Italian Pizza Burgers

I've never tried to hide my love for burgers.

I remember ordering them off of each and every restaurant menu growing up {always, I always ordered a burger} and since this food blog was born I've shared a delicious handful of burger recipes.

Each August when my birthday rolls around I pretty much request the same birthday dinner; burgers on the grill, potato salad, baked beans and cake. I mean, why not? Burgers just make everything better. So when the Iowa Beef Council started discussing a new burger recipe - I GOT EXCITED.

And when we narrowed it down to this Italian Pizza Burger, I could not wait to get into the kitchen to start testing.

Over the years I've shared a plethora of beef burger recipes. All kinds, all flavors, a zillion different toppings. It's why I like burgers, you can make them anyway you want and top them with everything under the sun. And generally it works out!

Here are some of my favorites.

Sheet Pan BBQ Bacon CheeseburgersMom's Meatloaf BurgersMushroom & Swiss BurgersEgg-in-the-Hole Cast Iron Skillet BurgersSweet Bacon Jam & Corn Relish Burgers

I wanted to share something a bit different this time and make these burgers ITALIAN STYLE. It's no secret I also love Italian food, so why not marry the two together?

With ground beef, you can mix any flavor profile into the meat to get it to taste a certain way - so for these burgers I added some dry herbs {garlic salt, minced onion and parsley}, then lots of fresh basil and chunky marinara sauce. Everything that you find in typical Italian food.

All together it formed the prettiest burger patty!

The Iowa Beef Council has a TON of other fun burger combinations, so if you are feeling frisky browse their list soon.

To make this burger recipe even more irresistible I served them on soft and pillowy brioche buns {the best bun in my opinion} with a thick piece of melted fresh mozzarella + more marinara sauce! For even more flavor, add a piece or two of fresh torn basil under the burger.

Seriously, the flavor in these burgers.....

If you are wondering what they taste like, I'd say similar to the greatest Italian meatball of your life, but in patty form and EVEN BETTER.

This burger recipe makes 4 patties. Perfect for a small family or couple, yet easily doable to double to make for a bigger crowd. I've also included a few sets of directions because over the years I've found everyone likes to cook their burgers differently. Often one way during the hot Summer months and another way in the dead of winter - so included below on the recipe card you'll find directions for the outdoor grill, the air fryer and a skillet pan fry on the stove.

Have I told you yet just how much my kids loved these?

Enough to convince me to make a second batch the next day for lunch. I pretended it was a big deal, but not really....as deep down inside I wanted them again too.

If you love pizza and you love burgers you need to make these soon for dinner!

Another perk {before I forget} is that the patties can be made up to a day ahead. Just cover them and place them in the fridge for safe keeping. They freeze good too!

I served these with a side of crispy tator tots {because kids], but a yummy side salad would also be perfect. And if you are nervous about grilling your own burgers - don't be! The Iowa Beef Council has a great guide that helps you through the process. Super simple.

Please leave a honest review below on the recipe card. I love hearing your thoughts and suggestions! This also helps other readers to determine if they should try one of my recipes. I always appreciate everyone's input.

And as always a big thanks to the Iowa Beef Council for sponsoring this post. They have long been dear friends of mine and I love partnering with them to bring you guys delicious recipes.