Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 0.5 lb Italian pork sausage, casing removed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 0.5 cup thick pizza sauce
  • 8 slices low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 16 slices pepperoni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 leaves fresh basil

Instructions:

  1. Combine the beef and sausage in a large bowl.
  2. Gently fold in the garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until just incorporated.
  3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties slightly wider than your buns.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until it begins to sizzle and shimmer.
  5. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a deep brown crust forms.
  6. Flip the burgers and immediately top each with 2 slices of mozzarella and 4 slices of pepperoni.
  7. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and oozing.
  8. Toast the buns in a separate pan with the garlic and butter until golden and fragrant.
  9. Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on the bottom bun, add the patty, and top with fresh basil.
  10. Rest the burgers for 3 minutes until the juices redistribute throughout the meat.