What makes good pizza burgers work is balancing rich, savory toppings with a perfectly toasted base, transforming two beloved classics into one irresistible meal. This recipe focuses on speed and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and quick. Crafted to deliver maximum taste with minimal fuss, these pizza burgers leverage a hearty meat mixture and gooey cheese, all piled onto crispy English muffins. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to various dietary preferences by swapping the ground meat.

⏱ Time: 20 min
👥 Servings: 6-8
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 9 ingredients

Key takeaways

  • Even cooking is crucial for juicy meat.
  • Toast English muffins to prevent sogginess.
  • Add cheese towards the end for perfect melting.
  • Simmer sauce to concentrate flavors and reduce water content.

Ingredients for pizza burgers

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 lb. ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6-8 English muffin halves

How to make pizza burgers

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground meat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt, stirring well to combine.
  2. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until just melted.
  3. Place English muffin halves face-up on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
  4. Spoon a generous amount (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the meat mixture on top of each English muffin half.
  5. Cover each one with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake at 3500F for 5-7 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes as needed to get the cheese melted and lightly browned. Alternatively, air fry at 3500F for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crisped.

The Technique That Makes It

The key to achieving the best pizza English muffins lies in the balance of moisture and heat control. When cooking the ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage, it’s essential to ensure even cooking without drying out the meat. The use of olive oil or avocado oil helps in creating a good sear, enhancing flavor through the Maillard reaction, which gives the meat a savory depth. Additionally, allowing the marinara sauce to simmer with the meat helps to meld the flavors, while the final layer of mozzarella cheese should be added towards the end of cooking to achieve the perfect melt without becoming rubbery. The English muffins should be toasted beforehand to provide a sturdy base that can hold the toppings without becoming soggy.

Troubleshooting

  • Problem: The meat is dry.
    Fix: Ensure that the heat is not too high and that you’re not overcooking the meat. Ground turkey and chicken can dry out quickly, so cook until just done.
  • Problem: The English muffins are soggy.
    Fix: Toast the English muffin halves before adding toppings to create a barrier that prevents moisture from soaking in.
  • Problem: Cheese does not melt properly.
    Fix: Add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking and cover the pan to trap heat, ensuring the cheese melts evenly.
  • Problem: The sauce is too watery.
    Fix: Simmer the marinara sauce longer to allow excess water to evaporate, concentrating the flavors.

Substitutions

  • Ground turkey/chicken: Use ground beef or pork for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
  • Italian sausage: Substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter option, maintaining a similar flavor profile.
  • Marinara sauce: Use pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor twist, creating a unique pizza experience.
  • Shredded mozzarella: Swap with provolone or cheddar for a bolder taste or different melting characteristics.

Pro tips

  • For optimal flavor, consider using ground Italian sausage which brings extra seasoning. If using, reduce the added kosher salt.
  • To achieve an extra crispy muffin base, lightly toast the English muffins before adding the topping. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
  • If your cheese isn’t browning, move the baking sheet closer to the broiler element for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.

These pizza burgers offer a fantastic solution for a quick, flavorful, and customizable meal. Experiment with different cheeses or add some chopped veggies to make them your own. Enjoy this fun twist on two family favorites!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of bread instead of English muffins?

Yes, you can use bagels, pita bread, or even small pizza crusts as alternatives. Just ensure they can hold the toppings without becoming too soggy.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

What can I serve with pizza English muffins?

These can be served with a side salad, garlic bread, or even a dipping sauce like ranch or additional marinara for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.