Sausage Pizza Burgers
Where Italian sausage meets cheesy pizza in burger form!
Ready to level up your burger game? Say hello to Sausage Pizza Burgers—a bold, juicy twist on your typical cookout fare. These babies are made with seasoned Italian sausage patties, topped with melty mozzarella, sautéed peppers and onions, and smothered in warm marinara sauce. Oh, and let’s not forget the buttery, garlicky toasted buns that pull the whole thing together.
If pizza and burgers had a delicious baby, this would be it. Let’s get cooking!
🗒 Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Peppers and Onions:
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Buns:
- 8 hamburger buns
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- Extra garlic powder, to taste
Toppings:
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or grated Parmesan for extra flair
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Make the Patties
In a large bowl, combine:
- Italian sausage
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Basil
- Salt and pepper
Mix until evenly incorporated, then divide into 8 equal portions and shape into burger patties.
3️⃣ Grill the Patties
Grill the sausage patties for 7–8 minutes per side, covering halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Pro Tip: Don’t press down on the patties while grilling—you’ll lose all that delicious moisture!
4️⃣ Sauté the Peppers & Onions
While the patties are grilling, heat olive oil in a grill basket or skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bell pepper and onion. Season with salt and cook until slightly wilted and softened, about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Melt the Cheese
Once the patties are fully cooked, place a slice of mozzarella on each one. Cover the grill for a minute or two to melt the cheese. Remove from heat and keep warm.
6️⃣ Toast the Buns
Spread softened butter on the inside of each bun and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast the buns, butter side down, on the grill or skillet until golden and lightly crispy.
7️⃣ Assemble the Burgers
On each bottom bun, layer in this order:
- A cheesy sausage patty
- A generous spoonful of warm marinara sauce
- A pile of sautéed peppers and onions
- Optional: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or Parmesan
- Top bun
✅ Serving Suggestions
These burgers are epic on their own, but you can serve them with:
- Crispy garlic fries
- A chilled Italian pasta salad
- Grilled zucchini or eggplant for a summery twist
🍔 Recipe Notes
- Make ahead: Patties can be formed up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to grill.
- Want it spicy? Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the patty mix.
- Gluten-free? Swap in gluten-free buns and double-check your sausage and marinara ingredients.
Yield: 8 burgers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: ~520 per burger (estimate)
These Sausage Pizza Burgers are big on flavor and even bigger on personality. Perfect for summer BBQs, game day, or any time you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and a little saucy. Go ahead—grab some napkins and dig in!
