Instructions
1. **Prepare the Burger Patties:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 1/2 inch thick and slightly wider than your burger buns.
2. **Cook the Patties:** Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
3. **Assemble the Pizza Burgers:** During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place two slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each patty, followed by a generous layer of pepperoni slices. Cover the skillet or grill pan to allow the cheese to melt and the pepperoni to crisp slightly.
4. **Toast the Buns:** While the cheese melts, lightly toast the burger buns.
5. **Serve:** Spread warm marinara sauce on both halves of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy, pepperoni-topped burger patty on the bottom bun. Add any optional toppings like fresh basil or grated Parmesan. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Short Tips
* For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
* If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella will work, but fresh melts more beautifully.
* Pre-heating your skillet or grill pan properly ensures a nice sear on the patties.
* Don’t press down on the burgers while cooking, as this squeezes out the delicious juices.
* Consider grilling the pepperoni separately for extra crispiness before adding it to the burgers.
