If you have a craving that calls for a fun twist on pizza and a classic burger, the Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish captures that nostalgic, comforting vibe by combining seasoned ground beef with savory pizza sauce, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and warm, toasted buns. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that brings the best of two beloved favorites together into one handheld delight. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these pizza burgers are bursting with flavor and simple to prepare, promising smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe shine, all you need are straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work perfectly in harmony. Each element plays a key role, from juicy beef for hearty texture to the bright zing of Italian seasoning and the melty richness of sharp cheddar, making these pizza burgers irresistibly tasty.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that gives these burgers their satisfying richness and juicy texture.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Adds luscious tomato flavor and that classic pizza vibe everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings depth and a hint of spice.
- 6 burger buns, halved: Soft yet sturdy to hold the toppings and soak up all the delicious juices.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and perfectly gooey, this cheese is what makes every bite heavenly.
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start things off by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warming the oven early ensures the cheese melts perfectly when your burgers are assembled and ready to bake.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it thoroughly until it’s browned all over, stirring occasionally to break it into small, juicy crumbles. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the burgers flavorful but not greasy.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time to add the magic of Italian seasoning, stirring it into the beef to gently infuse those aromatic herbs. Next, mix in the pizza sauce and let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, concentrating all those vibrant, tangy flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns
Arrange the burger bun halves on a baking sheet cut side up. This simple step ensures the buns get toasty, absorbing the savory toppings without turning soggy.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pizza Burgers
Spread a generous layer of the beef mixture on each bun half. Then pile on the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, allowing for a melty, gooey crown that pulls every bite together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to golden. This final step ties the whole dish together with an irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Top each bottom bun with the corresponding top half and allow the pizza burgers to cool for a moment before serving. This brief pause lets everything settle so each bite is neat, juicy, and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of grated Parmesan can elevate these burgers. They add freshness, a little heat, or extra cheesy goodness, perfectly finishing the flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside crispy oven fries, a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even some roasted veggies for balance. These sides keep the meal satisfying without overpowering the star of the show: your pizza burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pizza burgers open-faced with colorful toothpicks to hold them together or even cut them into sliders for a party platter. Wrapping each in parchment paper and tying with twine adds a rustic charm that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the buns separate from the toppings can help maintain texture, so consider storing components individually when possible.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each assembled pizza burger tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can pull one out for a quick, comforting meal anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza burgers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the buns from getting soggy and the cheese nice and melted.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of sharp cheddar?
Absolutely! Mozzarella works beautifully for a classic pizza vibe, or provolone offers a nice mild alternative. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep that gooey texture.
Is Italian seasoning necessary?
Italian seasoning adds a wonderful herbal complexity, but if you don’t have it, feel free to use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme separately for a similar effect.
Can I make these pizza burgers gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out traditional burger buns for your favorite gluten-free buns, and the rest of the recipe stays the same. The flavors will still shine through perfectly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper into the sauce or topping with spicy pickled jalapeños before baking.
What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?
Arranging the buns cut side up on a baking sheet and toasting them slightly before adding the meat mixture helps. Also, avoid overly saucy fillings and serve the burgers promptly after baking to keep the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about the Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe—it’s a delicious, approachable dish that brings people together over familiar flavors with a clever twist. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe will quickly become one of your cherished favorites. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make these comforting pizza burgers your own; they’re bound to brighten any dinner table and keep everyone coming back for more.
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers combine the savory flavors of classic cheeseburgers with the tangy zest of pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Ground beef is cooked and simmered in pizza sauce, then layered on toasted burger buns with sharp cheddar cheese, baked until bubbly and delicious. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that blends the best of two iconic dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 6 burger buns, halved
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pizza burgers.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, ensuring it is cooked through, then drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Season and Sauce: Stir the Italian seasoning into the beef, then mix in the pizza sauce and allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, enhancing the flavors.
- Prepare Buns: Arrange the halved burger buns cut side up on a baking sheet, ready for assembly.
- Assemble: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly onto each bun half, then generously top each with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly for a perfect finish.
- Serve: Once baked, add the top halves of the buns, let cool slightly to avoid burns, and then serve your hot, cheesy pizza burgers immediately.
Notes
- You can use mozzarella cheese for a more traditional pizza flavor.
- To add a crispy texture, you can toast the buns lightly before assembling.
- Optional: Add sliced pepperoni or vegetables like bell peppers for extra toppings.
- Leftover beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use low-sodium pizza sauce to reduce the salt content if desired.
