These grilled cheddar pizza burgers mix ground beef with pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs, then grill the patties and melt sharp cheddar over the top for a burger that tastes like a slice of pizza on a bun.
The seasoning is mixed right into the meat, so every bite has pizza flavor, and the whole meal takes about twenty five minutes. The recipe makes four burgers, which is ideal for a weeknight cookout.
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Why This Grilled Cheddar Pizza Burgers Recipe Works
Mixing pizza sauce and Italian seasoning straight into the beef flavors the patties all the way through, rather than only on top.
A small amount of breadcrumbs absorbs the sauce and keeps the patties juicy and easy to shape instead of sticky and loose.
Melting sharp cheddar over the patties in the last minute of grilling gives a bold, tangy topping that stands up to the tomato and herbs.
Ingredients for Grilled Cheddar Pizza Burgers
- You need one pound of ground beef, a quarter cup of pizza sauce, a quarter cup of breadcrumbs, one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and half a teaspoon of salt for the patties.
- For serving, use one cup of shredded sharp cheddar, four burger buns, and a half cup of extra pizza sauce for topping.
Ground beef. Eighty percent lean beef stays juicy on the grill and holds together well.
Pizza sauce. A thick sauce adds tomato flavor without turning the patties mushy.
Italian seasoning. Oregano, basil, and thyme give the burgers their pizza style aroma.
Breadcrumbs. They bind the mixture and soak up extra moisture.
Cheddar. Sharp cheddar melts into a creamy blanket with a tangy bite.
How to Make Grilled Cheddar Pizza Burgers
1. Heat the grill. Heat the grill to medium high and oil the grates so the burgers do not stick.
2. Mix the patties. Gently combine the beef, sauce, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt without overmixing.
3. Shape. Form four patties about three quarters of an inch thick and press a small dimple into the center of each.
4. Grill. Grill for five to seven minutes per side until the burgers reach 160 F.
5. Melt the cheese. Top with cheddar during the last minute, close the lid, and toast the buns on the grill.
6. Serve. Spoon extra pizza sauce over each burger and serve on the buns.
Handle the meat as little as possible, because overmixing makes the patties tough and dense. Chilling the shaped patties for ten minutes before grilling helps them keep their shape on the grate.
How to Serve Grilled Cheddar Pizza Burgers
Serve the burgers hot with golden fries and creamy coleslaw for a classic cookout plate. A crisp house salad keeps it fresh, and peach lemonade suits a summer dinner. Sliced onions, pickles, or lettuce make easy toppings.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Cheddar Pizza Burgers
Cool cooked patties within two hours and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or on the grill until they reach 165 F, and add fresh cheese if you like. Freeze raw or cooked patties separated by parchment for up to three months and thaw in the refrigerator.
Tips and Variations for Grilled Cheddar Pizza Burgers
Flag the allergens. These contain wheat and milk, and some sauces contain other allergens, so check every label.
Do not taste raw beef. Taste only after the beef is fully cooked, and wash your hands, tools, and plates after handling raw meat.
Check the temperature. Ground beef is safe at 160 F, so use a thermometer in the center of each burger.
Do not press the patties. Pressing squeezes out the juices, so let them cook undisturbed.
Keep things cold. Mix the meat with cold hands and keep it chilled until the grill is ready.
Swap the cheese. Mozzarella or provolone gives a stretchier, milder topping.
Use a pan. A heavy skillet over medium high heat works when the grill is not an option.
Check trusted guidance. Read the Texas AgriLife Extension food safety guide for safe cooking temperatures and storage.
To make sliders, shape eight small patties and cook for three minutes per side, then serve on dinner rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Cheddar Pizza Burgers
Can I make grilled cheddar pizza burgers in a skillet?
Yes. Cook them in a heavy pan over medium high heat for the same time per side.
How do I keep grilled cheddar pizza burgers from falling apart?
Use breadcrumbs, avoid overmixing, and chill the patties briefly before grilling.
Can I freeze grilled cheddar pizza burgers?
Yes. Freeze the shaped patties with parchment between them and cook from thawed.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Cook it to 165 F and add a little olive oil, since turkey is leaner.
What buns work well?
Brioche, potato, or toasted hamburger buns all hold up well.
Grilled Cheddar Pizza Burgers
Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80 percent lean
- ¼ cup pizza sauce
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns toasted
- ½ cup pizza sauce for topping
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat. Heat the grill to medium high.
- Mix. Combine the beef, sauce, breadcrumbs, seasoning, and salt.
- Shape. Form 4 patties and press a dimple in each.
- Grill. Grill 5 to 7 minutes per side until 160 F, adding cheese the last minute.
- Serve. Toast the buns and top the burgers with sauce.
