Italian-Inspired Cheesy Beef Pizza Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or provolone)

• 4 hamburger buns

• ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni or Italian sausage (optional)

• Fresh basil or arugula for topping

• Olive oil or butter for toasting buns

Instructions:

1. Prep patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef with garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 equal patties.

2. Cook patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.

3. Add cheese: During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of mozzarella and cover with a lid to melt.

4. Toast buns: Lightly butter or brush olive oil on buns and toast until golden.

5. Assemble burgers:

   • Spread pizza sauce on the bottom bun.

   • Place cheeseburger patty on top.

   • Add pepperoni or sausage slices if using.

   • Top with fresh basil/arugula and the top bun.

6. Serve: Enjoy immediately with fries, a side salad, or chips.