Name: Broiled Pizza Burgers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon chopped onion; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon onion salt; 10 slices processed cheese (such as Velveeta), divided; 4 hamburger buns, split

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Broiled Pizza Burgers are a delicious fusion of two comfort food favorites: burgers and pizza. With juicy ground beef, savory tomato, melted cheese, and aromatic oregano served open-faced on soft buns, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy family gathering. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with all ages.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon chopped onion
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
10 slices processed cheese (such as Velveeta), divided
4 hamburger buns, split

Directions:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the beef mixture and stir until well blended.
Add diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and onion salt. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
Stir in six slices of cheese until melted and evenly incorporated into the beef mixture.
Arrange the hamburger buns, cut side up, on an ungreased baking sheet. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto each bun half.
Cut the remaining cheese slices in half diagonally and place a piece on top of each meat-covered bun half.
Broil the assembled buns 6–8 inches from the heat source for 3–4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrients (per serving, 2 bun halves):

Calories: 560 kcal
Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your Broiled Pizza Burgers warm and gooey for the best experience!

Broiled Pizza Burgers: A Fusion of Comfort Foods

Broiled Pizza Burgers are the ultimate fusion of two universally loved comfort foods—pizza and burgers. This easy-to-make dish combines the juicy richness of a classic burger with the tangy, cheesy goodness of pizza, all served open-faced on soft, toasted buns. It’s a recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and nostalgia, making it a perfect choice for both casual weeknight dinners and indulgent weekend meals.

Why Broiled Pizza Burgers are a Crowd-Pleaser

Broiled Pizza Burgers are more than just a quick recipe; they’re a culinary hybrid that caters to a wide variety of tastes. The savory ground beef base is enhanced by the bright acidity of tomatoes, the aromatic allure of oregano, and the creamy satisfaction of melted cheese. This combination of flavors mirrors the elements that make pizza and burgers so popular individually, but the genius of this dish lies in how these elements are brought together.

Customizable to Taste: The recipe provides a solid foundation but leaves room for personalization. From adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to experimenting with different cheeses or seasonings, the possibilities are endless.
Kid-Friendly and Nostalgic: This dish’s approachable flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit with kids and adults alike. For those who grew up loving pizza nights or burger cookouts, this recipe evokes warm, comforting memories.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s an excellent choice for busy households. Broiling adds a crispy, bubbly layer of melted cheese, creating a satisfying visual and textural appeal without requiring advanced cooking skills.

A Versatile Option for Any Occasion

Broiled Pizza Burgers can easily be adapted for various occasions. They work wonderfully as a main dish for family meals but are equally suitable for entertaining. Consider making smaller, slider-sized versions for parties or game-day gatherings. You can also experiment with the base—substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat for the beef provides options for different dietary preferences.

For added flair, serve Broiled Pizza Burgers alongside complementary sides. A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or oven-baked fries can round out the meal, ensuring balance and variety. If you’re hosting guests, consider offering a topping bar with extras like black olives, pepperoni slices, or hot sauce, allowing everyone to tailor their burger to their liking.

Nutritional Appeal Without Compromise

While this dish leans into indulgence with its gooey, cheesy topping, it also has some surprising nutritional benefits. The use of diced tomatoes provides a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the beef offers protein and iron. By incorporating whole-grain buns or swapping out processed cheese for a natural alternative, you can further enhance its nutritional profile.

For those watching their calorie intake, open-faced serving cuts down on excess bread, and using leaner ground beef can reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor. These small adjustments can make this comfort food a little more guilt-free.

Tips for Perfect Execution

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch in the recipe ensures the beef mixture thickens to the perfect consistency, preventing the toppings from becoming too runny and soaking the buns.
Broiling with Care: Keep a close eye on the broiling process, as cheese can quickly go from melted perfection to burnt. Position your oven rack at the optimal distance for even browning.
Toast the Buns: For a crispier base that holds up well to the toppings, consider lightly toasting the buns before adding the meat mixture. This step adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Variations to Explore

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. While the classic version is delicious on its own, experimenting with flavors and ingredients can lead to exciting results:

Italian Twist: Replace the hamburger buns with slices of garlic bread for a more indulgent, pizza-like experience.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.
Mediterranean Flavor: Use ground lamb instead of beef and incorporate feta cheese, olives, and fresh mint for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or a hearty lentil mixture, and load up on vegetable toppings like zucchini, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.

Why Broiling Makes a Difference

The broiling process is key to the recipe’s success, as it provides a quick, intense heat that melts the cheese to a bubbly, golden brown. This step elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a layer of rich, cheesy goodness that ties all the flavors together. Unlike baking, broiling focuses the heat on the top of the dish, ensuring that the cheese is perfectly cooked without drying out the beef mixture or buns.

The Role of Cheese in the Dish

Cheese plays a starring role in Broiled Pizza Burgers, acting as both a flavor enhancer and a textural element. The recipe calls for processed cheese slices, which melt smoothly and evenly, creating a creamy, gooey finish. However, other cheese options like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone can also be used, each bringing its unique flavor profile. A combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella for stretchiness and Parmesan for sharpness, can add complexity to the dish.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Savoring

Broiled Pizza Burgers are a testament to the magic that happens when two beloved comfort foods are combined into one satisfying dish. Their rich flavors, gooey texture, and adaptability make them a go-to option for home cooks seeking a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or simply indulging in some comfort food, this recipe is sure to deliver smiles all around.

So, the next time you’re torn between ordering a pizza or firing up the grill for burgers, let Broiled Pizza Burgers offer you the best of both worlds. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—perfect for making memories one bite at a time.