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Turning Hamburger Buns into Delicious Pizza Burgers
Summer BBQs are the perfect time to gather family and friends, enjoy good food, and soak up the sun.
But what happens when the BBQ ends, and you’re left with a pile of unused hamburger buns?
Instead of letting them go to waste, why not transform them into a mouth-watering dish that the whole family will love?
Introducing Pizza Burgers – a delightful fusion of two all-time favorites: pizza and burgers.
With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef or pepperoni, pizza sauce, hamburger buns, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning, you can create a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
The Perfect Recipe for Pizza Burgers
Ingredients:
- Leftover hamburger buns
- Ground beef or pepperoni
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Prepare the Toppings:
Ground Beef: Start by browning your ground beef.
Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil, and then add your ground beef.
Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Pepperoni: If you’re using pepperoni, you have a few options.
Traditional pork pepperoni is a classic choice, but you can also opt for chicken or beef pepperoni, which are equally delicious and offer a different flavor profile.
Slice your pepperoni thinly or use pre-sliced versions for convenience.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
- Split the hamburger buns and lay them out on a baking sheet.
- Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on each half.
- Top with either the browned ground beef or pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with a dash of Italian seasoning.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C).
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storing and Reheating Your Pizza Burgers
Pizza burgers are a fantastic make-ahead meal that stores well and reheats beautifully, making them perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Here’s how to store and reheat them for maximum flavor and texture.
Storing:
Allow the pizza burgers to cool completely.
Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Simply wrap each pizza burger tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
In the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pizza burgers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the burger bun is crispy.
In the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pizza burgers on a baking sheet.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the buns from becoming too crispy.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Popular Recipes
A Versatile Dinner Option
One of the best things about pizza burgers is their versatility.
You can easily customize them to suit your family’s preferences.
Besides ground beef and pepperoni, consider using shredded chicken for a different twist.
If you have leftover grilled chicken from your BBQ, shred it and use it as a topping.
You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for an added kick.
Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives to pack in more flavors and nutrients.
The possibilities are endless, making pizza burgers a versatile option that you can tweak to keep things exciting.
Browning Ground Beef and Choosing Pepperoni
Properly browning ground beef is essential to achieving a rich, flavorful base for your pizza burgers. Here’s how to do it perfectly every time:
Heat the Pan: Use a large skillet and preheat it over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Let it sit for a minute or two without stirring to get a good sear. Then, use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces.
Season: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through, making sure to drain any excess fat.
When it comes to pepperoni, you have several choices:
Pork Pepperoni: This is the classic option, offering a rich and slightly spicy flavor.
Beef Pepperoni: A great alternative for those who prefer beef over pork.
Chicken Pepperoni: A leaner option that still provides that familiar pepperoni taste but with less fat.
Each type of pepperoni can bring a different nuance to your pizza burgers, so feel free to try them all and discover which one your family prefers.
Why Pizza Burgers for Dinner?
Turning leftover burger buns into pizza burgers is a genius way to minimize waste and create a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
These pizza burgers are easy to customize, making them a versatile option that can accommodate various tastes and dietary preferences.
With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy these tasty treats any time of the week.
So, next time you find yourself with leftover burger buns, give this recipe a try and watch your family devour them with delight!
Additional Recipes
Homemade Pizza Burger
Transform leftover hamburger buns into delicious pizza burgers by topping them with browned ground beef or pepperoni, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning, then baking until bubbly and golden.
Equipment
- 1 Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 4 leftover hamburger buns
- 1 lb. Ground beef or pepperoni
- Pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prepare All the Toppings
- Ground Beef: Start by browning your ground beef. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink. A dash of Italian seasoning.
- Pepperoni: If you’re using pepperoni, you have a few options. Traditional pork pepperoni is a classic choice, but you can also opt for chicken or beef pepperoni, which are equally delicious and offer a different flavor profile. Slice your pepperoni thinly or use pre-sliced versions for convenience.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers
- Split the hamburger buns and lay them out on a baking sheet.
- Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on each half.
- Top with either the browned ground beef or pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with a dash of Italian seasoning.
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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