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Old School Pizza Burgers combine ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese, all layered on toasted buns. This simple, nostalgic dish transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, these burgers deliver on both taste and comfort without much effort.
I created this recipe to capture the flavors of pizza in a quick-fix dinner. My kids enjoy it just as much now as they did when I first made it.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides the main texture and depth. Opt for lean meat to avoid excess grease.
- Pizza sauce: Brings the tang and ties the burger to its pizza profile. Choose a high-quality jarred or homemade option.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a hint of herby richness. Look for fresh or high-quality dried seasoning.
- Burger buns: Creates the sandwich foundation. Choose soft buns or toast for extra crunch.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, cheesy kick. Buy pre-shredded or freshly grate it for the best melting quality.
How To Make Old School Pizza Burgers
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven temperature to 350°F to prepare for baking.
- Cook the beef:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until no pink remains, then drain any remaining fat to prevent greasy burgers.
- Add seasoning and sauce:
- Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Mix in pizza sauce and allow it to simmer. This step enhances the flavors as the mixture thickens slightly.
- Prepare the buns:
- Place halved burger buns with the cut side up on a baking sheet. This ensures they toast properly.
- Assemble the burgers:
- Spoon the beef mixture onto each bun half, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef layer to ensure the perfect melt.
- Bake and finish:
- Bake the burgers for 12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. After removing from the oven, top with the upper half of the buns and allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.
I especially love the Italian seasoning in this dish as it elevates the flavor. Once, my family devoured two batches during a cozy movie night.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 325°F to keep the bread crisp and the cheese gooey.
Ingredient Substitutions
No ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter option. Experiment with mozzarella or provolone if cheddar isn’t available for a different cheese twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pizza burgers with a fresh salad or crispy baked fries for a complete meal. You can even serve them as sliders for a party spread.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute cheddar with mozzarella, provolone, or any cheese that melts well for a creamy, delicious topping.
- → Can I make these burgers vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils, and keep the same flavorful steps.
- → What pairs well with these burgers?
Pair them with a fresh garden salad, coleslaw, or crispy fries for a complete and satisfying meal.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can cook the beef mixture and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake when ready to serve for a quick meal.
- → What can I use instead of pizza sauce?
If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara sauce or even tomato sauce with added herbs and spices works well as a substitute.