If you’re craving the perfect union of two all-time comfort foods, you have to try this Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe. It’s that nostalgic, delicious blend of juicy, seasoned burger meat and melty pizza cheese with rich, tangy sauce all piled high on a toasted bun. Every bite delivers the hearty satisfaction of a burger combined with the familiar, gooey goodness of a pizza. Trust me, this recipe takes you right back to classic diner vibes with a homemade twist that’s simple, quick, and thoroughly rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together beautifully with a handful of straightforward, flavorful ingredients that each play an important role. From juicy ground meats to aromatic seasonings and gooey cheese, every component adds to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that iconic pizza-burger charm.
- 1 pound ground beef: The meatiest base that gives your burgers rich juiciness and heartiness.
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor with a hint of spice and plenty of savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced: Offers a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness to brighten each bite.
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced: Brings sweetness and a little sharpness that complements the meat perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory aroma that you’ll instantly recognize as pizza.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Elevates the flavor with that classic Italian herb aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a little kick to balance the flavors.
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce: The tangy, tomatoey heart of this dish that ties everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The signature gooey, melty topping that makes these burgers downright irresistible.
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, split: The sturdy base to hold all that deliciousness and get crisp when toasted.
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting): Adds a golden, buttery crust to those buns if you like extra texture.
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Meat Mix
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and combining the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning and a juicy finish. Once browned, drain any excess grease for a leaner bite. Then add in the finely diced green bell pepper and onion and sauté together for 3 to 4 minutes until those veggies soften and release their sweet, fragrant notes. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper to season the mixture nicely. Pour in the pizza sauce, stirring gently, and let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes so it thickens slightly and those flavors really meld. Finally, remove off the heat and swirl in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, letting it melt into the hot mixture, creating that gooey, cheesy heart of your pizza burgers.
Step 2: Prepare and Toast the Buns
While your meat mixture simmers away, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the split hamburger buns or sandwich rolls on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up. If you want that buttery crispness which adds an incredible texture contrast, brush the buns lightly with butter. Pop them in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, just enough to get a light toast. This step primes the buns to hold all the flavorful toppings without getting soggy.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Pizza Burgers
Now the fun part! Spoon a generous scoop of your flavorful meat and cheese mixture onto each toasted bun half, spreading it out evenly but piled high enough for maximum enjoyment. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, letting it cascade over the edges in that perfect cheesy layer. Slide the baking sheet back into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and slightly golden. This final bake finishes melding the flavors and ensures every bite is dripping with cheesy, saucy goodness.
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe a fresh pop, try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. A handful of sliced black olives or pepperoni slices on top before baking also makes it feel even more like a classic pizza. And don’t forget a dash of grated Parmesan if you want to turn up the cheesy factor and add a salty zing.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its richness without competing. Classic crispy French fries or golden potato wedges are a perfect match, soaking up extra pizza sauce if you dip. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw balances out the indulgence with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve the pizza burgers open-faced as directed or create sliders by using smaller buns for a cookout or party platter. You could also turn leftover filling into stuffed bell peppers for a fun twist or layer the mixture inside a pita pocket with fresh veggies for a Mediterranean vibe. These ideas keep your Old School Pizza Burgers exciting and versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the meat mixture and buns separate if possible to prevent sogginess. When reheating, add the toppings back on after warming the meat to maintain that melty cheese texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the burgers without baking and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to avoid freezer burn. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to bring your pizza burgers back to life is by reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese bubbles up again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that delightful crispy bun and melty cheese experience.
FAQs
Can I use all ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While the Italian sausage adds extra flavor and seasoning, using all ground beef will still give you a delicious, juicy burger. You might want to add an extra pinch of Italian herbs or some fennel seeds to mimic that sausage flavor.
What kind of cheese works best for pizza burgers?
Mozzarella is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and offers that signature pizza stretchiness. However, mixing in some provolone or cheddar can add a lovely sharpness and depth that’s equally tasty.
Can I add vegetables other than green peppers and onions?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sliced olives, or even jalapeños make fantastic additions. Just sauté them along with the peppers and onions to soften and concentrate their flavors before mixing with the meat.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and toast the buns in advance, then assemble just before baking. This saves time and helps you serve fresh, hot pizza burgers to your guests with minimal stress.
How can I make these pizza burgers a bit healthier?
Try using leaner ground meats or turkey sausage to reduce fat content. Whole wheat buns add fiber, and loading up on fresh veggies as garnishes provides extra nutrition without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe—it is like a warm hug from your favorites foods all in one place. Whether you’re feeding family after a busy day or craving a fun weekend treat, this recipe never disappoints and is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try and see how easily it brings smiles and satisfied appetites to your table!
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 open-faced pizza burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers combine the hearty satisfaction of a juicy cheeseburger with the classic flavors of pizza in one delicious open-faced sandwich. Ground beef and Italian sausage are cooked with sautéed peppers and onions, simmered in pizza sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese on toasted buns. Perfect for a nostalgic dinner or a fun twist on a burger night.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for mixing in)
Toppings & Assembly
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, split
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking the meat up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease once fully cooked. Add finely diced green bell pepper and onion, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to evenly season the mixture. Pour in the pizza sauce and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese to Meat Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the saucy meat mixture.
- Prepare the Buns: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the split hamburger buns or rolls on a baking sheet with cut sides facing up. If desired, lightly spread butter on the buns and toast them in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Spoon a generous amount of the meat and cheese mixture onto each toasted bun half. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the assembled buns to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve the open-faced pizza burgers hot for the best experience. Enjoy them as is or with a side of salad or fries.
Notes
- You can customize these pizza burgers by adding pepperoni slices, black olives, or mushrooms for an extra boost of pizza flavor.
- This recipe works well for freezer meals—assemble the burgers, freeze, and bake when ready.
- Serve with a fresh side salad or crispy fries to complete your meal.
