Last weekend, my college roommate surprised us by dropping by unannounced at our backyard barbecue. The grill was still warming up for burgers, but I wanted to add a fun twist. I spotted leftover pepperoni and pizza sauce in the fridge and inspiration struck.

⁠

I mixed ground beef with a bit of Italian sausage to capture that classic pizza flavor. While the sausages crisped on the grill, I melted garlic-butter on the buns, and crisped the pepperoni in the microwave to get that satisfying crunch.

We gathered around the picnic table, kids cradling their sodas, my husband joking with my friend about old dorm stories, when I plated up these pizzas-turned-burgers. The first bites were a hit: juicy patties, melted mozzarella, zesty sauce, and that crisp pepperoni snap.

My daughter proclaimed it “the best of both worlds,” while my friend quickly offered to host the next cookout. We lingered into the evening, swapping stories and licking saucy fingers, all over this playful yet comforting mash-up.

Short Description

A juicy beef-and-sausage patty topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni served on garlic-buttered buns—a clever mash-up of burger and pizza.

Key Ingredients

Burger:

1 lb 80% lean ground beef
¼ lb spicy or mild Italian sausage
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings & Buns:

Pizza sauce (about 4 Tbsp total)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Pepperoni slices (12–16 total)
4 buns
2 Tbsp butter
½ tsp garlic seasoning with herbs

Tools Needed

Grill (or stovetop griddle)
Skillet or microwave-safe plate
Small bowl and pastry brush
Spatula and knife

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Burger Patties
Shape beef into four patties. Add a small oval of sausage to each center, fold the beef around it, reshape into patties about ¾ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Crisp the Pepperoni
Place pepperoni slices between two paper towels and microwave for 15 seconds to remove excess oil and achieve crisp edges. Set aside.

Step 3: Prep Buns
Melt butter in a small bowl and stir in garlic seasoning. Brush both sides of buns lightly.

Step 4: Grill the Patties
Heat grill to medium-high. Grill patties 2–3 minutes per side, until they reach about 160°F—golden brown crust with a juicy interior.

Step 5: Toast the Buns
Place buns butter-side down on the grill for about 1 minute until grill marks appear and edges crisp slightly.

Step 6: Build the Burger
Place patty on bottom bun. Spoon 1 Tbsp pizza sauce over each patty, add a generous pinch of mozzarella, then top with crisp pepperoni. Optionally, close the lid or broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce warms.

Step 7: Finish & Serve
Sprinkle burgers with Parmesan cheese, add top bun, and serve immediately while warm and cheesy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Savory beef, spicy sausage, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and crisp pepperoni

Quick & Simple: Ready in under 25 minutes with minimal fuss

Kid-Approved: Familiar pizza flavors make picky eaters happy

Versatile & Shareable: Great for game nights, weeknight dinners, or casual cookouts

Budget-Friendly: One-pound combo feeds four with plenty of flavor

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Flat Patties:
If they shrink too much, avoid pressing down while cooking; let them sear naturally.

Soggy Buns:
Skip the butter if buns are too soft, or toast a bit longer for extra crispness.

Undercooked Sausage Center:
Make sure patties are slightly thicker or use a meat thermometer to reach 160°F.

Cheese Doesn’t Melt:
Close the grill lid or use the broiler for 1–2 minutes so cheese melts fully.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve plate-style or buffet-style for informal gatherings

Pair with oven-baked fries, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad

Drink pairings include soda, iced tea, or a light lager

Great for tailgate parties or backyard BBQs

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store: Refrigerate leftover patties and buns separately for up to 3 days

Reheat Burger: Microwave patties wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds, then finish with cheese under the broiler for 1 minute

Reheat Buns: Toast in toaster or oven at 350°F for 3–4 minutes

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, choose an 80/20 mix or add a little olive oil to prevent dryness.

2. What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
Use marinara or even a spoonful of marinara-seasoned ketchup.

3. Can I cook this indoors?
Yes, use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

4. How spicy will this be?
Spiciness depends on sausage type; swap for mild sausage or use turkey sausage.

5. Can I prep patties in advance?
Yes, shape patties up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge. Grill as instructed when ready.

Tips & Tricks

Try provolone instead of mozzarella for a richer flavor

Add basil leaves or arugula inside for freshness

Use garlic-herb butter to boost bun flavor

Keep pepperoni crisp by microwaving in batches

Use leftover sauce and cheese to make mini pizza quesadillas for kids

Recipe Variations

1. Meat Lover’s Edition:
Add crumbled bacon or sausage bits on top of the patty before cheese.

2. Veggie Boost:
Top with sautéed mushrooms and onions for added texture and flavor.

3. Mexican Twist:
Mix a sprinkle of taco seasoning into the patty, top with pickled jalapeños and chipotle mayo.

4. Breakfast Burger:
Top cooked patty with a fried egg and swap pizza sauce for hollandaise.

5. Gluten-Free Version:
Use gluten-free buns and 100% gluten-free sausage and breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts

Sitting around the grill that afternoon, I realized how easily simple ingredients can spark big smiles. That first bite, juicy beef, stretchy cheese, crackly pepperoni, took me back to pizza nights with my best friend, but felt brand-new in burger form.

Watching everyone chase that gooey cheese and savor every bit reminded me why I cook: for moments that feel both easy and special. These Pepperoni Pizza Burgers are pure fun on a bun, and they’ll become your family’s happy place, too.

Pepperoni Pizza Burger