you enjoy the sweet-and-savory combination, add diced ham and pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian-inspired twist.
3. BBQ Chicken Pizza Burgers
Replace the beef with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce. Top with cheddar cheese and crispy onions for a Southern-inspired version.
4. Meat Lover’s Pizza Burgers
Go all out by mixing crumbled sausage into the beef, and topping the burgers with bacon bits and pepperoni.
5. Vegetarian Pizza Burgers
Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and lentils, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Pizza Burgers
1. Light and Fresh Sides
Since pizza burgers are rich and cheesy, they pair well with lighter sides:
- Crisp Caesar salad
- Mixed greens with balsamic dressing
- Cucumber and tomato salad
2. Classic Comfort Food Pairings
For a more indulgent meal, serve them alongside:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Potato wedges or French fries
- Mozzarella sticks
3. Dipping Sauces
Enhance the flavor by offering dipping sauces like:
- Extra marinara or pizza sauce
- Garlic butter
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make These Pizza Burgers in Advance?
Yes! The beef mixture can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble and broil.
2. Can I Use Different Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
3. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
- Storage: Place leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, or in a toaster oven until heated through.
4. Can These Be Made in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Toast the English muffins in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, then assemble and air fry at 375°F for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Can I Freeze Pizza Burgers?
It’s best to freeze just the cooked beef mixture rather than the fully assembled burgers. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw and use as needed.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Satisfying Meal for Any Occasion
Open-Faced Pizza Burgers bring together the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza and the hearty satisfaction of a burger in a dish that’s easy, quick, and endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it classic with mozzarella and marinara or experiment with toppings like BBQ chicken, pepperoni, or veggies, there’s a version for everyone.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or family-friendly meals, this dish proves that you don’t need to choose between pizza and burgers—you can have both! So fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites.
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Easy Open-Faced Pizza Burgers – Perfect for Busy Weeknights!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces (4 servings) 1x
Description
Craving the flavors of pizza and the hearty satisfaction of a burger? Open-Faced Pizza Burgers combine these two classics into one irresistible dish! With toasted English muffins, flavorful seasoned beef, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is quick, delicious, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Open-Faced Pizza Burgers:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
Arrange a rack about 6 inches below the broiling element. Preheat the oven to 350°F. - Toast the English Muffins:
Split the English muffins in half and place them cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. Adjust the oven setting to broil. - Cook the Onion and Ground Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. - Add the Sauce:
Stir in the pizza or marinara sauce and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. - Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
Divide the beef mixture evenly among the toasted English muffin halves. Top each with shredded mozzarella cheese. - Broil:
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. - Serve:
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve immediately. Pair with a fresh salad or enjoy on their own!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and broil just before serving.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Alternative Toppings: Customize with pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for additional flavors.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
