1. Prepare and Season Burger Patties:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Gently mix the ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
• Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about ½ to ¾-inch thick. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook more evenly. Set the patties aside to rest briefly.

2. Preheat Grill & Broiler, Toast Buns:

• Preheat your grill or a stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Adjust an oven rack so it is about 3-4 inches from the broiler element and preheat the oven’s broiler.
• Arrange the split hamburger buns, cut side up, on a large baking sheet. Place under the broiler and toast for 1-2 minutes, or until just golden. Watch them very carefully as they can burn quickly!
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Set the top halves of the buns aside.

3. Grill Burgers and Warm Sauce:

• While the buns toast, place the seasoned burger patties on the preheated grill.
• Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
• While the burgers are cooking on the grill, warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

4. Assemble Bottoms and First Broil:

• Once the burgers are nearly done grilling, begin assembling the bottoms.
• Spread half of the warm pizza sauce (about ¼ cup total) evenly over the 4 toasted bottom buns on the baking sheet.
• Top the sauce with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup total) and half of the pepperoni slices.
• Place the baking sheet back under the preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Add Burgers, Final Toppings, and Final Broil:

• Remove the baking sheet from the broiler.
• Place one cooked burger patty on each of the cheesy bottom buns.
• Top each burger patty with the remaining warm pizza sauce, the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and the remaining pepperoni slices.
• Place the baking sheet back under the broiler for another 1-2 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is melted and bubbly and the pepperoni is slightly crisped. Watch very carefully!

6. Serve:

• Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
• Place the top halves of the toasted buns over the burgers.
• Serve the Pizza Burgers immediately while hot and gooey. Enjoy!