Illinois Deep Dish Pizza Burger on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Get ready to enjoy the ultimate Illinois deep dish pizza burger grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. With a thick, juicy beef patty seared at 1,000°F, smothered in marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun, this burger is the ultimate indulgence. This mouthwatering recipe delivers unmatched flavor and texture thanks to the Arteflame's unique searing heat and flat-top cooktop for even cooking. Fire up your grill and let's get started!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 pepperoni slices
• 1 brioche bun
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the Arteflame grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire build for about 20 minutes until the grill reaches optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Patty

1. Season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Form into a thick patty, about 1 inch thick and slightly wider than the brioche bun.

Step 3: Sear the Patty on the Center Grill Grate

1. Place the beef patty on the center grill grate, searing it at 1,000°F for 2 minutes per side to lock in juices.
2. Move the patty to the flat cooktop griddle to continue cooking.
3. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 15°F below your desired doneness.

Step 4: Add Toppings

1. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the patty.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
3. Place pepperoni slices on top.
4. Cover the burger loosely with a foil tent for a minute to help the cheese melt.

Step 5: Toast the Brioche Bun

1. Spread butter on the inside of the brioche bun halves.
2. Place the buns cut-side down on the flat cooktop griddle until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Place the patty on the bottom half of the toasted brioche bun.
2. Top with the other bun half.
3. Let the burger rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Always use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.
• Remove the patty from the grill when it's 15°F below the target temperature, as it will continue cooking while resting.
• Keep toppings near the outer edges of the grill for gentle warming while cooking the burger.
• Use thick-cut pepperoni for extra texture and crunch.
• Grill extra pepperoni slices for a crispy topping.

Variations

1. Spicy Pizza Burger: Add red pepper flakes and sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
2. BBQ Pizza Burger: Swap marinara for tangy BBQ sauce and use smoked gouda instead of mozzarella.
3. Mushroom Swiss Pizza Burger: Replace pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms and use Swiss cheese.
4. Breakfast Pizza Burger: Top with a fried egg and crumbled bacon for a morning twist.
5. Vegetarian Pizza Burger: Use a plant-based burger patty and veggie pepperoni.

Conclusion

The Illinois deep dish pizza burger on the Arteflame grill is an explosion of flavor with bold, cheesy, and savory notes. The high-heat searing and flat-top griddle ensure a perfect crust and juicy interior. Whether you prefer classic or creative variations, this burger is sure to impress. Fire up your Arteflame and grill one today!

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Caesar salad
• Cold craft beer
• Milkshake (vanilla or chocolate)