These Italian Sausage Burgers are packed with Italian sausage and ground pork and then topped with French-fried onions, bacon, and melted cheese.

Serve it alongside Bacon Deviled Eggs and Pepperoni Pasta Salad for a meal everyone will love!

An Italian sausage burger on a bun topped with onions, pickles and cheese on a cutting board.

If you are looking for a fun way to reinvent a tasty burger, try this easy pork burger recipe with Italian sausage. It’s the perfect addition to any tailgate or table.

We like to use ground pork in our burger recipes because it is an affordable protein you can find at most grocery stores, it’s affordable, and takes on spices well and creates juicy, flavorful burgers.

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For the Italian sausage burger recipe, you can combine sweet, mild, or hot ground Italian sausage with traditional ground pork. If you love pork burgers like we do, try this pulled pork burger, too!

A pork burger made with Italian sausage stacked high with toppings.

Ingredients

Italian sausage
Ground pork
French fried onions
Bacon: Substitute bacon bits if you don’t have bacon on hand.
BBQ sauce
Cheddar cheese
Oregano
Basil
Ranch dressing mix

Recipe Tips

No bacon on hand? Use bacon bits instead!
When working with ground pork and Italian sausage, it is important not to overmix the meat. Overhandling the meat will make it tough and dry during cooking.
Refrigerate burgers 30 minutes prior to cooking

How to make Italian sausage burgers

Step 1: To make 1 cup of chopped bacon, fry approximately 12 slices of bacon. A 16-oz. package of thick bacon will typically yield this quantity when cooked and crumbled.

Step 2: Measure the Italian sausage, ground pork, French fried onions, chopped bacon, oregano and basil, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing mix, and shredded cheddar cheese, then add them to a large bowl.

Glass bowl full of ingredients used to make burgers.

Step 3: Divide the meat mixture into nine burgers and mold them into patties. You can also use a patty press to create uniform patties.

When working with ground pork and Italian sausage, it is important not to overmix the meat. Overhandling the meat will make it tough and dry during cooking.

Pressed burger patties on parchment paper.

Step 4: Place the burgers on a plate, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if you have the time. You can hold these burgers for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Step 5: Grill or cook the burgers on a stovetop. Both options result in flavorful pork burgers.

Stovetop Cooking Variation

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook burgers for 3-4 minutes per side.

Sizzling in burgers in a black frying pan.

As the burgers cook they will sizzle in the pan and develop a blackened char. Flip the pork burger and probe with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 160 degrees F for complete cooking.

Prior to removing from the skillet, place a slice of cheese atop the burger, if so desired.

Grilling Variation

Due to the soft nature of this ground pork mixture, grilling these burgers on a flat-top grill may be best. You can also use a grill-safe cast iron pan on your grill to get all the grilling flavor without the mess.

Arrange burgers on the grill over prepared coals and close grill to keep a steady temperature.

Charcoal smoke surrounding Italian sausage burger cooking on a grill.

Grill patties for 4-6 minutes per side, watching closely so they don’t burn.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer in the same manner as with the skillet. Once burgers have reached 160 degrees F, remove them from the grill and serve.

The perfect Italian Sausage Burger on a cutting board.

What’s good on Italian sausage burgers?

Italian sausage burgers pair well with various toppings that enhance their bold flavors.

Consider a variety of options for a cheese topping. Sharp cheddar is a great choice, but for a creamy, melty addition, lean towards fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese.

For toppings, spice up the burgers with jalapenos or a chipotle sauce.

Changing up the bun flavors can also be a good idea. Try pretzel buns, potato buns, and more.

Is Italian sausage beef or pork?

Italian sausage is most commonly made from pork.

What sides for Italian sausage burgers?

Italian sausage burgers pair well with various sides that complement their rich, savory flavors. A few basic ideas to serve with your burgers are creamy macaroni and cheese or cheese and garlic parmesan fries.

Other pork burgers to try

The Best Pulled Pork Burger is a mouthwatering combination of tender, pulled pork on top of ground pork and Italian sausage burger, topped off with a toasted bun and melted cheese.

Made with a blend of aromatic spices and ground pork, these Asian Pork Meatballs can be served up as a flavorful appetizer or main dish.