Old School Pizza Burgers

Name: Old School Pizza Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 6 burger buns, halved; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Isabella

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A nostalgic, easy-to-make lunch inspired by school cafeteria favorites from the late 1970s. These Old School Pizza Burgers combine savory ground beef, flavorful pizza sauce, and melted cheddar cheese for a delicious throwback treat. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a fun lunch, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a delightful blend of two classics: pizza and burgers.

Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Family-friendly and customizable with toppings like pepperoni or vegetables.

Nostalgic for those who enjoyed cafeteria-style pizza burgers.

Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 cup pizza sauce

6 burger buns, halved

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook and Drain the Ground Beef:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, I crumble and cook the ground beef until browned. I then drain any excess fat to keep the mixture light.

Season and Sauce:

I stir in the Italian seasoning with the cooked ground beef, making sure it’s evenly mixed. Next, I pour in the pizza sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Prepare the Burger Buns:

I place the halved burger buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet.

Assemble the Pizza Burgers:

Using a spoon, I evenly distribute the beef mixture onto one half of each bun. I sprinkle a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.

Bake in the Oven:

I bake the buns for about 12 minutes in the preheated oven, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bottom of the buns are slightly crunchy.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once baked, I carefully remove the pizza burgers from the oven. Placing the other half of the bun on top creates a sandwich. I allow them to cool slightly before serving for the perfect bite.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella or provolone for a more traditional pizza flavor.

Toppings: Add slices of pepperoni, olives, or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor.

Sauce Options: Use marinara or a spicier pizza sauce for variation.

Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free buns to accommodate dietary needs.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentil-based crumbles.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use an oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispy bun texture. Alternatively, a microwave works well but may result in a softer bun.

Related Recipes:

Pizza Burgers

FAQs

What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

I recommend using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. However, regular ground beef works too; just be sure to drain the fat.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, I assemble and bake the burgers.

Can I freeze these pizza burgers?

Yes, freeze the assembled (but unbaked) pizza burgers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

How can I make this spicier?

For a kick, I add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or use a spicy pizza sauce.

Are there alternative cheeses I can use?

Absolutely, I love experimenting with gouda, parmesan, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor.

Conclusion

Old School Pizza Burgers are a quick and flavorful blast from the past. They combine the comforting taste of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of a burger, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or a fun lunch, these pizza burgers are sure to become a family favorite. Try them out and add your own twist to this nostalgic recipe.

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