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
Scale
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
