Fire Up Your Labor Day with New York's Favorite Pizza Burgers!

Photo bydalle 3

Labor Day is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious food with friends and family. This year, why not add a New York twist to your Labor Day menu with an exciting dish that combines two all-time favorites: pizza and burgers. Introducing the Pizza Burger—a mouthwatering blend of juicy beef patties, rich pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni, all nestled in a crispy bun. It’s the ultimate New York fusion that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday cookout!

The New York Twist on a Classic Dish

In New York, food is more than just a meal—it's a way of life. The Pizza Burger brings together the best of both worlds, merging the savory flavors of a classic New York slice with the satisfying bite of a juicy burger. Imagine biting into a succulent beef patty topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, a dash of tangy pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni slices, all wrapped up in a buttery, toasted bun. It’s a flavor explosion that captures the essence of New York in every bite.

Recipe: New York-Style Pizza Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ⅓ cup pepperoni, finely diced
• ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup pizza sauce (plus additional for dipping, if desired)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup thin pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon garlic butter or butter
• 4 brioche buns or hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pepperoni Mix: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely diced pepperoni and green bell pepper until the peppers are soft, about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Mix and Form Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and the cooled pepperoni mixture. Mix thoroughly and shape into four half-inch thick patties.
3. Cook the Patties: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 150°F.
4. Heat the Pizza Sauce: While the patties cook, warm the pizza sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Broil to Perfection: Set your oven to the broil setting on high. Place a tablespoon of pizza sauce on each beef patty, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and top with pepperoni slices. Broil for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Allow the patties to rest until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
6. Toast the Buns: Spread garlic butter on the buns and broil them for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly crispy and golden.
7. Assemble the Burgers: Place each cheesy, pepperoni-topped beef patty on a toasted bun. Add extra warmed pizza sauce if desired for dipping.

The Perfect Labor Day Treat

These New York-style Pizza Burgers are perfect for any Labor Day gathering. They bring a fun twist to your typical cookout fare and showcase the bold flavors New Yorkers love. Each bite is a delightful combination of juicy burger and pizza perfection, making them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a festive Labor Day with these delicious Pizza Burgers that capture the spirit of New York!

Here are some great sources where you can find detailed recipes and tips for making Pizza Burgers:

1. Insanely Good Recipes offers a step-by-step guide on making Pizza Burgers that includes tips like using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease and toasting the buns for added texture. They also suggest various toppings and ways to store leftovers for future enjoyment. You can check out their full recipe and additional tips here​(Insanely Good Recipes).
2. Valya’s Taste of Home provides another delicious take on Pizza Burgers, focusing on combining classic pizza flavors like mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce with the juicy goodness of a grilled burger patty. They also offer ideas for recipe variations, such as making a vegetarian version or adding extra toppings like jalapeños or pineapple for a Hawaiian twist. Read more about their recipe here​(Valya's Taste of Home).
3. The Cookie Rookie combines ground beef with Italian sausage for a more flavorful burger patty and includes sautéed veggies like green peppers and mushrooms as toppings. Their recipe also emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients to elevate the flavor profile of the burgers. Find the complete recipe here​(The Cookie Rookie®).
4. Mom's Dinner shares a unique recipe that includes a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoned with pizza spices, and topped with classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. This source also suggests pairing the burgers with various side dishes to complete the meal. You can explore their full recipe here​(Mom's Dinner).

These resources provide comprehensive instructions and creative ideas for making delicious Pizza Burgers, perfect for your next cookout or family gathering!