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
Scale
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.
