If you’re looking to relive a little bit of classic cafeteria magic or simply bring a retro twist to your next dinner, Old School Pizza Burgers are about to become your new favorite go-to. Picture this: savory, seasoned beef, tangy pizza sauce, and gooey cheese all bubbling over a perfectly toasted bun. It’s comfort food that’s equal parts nostalgia and flavor bomb, great for quick family meals, game nights, or whenever you crave something supremely satisfying. Let’s jump right into everything you need to know to whip up this crowd-pleasing delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old School Pizza Burgers lies in their simplicity—every ingredient pulls its weight in texture, color, and that classic pizza flavor we all crave. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, each with a little tip to make these pizza burgers really shine:
- Ground beef (1 pound): Choose 80/20 for a juicy, flavorful base that won’t dry out in the oven.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): This brings all the zesty, herby tomato flavor—go for your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The key to that stretchy, classic pizza gooeyness on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a salty, umami kick and helps brown the cheesy top.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): That perfect blend of herbs gives an unmistakable pizzeria vibe.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Because every great pizza-inspired dish needs a touch of garlicky depth.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Balances out the flavors with subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Hamburger buns (4): Use classic white, whole wheat, or even brioche—they’re your pizza burger’s trusty base.
- Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, chopped green peppers, sliced olives: Let everyone customize to create their favorite pizza combo!
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by grabbing your favorite large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks so you’re left with tasty little crumbles. Cook until there’s no pink left and everything’s browned beautifully. If there’s excess grease pooling in the pan, be sure to drain it off so your pizza burgers don’t get soggy—this is a little extra step that keeps the end result satisfying instead of greasy.
Step 2: Season and Simmer the Mixture
With the beef browned, pour in the pizza sauce along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir it all together so every bit of beef gets coated in that rich, tomatoey flavor. Simmer the mixture for about five minutes; this melds the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce, which is key for staying put on your buns later. Once it looks thick and glorious, take it off the heat while you get the rest ready.
Step 3: Prep the Buns
Meanwhile, open up your hamburger buns and lay them out, cut side up, on a baking sheet. If you want that signature crispy little edge, you can lightly toast them in the oven for a couple of minutes before adding the meat. This quick step brings a crunch to every bite—totally worth it if you ask me!
Step 4: Build the Old School Pizza Burgers
Spoon your steamy beef mixture evenly over the bottom halves of each bun—don’t be shy, pile it on! Next, scatter a generous handful of shredded mozzarella over each one, finishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan for that nutty, golden top. If you’re going all out, now’s the time to add pepperoni, peppers, or olives. It really takes that pizza vibe to the next level.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You want the cheese to melt into every nook and cranny and even take on a touch of color around the edges. Pull them out when the cheese is dreamy and bubbling—you’ll know just from the aroma that these Old School Pizza Burgers are ready to devour.
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers
Garnishes
To really make these burgers shine, sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A dash of red pepper flakes also gives a spicy hit for those who love a little heat. For a true old-school finish, a light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurt anyone!
Side Dishes
Pair Old School Pizza Burgers with casual classics—think crispy potato wedges, a zippy Caesar salad, or roasted broccoli for a little green on the plate. For the ultimate trip down memory lane, serve with pickles and kettle chips, just like the school lunch tray days.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try making mini sliders using small dinner rolls for bite-size versions—perfect as party snacks. Lay out a pizza burger bar with all the toppings on the side so everyone can build their own dream burger. Or go open-faced: serve the tops of the buns on the side for dipping in extra pizza sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Old School Pizza Burgers, let them cool to room temperature, then store them (tightly wrapped or in airtight containers) in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches or next-day snacking.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the cooked beef-pizza mixture by itself—just pop it in a freezer-safe container, label it, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, reheat and assemble with fresh buns and cheese for a quick meal. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights!
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your assembled pizza burgers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. The microwave also works in a pinch, but the oven helps preserve that crispy bun texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully for a lighter take on Old School Pizza Burgers. Keep in mind you might need a little extra seasoning, as these meats are milder than beef, but all the pizza flavors will still shine through.
What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the buns before topping them is the secret. It creates a barrier that helps prevent the sauce from soaking in, ensuring your pizza burgers keep their satisfying texture bite after bite.
Can I make Old School Pizza Burgers ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meat mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble with buns and cheese, then bake as directed. They taste just as wonderful and are perfect for meal prep.
How can I make these more kid-friendly?
Stick to simple toppings like extra mozzarella or mild pepperoni, and let kids build their own. That hands-on aspect makes Old School Pizza Burgers even more fun and helps picky eaters get excited about dinner.
Are there ways to make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or your favorite cooked lentils, then follow the recipe as usual. All the cheesy, saucy goodness will still be there, making it a hit for vegetarians too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something homestyle and just plain fun, Old School Pizza Burgers promise to hit every nostalgic note. Whether you’re making them for your family or bringing back a childhood favorite for yourself, there’s nothing quite like that first cheesy, saucy bite. Give these a try—I promise you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic twist on classic pizza flavors, combining savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce in a convenient handheld form. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, chopped green peppers, sliced olives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Burgers: Place hamburger buns open-faced on a baking sheet. Spoon the meat mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top with cheeses and optional toppings.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve hot with the tops of the buns or open-faced style.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, toast the buns before assembling.
- You can make extra meat mixture and freeze for future use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza burger
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
