If you’ve ever wished you could combine the best of two beloved classics, then the Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. This dish perfectly marries the juicy, savory goodness of a hamburger with the cheesy, zesty flavors of pizza, creating a fun and satisfying meal that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something nostalgic with a twist, these pizza burgers deliver an unbeatable combination of taste and comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each one plays an important role in bringing that iconic old school pizza burger flavor to life. From the perfectly seasoned beef to the melty mozzarella and vibrant veggies, everything combines to create a dish bursting with texture and color.
- 2 pounds ground beef: Using lean beef keeps the burgers juicy without excess grease, ensuring a balanced bite every time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps soften the onions and peppers while adding a subtle richness to the base.
- ½ cup finely chopped onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch, enhancing the savory nature of the burger.
- ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 15 ounces pizza sauce: This is your sauce star, delivering classic tomato tang and herbs for that unmistakable pizza vibe.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, to add a sharp, spicy note that wakes up the palate.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: A fragrant herb that ties the sauce and meat together with its earthy essence.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile with its warm, aromatic presence.
- 8 hamburger buns or English muffins: Choose sturdy buns to hold all that delightful filling without falling apart.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, golden crown that makes these burgers irresistible and true to their pizza roots.
- Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning: For a fresh, vibrant finish and a sprinkle of color before serving.
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 375ºF and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures the buns toast evenly and cleanup is a breeze, setting the stage for your pizza burgers to shine.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers, stirring often for 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the veggies, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a delicious bed of flavor for the beef.
Step 3: Cook and Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet with the sautéed onions and peppers. Break up any large chunks and cook it evenly, stirring occasionally until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through. Putting a lid on the skillet helps speed up cooking and keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Step 4: Drain Excess Grease and Season
Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess grease to avoid a soggy burger. Return the pan to the stovetop, then stir in the pizza sauce, black pepper, salt, dried basil, and garlic powder. Mix well until every bit of meat is coated with that hearty, flavorful sauce. Then, remove from heat to get ready for assembly.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Carefully split your buns or English muffins and lay each half face-up on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the saucy meat mixture evenly onto each bun half, then generously top each with 2 to 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese. This layering is where these pizza burgers start looking like the magic they are.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven on the middle rack and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown. This finishing touch ensures every bite will have that irresistible cheesy pull.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza burgers rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of Italian seasoning for that final pop of color and flavor. Now, they’re ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning brighten these pizza burgers, adding a fresh aroma and a touch of color. A few red pepper flakes can be tossed on too if you like a little heat to contrast the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
These burgers pair beautifully with crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or even some roasted veggies. A side of crunchy pickles or a zesty coleslaw can also add great texture and balance all those savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, line a platter with parchment paper and stack the pizza burgers slightly overlapping in a neat row. You could also serve each burger with a small ramekin of extra pizza sauce for dipping — it’s a fun way to amp up the flavor and make everyone feel like they’re at a casual pizzeria party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover old school pizza burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the buns and toppings together to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each assembled pizza burger individually in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well frozen for up to 1 month without losing their deliciousness.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza burgers in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving for best texture; the oven brings back that wonderful crispy edge on the buns.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or chicken can also work well for a leaner option. Just be mindful that cooking times and seasoning may need slight adjustments to keep it flavorful and juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Add extra veggies or mushrooms for texture, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian pizza burger that everyone will love.
What kind of pizza sauce works best?
A classic, well-seasoned tomato pizza sauce is ideal. You can use store-bought or homemade, but make sure it has good balance between sweet, tangy, and herby notes to complement the beef perfectly.
Can I prepare these pizza burgers ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the burgers a few hours ahead, then bake and serve when ready. This makes it an excellent option for entertaining or busy weeknight dinners.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Using sturdier buns or English muffins helps, and baking the burgers just long enough to melt the cheese without over-saturating the bread is key. Toasting the buns lightly before assembling can also provide a better barrier against sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the best flavors of your favorite comfort foods into one unforgettable meal. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly customizable, and always a delight to share. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a shot—you might just find your new go-to for family dinners or casual get-togethers!
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Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (8 buns or muffins split into halves) 1x
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers are a delicious twist on classic burgers, combining savory ground beef cooked with onions and peppers, seasoned with pizza sauce and herbs, topped with melted mozzarella cheese on toasted buns. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef (as lean as possible)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup bell pepper (any color, finely chopped)
Seasonings and Sauce
- 15 ounces pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, if possible)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Buns and Cheese
- 8 hamburger buns (or English muffins)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (or Italian seasoning)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pizza burgers.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and bell peppers, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Break up any large clumps and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is well-browned throughout. Covering the pan with a lid helps cook the meat faster and more evenly.
- Drain excess grease: Carefully drain the excess grease from the skillet, then return the pan to the stovetop.
- Add seasoning and sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, freshly ground black pepper, salt, dried basil, and garlic powder. Mix well to blend all the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the burgers: Split the hamburger buns or English muffins and place each half, face up, on the prepared baking sheet. Scoop about ⅓ cup of the seasoned meat mixture onto each half, then top each with 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are slightly toasted.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top before serving.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease and makes the dish healthier.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- English muffins can be substituted for hamburger buns for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- The burgers are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Feel free to add extra toppings such as sliced olives or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
