Pizza Burgers

Pizza burgers is a recipe from Randal's mom that he grew up eating, and is one of the dinners that Randal makes as often as I let him.  This post is all Randal;  he made it, took the pictures and wrote up the recipe, and has been waiting for me to actually put it on the blog for a while now.

Most people, when they think of a "pizza burger" (or do a search for "pizza burger") end up with a hamburger with some pizza toppings, some marinara, and mozzarella cheese,  but that is not what this pizza burger is all about.     This has more of a stiff sloppy joe consistency (but it doesn't taste like one) and is served open-face.

We are very lucky to still be receiving plenty of fresh herbs from Sue so Randal used both fresh and dried herbs this time, but he usually makes this with just dried herbs (so the recipe will have the dried herb measurements).  We also did something else a little different this time;  we usually make these open faced on hamburger buns but this time Randal wanted to try it on English Toasting Bread because it has an incredible consistency when toasted.

Lots of herbs, spices, and veggies (never met a spice we didn't like!)

Browned ground beef, onions, peppers, tomatoes and herbs

Using English Toasting Bread for extra crunch, and definitely sliced American cheese

Cheesy, beefy, crunchy pizza perfection!

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 green pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 can tomato paste
1 can petite diced tomatoes
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Sliced American cheese
Hamburger buns or English Toasting Bread

In a large frying pan brown the ground beef, onion and bell pepper.  Add in the canned tomatoes and cook another 5 minutes, then drain off all the fat. Mix in the tomato paste and the coriander, allspice, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, rosemary and cook for another 10 minutes.  It should be very, very thick and stiff.

Place hamburger buns or bread on a baking sheet and spread lightly with butter.  Top with the pizza burger mixture and add a slice of cheese to each one.  Bake at 400 for about 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

Some tips: Resist the temptation to use mozzarella cheese and stick with sliced American (at least the first time you try this)... it is really important to the flavor profile.  English Toasting Bread, if you can find it, makes a better, crunchier bottom.  And for even more crunch, run it once through your toaster before laying it on the baking sheet.