Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup (30g) sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix!
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, slightly larger than your burger buns. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burger patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, spread pizza sauce evenly over each burger patty.
- Top each patty with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, mushrooms (if using), green bell pepper (if using), and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cover the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Place each pizza burger on a burger bun and add any optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or onion. Serve immediately. This is a great pizza burger recipe!