The Ultimate Pizza Burger Recipe A Flavor Explosion - EPPYC

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (approx. 75g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of a kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tomato paste (for deeper tomato flavor)
• 1.5 pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) smoked paprika
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices pepperoni (or salami if you're feeling fancy)
• 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame seed are good choices)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, melted (for toasting the buns)
• Optional toppings: fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese