Old School Pizza Burgers – A Classic Throwback with a Cheesy Twist
Old School Pizza Burgers are the perfect blend of two all-time favorites: the juicy burger and the cheesy, saucy flavors of pizza. This retro diner-style meal is full of nostalgia, flavor, and gooey goodness—making it the ideal comfort food for weeknight dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings.
Made with just a few basic ingredients like ground beef, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning, these burgers come together quickly and deliver big on taste. Whether you’re looking to recreate a childhood classic or discover a new family favorite, this pizza burger recipe checks every box.
Ingredients for Old School Pizza Burgers
You don’t need anything fancy to make this delicious mash-up. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Butter (for toasting the buns)
- Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or green peppers
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Pizza Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, until everything is hot and flavorful.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
- Butter the inside of each hamburger bun.
- Toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown. This helps prevent sogginess once the sauce is added.
Step 4: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
- Spoon the beef and pizza sauce mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Optionally, add sliced pepperoni or your favorite pizza toppings.
- Place the assembled burgers on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.
- Pair with fries, chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Burgers
- 🍔 Two favorites in one – Combines the best of burgers and pizza
- ⏱️ Fast and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- 👪 Family-friendly – Kids and adults will love them
- 🔁 Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings
- 💲 Budget-friendly – Simple ingredients, big flavor
Recipe Variations for More Keyword Reach
To help your site rank for a variety of related searches, consider adding these variations of the recipe:
🔸 Pepperoni Pizza Burgers
- Add sliced pepperoni directly into the ground beef or as a topping under the cheese.
🔸 Pizza Burger Sliders
- Use mini buns and make smaller portions for parties or appetizers.
🔸 Open-Faced Pizza Burgers
- Skip the top bun and serve the filling on toasted halves, similar to a pizza melt.
🔸 Vegetarian Pizza Burgers
- Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
Tips for the Best Old School Pizza Burgers
- Drain the beef after browning to avoid a greasy burger.
- Use a thick pizza sauce to keep the mixture from becoming too runny.
- Toast the buns to prevent them from getting soggy from the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Add toppings before broiling to lock in even more pizza flavor.
Storing and Reheating Pizza Burgers
To Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Store buns separately to avoid sogginess.
To Reheat:
- Reheat filling in a skillet or microwave.
- Toast the bun fresh and reassemble for best results.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: ~500
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 32g
- (Depends on bun size and cheese amount)
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals
Prepare the meat sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat, toast the buns, and melt the cheese. It’s a great way to have quick weeknight dinners ready in no time.
Conclusion: Bring Back a Classic with These Easy Pizza Burgers
These Old School Pizza Burgers are the ultimate fusion of comfort food classics. Whether you’re looking to bring back a taste of your childhood or just want something cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor, this recipe is the one to try.
With simple ingredients and maximum satisfaction, pizza burgers are a must-make meal that belongs in your dinner rotation.