Ingredients:

  • 680g (1.5 lbs) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 790g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (60ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 225g (8 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 115g (4 oz) pepperoni slices
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let cool slightly.
  2. Gently combine ground beef, salt, and pepper. Form into four equal patties. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty. Chill for 15 minutes.
  3. Combine melted butter and minced garlic.
  4. Brush the cut sides of the hamburger buns with garlic butter. Toast on the grill or in a pan until golden brown.
  5. Grill the burger patties over medium-high heat until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C). During the last few minutes of cooking, top each patty with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Cover the grill to help the cheese melt.
  6. Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cheese-covered burger patty on top. Garnish with fresh basil (optional). Top with the other half of the bun.
  7. Enjoy your pizza burger hot and melty!