Pizzaburger
A savory pizza-inspired dish combining rice, sausage, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty family meal with rich tomato and Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten
- 12 cooked pork sausage links, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cooked rice, melted butter, and beaten egg in a bowl.
- Line the bottom of a 12-inch skillet or pizza pan with the rice mixture, forming a rim about 1/4-inch high around the edge.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Arrange the diced cooked sausage links over the rice crust. Sprinkle with salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Cover with slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. You can also swap the pork sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for a lighter dish. To enhance flavor, add garlic powder or crushed red pepper to the rice mixture. If you have leftovers, consider using them in a breakfast scramble or as a filling for stuffed peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pizzaburger hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added color. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Meat Sauce For Pasta for a hearty dinner experience, or you can enjoy it as a fun snack during game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the crispness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizzaburger contains roughly 865 calories, with 28g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (185% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1958mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice crust and assemble the toppings in advance. Cover and refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply increase the baking time slightly to ensure it's heated throughout.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can substitute with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for similar melting properties. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan mozzarella alternative that melts well, ensuring it fits your dietary needs.
Is it possible to freeze the Pizzaburger?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked Pizzaburger for up to two months. To do this, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).