Pizza Burgers​, Delicious Pizza Burgers

Pizza Burgers​, Delicious Pizza Burgers
Ingredients:

For the Burgers:
-Ground beef
-Italian seasoning
-Garlic powder
-Salt
-Black pepper
-Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
For the Toppings:
-Marinara sauce or pizza sauce
-Pepperoni slices
-Fresh basil leaves (optional)
-Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
-Green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
-Mushrooms, sliced (optional)

For the Buns:
Hamburger buns
Butter, softened
Garlic powder
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
For Garnish:
Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into equal-sized patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
Cook the Burgers:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty and cover to melt the cheese.

Prepare the Buns:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns.
Sprinkle garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese (if using) over the buttered buns.
Place the buns on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
Spread a generous amount of marinara or pizza sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Place the cooked burger patty with melted cheese on top of the sauce.
Add pepperoni slices, fresh basil leaves, red onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms as desired.
Top with additional marinara or pizza sauce and cover with the top half of the bun.