Introduction
Do you remember those tasty school lunch days when Pizza Burgers were on the menu? Those cheesy, saucy, beefy sandwiches that were a mix between a burger and a slice of pizza? Well, now you can bring that classic taste back to your own kitchen!
Old School Pizza Burgers are fun to make, full of flavor, and loved by both kids and adults. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, game nights, or even a fun family cooking day. This recipe is simple, quick, and uses ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s bring back that delicious blast from the past!
Ingredients – Pizza Burgers
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 6–8 Pizza Burgers:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 6–8 hamburger buns (or English muffins)
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced pepperoni
- Cooked sausage crumbles
- Green peppers (chopped)
- Olives (sliced)
- Red chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat)
For Serving:
- Extra cheese
- Ketchup or hot sauce (optional)
- A side of fries or salad
Step by Step Process – Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it to avoid sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it turns brown. Break it into small pieces with a spoon while it cooks. Drain the extra fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to low. Add the pizza sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the flavors mix well.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Turn off the heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the beef mixture. It should be thick and cheesy—just the way we want it!
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Slice your hamburger buns (or English muffins) and lay them flat on your baking tray. You can toast them for 3–5 minutes in the oven to make them slightly crispy before adding the filling. This helps keep the buns from getting soggy.
Step 6: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Spoon the beef and cheese mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. If you like, add extra toppings like pepperoni or green peppers. Sprinkle some extra mozzarella on top for a gooey finish.
Step 7: Bake and Melt
Put the tray back into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly. If you want it extra golden, turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes—but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Take them out of the oven, place the top buns over the melty mixture, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Old School Pizza Burgers with a big smile!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Burger |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–400 kcal |
| Protein | 20–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25–30 g |
| Fat | 20–22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8–10 g |
| Fiber | 2–3 g |
| Sugar | 3–5 g |
| Sodium | 500–700 mg |
| Calcium | 150–200 mg |
| Iron | 2–3 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier or lighter option. Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning, as these meats are usually milder in flavor.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Cook the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, just assemble the buns and bake.
Q3: What kind of bread works best?
Traditional hamburger buns or English muffins work great. You can also use sandwich rolls, mini buns, or even baguette slices for smaller portions.
Q4: Can I freeze Pizza Burgers?
Yes! Assemble them (without baking), wrap them tightly in foil or plastic, and freeze. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes.
Q5: How do I make this vegetarian?
Swap out the meat for plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms. Keep the sauce and cheese the same for that yummy pizza flavor.
Final Thoughts
Old School Pizza Burgers are more than just a meal—they’re a fun and nostalgic treat! They bring back memories of school lunches, family dinners, and simple comfort food that warms the heart.
This recipe is easy to make and fun to eat. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can enjoy that cheesy, saucy, beefy taste right at home. You can also get creative by adding your favorite toppings or using different kinds of cheese.
Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or just treating yourself, these Pizza Burgers are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your oven, and let’s bring back that old-school magic—one delicious bite at a time!
