West Virginia

Pepperoni Roll Burger

West Virginia's beloved pepperoni roll meets the American burger. A pepperoni-stuffed beef patty with melted provolone and marinara, all on a soft Italian roll. A coal miner's lunch reimagined.

⏱ Total 35min 🍴 Serves 4 🍕 Italian-American ⭐ WV Original

Equipment Needed

🍲 Cast Iron Skillet
🥣 Mixing Bowl
🥄 Spatula
🔪 Sharp Knife
🍳 Small Saucepan

Instructions

1

Prepare the patty mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined - don't overwork the meat.

Tip: Freeze the pepperoni for 10 minutes before dicing - it'll be much easier to cut into small pieces.
2

Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Form into patties about 3/4-inch thick, slightly larger than your rolls. Make a small indent in the center of each.

3

Warm the marinara: Heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Keep warm while you cook the burgers.

4

Cook the patties: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium. The cheese inside will melt and the pepperoni will render slightly.

5

Crisp the topping pepperoni: While patties rest, add the whole pepperoni slices to the hot skillet. Cook 30 seconds per side until edges curl and they're slightly crispy.

Tip: The pepperoni will release delicious oil - save it to brush on the buns!
6

Add cheese: Return patties to skillet, top each with provolone and 4 crispy pepperoni slices. Cover and heat 1 minute until cheese melts.

7

Prepare the rolls: Mix softened butter with garlic powder. Spread on cut sides of Italian rolls. Toast cut-side down in the skillet (or under broiler) until golden.

8

Assemble: Spoon warm marinara on the bottom roll. Add the loaded patty with melted cheese and crispy pepperoni. Top with fresh basil if using. Add top roll.

9

Serve: Serve immediately with extra warm marinara on the side for dipping. This is messy - have plenty of napkins ready!

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • West Virginia pepperoni: If you can find it, use West Virginia-made pepperoni. Brands like Tomaro's or Colasessano's are the real deal.
  • The cheese matters: Provolone is traditional for pepperoni rolls, but mozzarella works too. Some use both!
  • Go stuffed: Instead of mixing cheese in, stuff a cube of mozzarella in the center of each patty for a molten cheese explosion.
  • Pizza burger variation: Add banana peppers and sliced black olives for a supreme pizza-style burger.
  • Dipping is essential: Marinara for dipping is non-negotiable. Some folks even dip in ranch too.
  • Make it hot: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the patty mixture or use hot pepperoni for a spicy version.
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