🍕 Pizza Burgers – High-Protein, Low-Carb Recipe

These Pizza Burgers combine two comfort-food favorites in one delicious meal! Juicy seasoned beef patties are topped with rich tomato pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni for all the classic pizza flavors without the need for a traditional bun.

Ingredients

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

For the burger patties

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, for cooking
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the pizza topping

• ½ cup sugar-free pizza sauce or low-sugar marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 16 slices pepperoni, preferably low-carb
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Optional low-carb bases

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps
• 4 large lettuce leaves for serving
• Sliced tomatoes or fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the beef

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, which can make the burgers tough.

2. Shape the patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty to help it cook evenly.

3. Cook the burgers

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for approximately 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

4. Add the pizza sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce over each cooked patty, spreading it evenly.

5. Add cheese and pepperoni

Top each burger with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and oregano.

6. Melt the cheese

Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese melts. Alternatively, place the skillet under a broiler-safe grill briefly until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Use an oven-safe skillet if broiling.

7. Prepare the low-carb base

For mushroom bases, remove the stems, brush the caps lightly with oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–15 minutes until tender. Place the pizza burgers on top.

Alternatively, serve the patties in lettuce wraps or on a plate with roasted vegetables.

8. Serve

Garnish with fresh basil or oregano and serve hot with a side salad, cauliflower rice, or roasted broccoli.

Tips for the Best Pizza Burgers

• For extra protein: Choose lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• For fewer carbs: Check the pizza sauce label and use a sugar-free variety.
• For extra flavor: Add sliced mushrooms, olives, or jalapeños.
• For meal prep: Store cooked patties separately from fresh lettuce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving, including beef, mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, but excluding optional bases:

• Calories: 350–430
• Protein: 32–38 g
• Fat: 22–29 g
• Total carbohydrates: 3–6 g
• Net carbs: Approximately 2–5 g

Nutrition varies depending on the beef fat percentage, cheese, pepperoni, and sauce.

Diet notes: These Pizza Burgers are high in protein and low in carbohydrates when prepared with suitable toppings. They can fit a keto or weight-loss meal plan; for weight loss, consider lean beef, measured cheese portions, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables.

Clarify the mushroom-base stepsResolve oil and butter quantities