Description: A delightful throwback to simpler times, these Old School Pizza Burgers combine the comfort of a classic burger with the irresistible flavors of pizza. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Imagine juicy, seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich pizza sauce, nestled between toasted burger buns and blanketed with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a nostalgic bite of happiness in every mouthful!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (choose your favorite brand, or make your own!)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram)
- 6 burger buns, halved (sesame seed or brioche buns work wonderfully)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for a tangy and sharp flavor)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (for added color and crunch)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped black olives (for a salty, savory kick)
- Optional: Garlic powder to taste (for an extra flavor boost)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the cheese melts evenly and the buns toast perfectly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. It’s important to fully cook the ground beef for food safety.
Step 3: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Nobody wants greasy pizza burgers! Use a spoon or a grease separator to remove the excess fat.
Step 4: Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. If using, add chopped bell peppers and black olives. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. This step is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Arrange the burger bun halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. This allows the buns to toast evenly in the oven.
Step 6: Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto each bun half. Make sure each burger is generously topped with the savory filling.
Step 7: Generously top each burger with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The more cheese, the merrier!
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 9: Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Old School Pizza Burger recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. Even novice cooks can whip up a batch of these in under 30 minutes. Second, it combines two beloved comfort foods – burgers and pizza – into one delightful dish. The juicy, seasoned ground beef, the tangy pizza sauce, and the gooey, melted cheddar cheese create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Third, it’s highly customizable. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by adding your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, or pepperoni. Fourth, it’s an ultimate comfort food. Fifth, it is time efficient
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Old School Pizza Burgers with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic burger-and-fries experience.
- Pair them with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw to balance out the richness of the burgers.
- Offer a variety of condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and hot sauce, so everyone can customize their burgers to their liking.
- Serve with a pickle spear on the side for that authentic burger joint feel.
- Make it a movie night with a big bowl of popcorn!
Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, use toasted garlic buns. Simply brush the cut sides of the buns with garlic butter and toast them in the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes before assembling the burgers.
- Add chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives to the meat mixture for a veggie-packed twist. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
- Use your favorite type of cheese. Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses would also be delicious.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef. Simply heat it up in the skillet with the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 330-380 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: 25-30 grams per serving
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams per serving
Conclusion:
Old School Pizza Burgers are a fun, easy, and delicious way to satisfy your cravings for both burgers and pizza. With their simple ingredients, customizable toppings, and quick cooking time, they’re perfect for any occasion. So, gather your family and friends, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a nostalgic taste of childhood with these irresistible pizza burgers! This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the combination of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the sheer delight these burgers bring to your table.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Q2: Can I make these pizza burgers ahead of time? A: While it’s best to serve them fresh, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the burgers, simply assemble them and bake as directed.
Q3: Can I freeze these pizza burgers? A: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled pizza burgers, as the buns may become soggy. However, you can freeze the meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely before using.
Q4: What can I serve with these pizza burgers besides fries and salad? A: Other great side dishes include onion rings, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a simple pasta salad.
Q5: Can I make these without using an oven? A: Yes, you can assemble the burgers and cook them in a skillet on the stovetop. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and the buns are heated through. You can also use a toaster oven or an air fryer.
