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Pizza Burger

A creative fusion dish combining a juicy burger patty with gooey melted cheese and tangy pizza sauce, assembled inside toasted burger buns. The dish features crispy edges, melty cheese, and flavorful toppings, resulting in a messy but delicious handheld meal with contrasting textures of crispy, tender, and saucy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef preferably 80/20 for juiciness
  • 4 pieces burger buns brioche or whole wheat
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 4 slices cheese mozzarella or cheddar
  • optional toppings pepperoni, peppers, onions, etc.
  • 1 tablespoon oil for toasting and cooking
  • 1 teaspoon salt for seasoning the beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Mix the ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into four evenly-sized patties about 1.5 cm thick.
  2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot and slightly shimmering, then add a splash of oil.
  3. Place the beef patties into the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).
  4. While the patties cook, slice the burger buns in half and toast them cut side down in the same skillet until lightly charred and crispy, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Once the burger patties are cooked, place a slice of cheese on each and cover the skillet briefly to melt the cheese until gooey and bubbling.
  6. Warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until bubbling, which takes about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Spread a generous spoonful of warm pizza sauce over the toasted bottom buns.
  8. Assemble the burger by placing a cheesy patty on each sauced bun, then add toppings like pepperoni or peppers if desired.
  9. Top with the other half of the toasted bun, gently pressing down to hold everything together.
  10. Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the sauce is still hot, enjoying the crispy, saucy, cheesy combination.

Notes

Ensure to check burger doneness with a meat thermometer for safety. Toast buns until golden for the best crunch. Add cheese at the last minute to achieve perfect melt. Spread sauce while warm for optimal flavor absorption.