1. Prepare the Burger Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the seasonings are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the ground beef mixture into 8 small patties, about the size of your mini buns.
2. Cook the Patties:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the mini patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through to your desired doneness. (For medium, the internal temperature should be about 160°F or 71°C.)
- Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest.
3. Assemble the Mini Pizza Burgers:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the bottom halves of the mini buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on each bun, then place a cooked burger patty on top.
- Add a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese over each patty.
- Top the cheese with 2-3 slices of pepperoni (or other toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives).
4. Bake the Burgers:
- Place the assembled burgers in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the burgers are baking, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder to create a garlic butter topping.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Remove the burgers from the oven and brush the top halves of the buns with the garlic butter mixture.
- Place the garlic-buttered top buns on the burgers and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Serve hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Tips:
- Toppings: Get creative with your favorite pizza toppings. Try sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, black olives, or even jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: You can switch up the cheese by using provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses for a different twist.
- Garlic Butter: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add a bit more garlic powder to the butter or even sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for an extra kick.
Conclusion
These Mini Pizza Burgers combine the best of pizza and burgers in one delicious bite! Juicy beef patties, cheesy goodness, and savory pizza sauce all packed into a mini bun make these perfect for any occasion. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat! Enjoy them as appetizers, party snacks, or a family dinner that’s sure to impress.