If you’re craving a nostalgic, comforting meal that perfectly blends two all-time favorites, you’re in for a treat with this Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe. Imagine juicy, seasoned beef smothered in rich pizza sauce and melted sharp cheddar cheese, all piled onto a soft burger bun. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible—exactly the kind of dish that brings back warm memories of family dinners and neighborhood cookouts. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item plays a vital role, from juicy ground beef for rich flavor and texture, to vibrant pizza sauce that adds a tangy punch, and sharp cheddar cheese that melts beautifully to create that classic pizza burger vibe.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use freshly ground beef for the best juicy and savory bite.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Choose your favorite pizza sauce or homemade for authentic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that brings that classic Italian taste.
- 6 burger buns, halved: Soft buns that hold all the toppings without falling apart.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly, adding a delightful tang and gooey texture.
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the buns, beef, and cheese will bake evenly, allowing the cheese to melt just right and the buns to toast lightly beneath all that melty goodness.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned and deliciously caramelized. Be sure to break it up as it cooks for an even texture. Once done, drain any excess fat so the beef mixture doesn’t turn greasy.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Add the Italian seasoning to the browned beef, stirring it in to infuse that rich herb flavor. Pour in the pizza sauce and let everything simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, which deepens the flavor and creates a luscious mixture perfect for topping your buns.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns
Place the burger bun halves cut side up on a baking sheet. This makes it easy to top each bun with the beef mixture and cheese and lets the oven toast them ever so slightly from underneath for added texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the warm beef and pizza sauce mixture generously onto each bun half. Then, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a beautiful golden hue.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, add the top bun to each pizza burger. Let them cool for a minute or two to avoid burning your mouth, then serve while still warm and gooey—you’ll want to savor every bite of this nostalgic delight.
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like sliced pepperoncini, thinly sliced red onions, or a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves can elevate the classic flavors and add a burst of brightness to each bite. These little additions can play off the savory richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Old School Pizza Burgers pair beautifully with crispy oven-baked fries, a fresh garden salad, or even a creamy coleslaw. These sides complement the rich, tangy flavors while adding variety in texture and refreshing balance on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pizza burgers open-faced with a colorful side salad on the plate, or wrap them individually in parchment paper for a casual picnic vibe. Offering mini skewers to hold the buns together can also make for easier handling and an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pizza burgers left, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled, unbaked pizza burgers by arranging them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pizza burgers, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the buns soggy instead of crisping them just right.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of sharp cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds wonderful tang and meltiness, mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses can give you a more traditional pizza flavor. Feel free to experiment with what you love!
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble the pizza burgers just before baking. This makes it easy to serve fresh, warm burgers without the last-minute rush.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken will work, though the flavor will be a bit lighter. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning to keep that rich, comforting taste.
What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, toast the buns lightly before assembling or make sure to bake assembled burgers just long enough for the cheese to melt but not so long that the buns absorb too much moisture.
How spicy is the Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly as written, but you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to give it a kick if you like things hotter.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe will remind you why simple, nostalgic dishes never go out of style. It’s a perfect blend of juicy beef, tangy pizza flavor, and melty cheese that hits the spot every single time. I encourage you to whip up a batch soon—your family and friends will thank you for introducing them to this delicious classic! Trust me, it’s one recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers combine the best of two classic favorites: juicy, seasoned ground beef smothered in rich pizza sauce topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled inside soft burger buns. This easy-to-make recipe delivers comforting flavors in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual family meal.
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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the assembled pizza burgers.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the burgers from being greasy.
- Season and Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, then add the pizza sauce to the beef. Let it simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Prepare Buns: Arrange the halved burger buns cut side up on a baking sheet to receive the toppings evenly.
- Assemble: Spoon the beef and pizza sauce mixture onto each bun half, then generously top each with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly to perfection.
- Serve: Add the top bun to each pizza burger, let them cool slightly for a minute or two, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use mozzarella cheese for a more traditional pizza flavor.
- For added veggies, try mixing in chopped onions or bell peppers with the beef.
- To make these gluten-free, substitute the buns with gluten-free bread or buns.
- Leftover pizza burgers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
