Nostalgic Bites: Iowa's Classic Pizza Burger Recipe for Every Gathering

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In Iowa, where comfort food reigns supreme, there's one dish that has a special place at school events, family gatherings, and local celebrations: the Pizza Burger. It's a hearty, flavorful mix of everything you love about pizza and burgers, combined into one delicious bite. Growing up in the Midwest, many Iowans remember Pizza Burgers as a staple at potlucks, school functions, and family get-togethers. These delicious treats were so cherished that families would guard their recipes like a well-kept secret.

For many, like the writer, this Pizza Burger recipe brings back memories of childhood. It tastes just like those nostalgic bites served at family gatherings, making it a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of Italian sausage, ground beef, marinara, and melty mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re cooking up a batch for your next family event or simply craving something hearty and comforting, these Pizza Burgers are sure to hit the spot.

Recipe: Iowa-Style Pizza Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• ½ lb. ground sausage (bulk or Italian)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms, thickly sliced
• ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon marjoram
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 English muffins
• 2 ounces pepperoni, diced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat. When halfway browned, add the butter, mushrooms, and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is fully browned, the mushrooms have softened, and the onions are tender.
2. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the minced garlic and marjoram. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add the marinara sauce to the mixture and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 7-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Meanwhile, split the English muffins in half and toast them on a baking sheet under the broiler until golden brown.
5. Divide the meat mixture evenly across the toasted English muffin halves. Top each with diced pepperoni and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
6. Place the English muffins back under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of an Iowa favorite!

Bringing Back Midwest Memories

The charm of Iowa’s Pizza Burgers lies in their simplicity and satisfying flavors. The combination of savory ground beef and sausage, hearty marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella on a crispy English muffin takes you right back to family gatherings or school events. Each bite is packed with nostalgia, making these Pizza Burgers a perfect dish to recreate those moments with loved ones.

Whether you’re from Iowa or just a fan of Midwestern comfort food, this recipe will bring warmth and happiness to any table. The hearty toppings, the crispy English muffin, and the gooey cheese make these Pizza Burgers a hit every time. It’s no wonder that the recipe has been guarded for generations, as it’s truly a taste of home.

Here are sources for the Pizza Burger recipe, focusing on browning ground beef and sausage, which is essential for the dish:

1. AllRecipes provides a detailed guide on how to brown ground beef properly. It explains the importance of letting the meat sit at room temperature before cooking and how to get that perfect browning by using a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet. This guide is useful for the beef portion of the Pizza Burger​(Allrecipes).
2. The Kitchen Today offers advice on cooking ground beef and Italian sausage together, which is relevant for this recipe. It covers the proper technique of cooking beef first and then adding sausage to avoid overcooking. It also emphasizes ensuring the sausage is browned evenly and cooked to a safe internal temperature​(The Kitchen Today).

These guides will help ensure that your Pizza Burger comes out with perfectly cooked meat.