Open Faced Pizza Burgers Recipe

If you’re craving a fun twist on classic comfort food, these Open Faced Pizza Burgers are an absolute winner. Imagine juicy, flavorful ground beef seasoned with aromatic spices and mixed with a luscious blend of cheeses and zesty pizza sauce, all nestled on a toasted English muffin half. This dish delivers the best of burgers and pizza in one bite-sized package that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, or when you want a quick, satisfying meal that feels like a special treat. Open Faced Pizza Burgers truly bring together bold flavors and simple ingredients in a way that’s irresistibly delicious and fun to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in bringing out the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Open Faced Pizza Burgers. From the savory ground beef to the melty cheese blend and crispy toasted muffins, every component shines.

• Lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing juicy, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
• Small onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
• Garlic powder: Infuses an aromatic punch without overpowering.
• Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor evenly throughout the beef.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning, but use salt sparingly since the cheese adds saltiness.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it melts beautifully to add richness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, stretchy texture that’s classic pizza style.
• Fresh Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that boosts the overall flavor.
• Pizza sauce: Brings zesty, tomato-forward tang that ties everything together.
• Oregano: A classic Italian herb that gives your burger-pizza hybrid an authentic taste.
• English muffins: The perfect sturdy yet soft base that crisps up nicely under the broiler.

How to Make Open Faced Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef

Start by heating a pan over medium heat and browning the lean ground beef along with the chopped small onion. Add the garlic powder and onion powder as you cook, stirring to combine. Season lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the cheese will bring additional saltiness later. Brown the beef until fully cooked and fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Toast the English Muffins

While the beef is cooking, split your English muffins in half horizontally. Arrange them cut side up on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes just to crisp them slightly. This pre-baking step helps them hold up better under the saucy topping.

Step 3: Mix in the Cheeses and Sauce

Once the beef is off the heat, stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, fresh Parmesan cheese, pizza sauce, and oregano. This cheesy, saucy mixture is the heart of the dish, blending the savory meat with classic pizza flavors. Make sure everything is combined evenly for the best taste in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Divide the beef and cheese mixture evenly over all the toasted English muffin halves. Spread it generously so every piece is fully covered. Return the cookie sheet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the topping is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is perfectly melted. This final baking step melds all the flavors together and crisps up the edges just right.

How to Serve Open Faced Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely sheen and enhances the richness. For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a fantastic finishing touch that gives a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

These Open Faced Pizza Burgers go beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Another great side is roasted vegetables which bring a natural sweetness and hearty texture. For a casual meal, serve with oven-baked fries or seasoned potato wedges for an all-American comfort food feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pizza burgers on a wooden board with small bowls of extra pizza sauce and dipping options like garlic aioli or ranch. You can also stack two halves to create a double-decker that looks impressive for a dinner party. Wrapping a warm pizza burger half in parchment paper gives a rustic feel perfect for casual gatherings or take-to-go lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Open Faced Pizza Burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled but unbaked pizzas on the English muffins by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed Open Faced Pizza Burgers in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed thoroughly and cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the muffins crisp instead of soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of English muffins?

Absolutely! While English muffins offer a great balance of soft and crispy textures, you can substitute with thick slices of French bread, sourdough, or even sturdy bagel halves. Just adjust the toasting time to ensure they hold up well.

Is it possible to make these Open Faced Pizza Burgers vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and add some extra seasoning to keep that savory depth. The cheese and sauce combo will still create a delicious, satisfying meal.

What cheese combination works best?

A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is classic because each adds something special: cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for meltiness, and Parmesan for a salty, nutty punch. Feel free to experiment with your favorites like provolone or gouda.

How spicy are these pizza burgers?

These Open Faced Pizza Burgers aren’t inherently spicy, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the beef mixture if you want a zesty kick. The pizza sauce usually brings mild tanginess rather than heat.

Can I prepare these for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales nicely, and making them on a large cookie sheet means you can bake many at once. They’re perfect for casual parties or game day snacks where guests can enjoy them warm and fresh.

Final Thoughts

These Open Faced Pizza Burgers are such a joyful combination of two beloved dishes that anyone will love. They’re easy to make, satisfyingly cheesy, and wonderfully versatile whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself. I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough—once you make them, they’ll surely become a favorite go-to for cozy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Give them a try and savor every delicious, comforting bite!

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