Pizza Burgers

These are the weeknight dinner that feels like you're cheating in the best way—all the fun of pizza, none of the waiting for dough to rise, ready in 30 minutes flat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 English muffins, split and toasted
• 12 slices pepperoni
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional)

Method:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat with the diced onion, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in garlic and bell peppers, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 3–4 minutes until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toast the English muffins until golden.
5. Spoon the meat mixture onto each toasted muffin half, top with mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
6. Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and pepperoni edges curl slightly. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn.
7. Scatter fresh basil on top if you have it, and serve immediately.

Full recipe at Budget Bytes →

Chef's tip: Toast your English muffins before adding toppings—it keeps them from getting soggy and adds a crucial textural contrast that makes these taste restaurant-quality.