Description: Craving pizza but also in the mood for a burger? Why not combine the two? These Old School Pizza Burgers bring together the best of both worlds – juicy, seasoned ground beef simmered in a flavorful pizza sauce, piled high on a toasted bun, and smothered in melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. They’re quick, easy, and satisfying, making them perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend treat. Get ready for a delicious blast from the past!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls (halved)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried Italian herbs or oregano for topping (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the buns don’t stick and makes for easier cleanup. Preheating the oven ensures the burgers cook evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Adding the ground beef to a preheated skillet with a little bit of oil will get the meat to sear nicely, locking in all the flavors!
Step 3: Season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. These seasonings are the foundation of the pizza burger flavor, adding depth and aroma to the meat mixture. Adjust the amounts to your taste preferences – if you like a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Cook the ground beef for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart and stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning. Excess fat can make the burgers greasy, so draining it off will ensure a better final product.
Step 5: Stir in the pizza sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step allows the flavors of the sauce and spices to meld together, creating a richer, more cohesive flavor profile for the pizza burgers. Stir gently to avoid splattering the sauce.
Step 6: Place the hamburger bun halves or sandwich rolls on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Arrange them evenly so that the heat circulates properly during baking. Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper is always a good idea for easy cleanup.
Step 7: Spoon a generous portion of the meat mixture onto each bun half. Don’t be shy – these are pizza burgers, after all! Distribute the meat evenly so that each burger is equally loaded with deliciousness. Feel free to customize at this point with any additions you desire.
Step 8: Top each meat-covered bun half with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. The more cheese, the better, in my opinion! Make sure to cover the meat mixture completely for that classic, melty pizza experience.
Step 9: Sprinkle each burger with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, savory note that complements the mozzarella perfectly. The Parmesan cheese will also help the burgers achieve that beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.
Step 10: Sprinkle a pinch of dried Italian herbs or oregano over the top of each burger for that authentic pizza flavor. This step is optional, but it really elevates the aroma and taste of the pizza burgers. Other herbs like basil or rosemary can also be used.
Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on the burgers to prevent them from burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check for doneness frequently.
Step 12: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizza burgers cool slightly before serving. Allow them to cool for a few minutes so the cheese can firm up a bit, making them easier to handle.
Step 13: Serve hot and enjoy! These Old School Pizza Burgers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still gooey and the buns are warm and toasty.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Old School Pizza Burgers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First and foremost, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Second, they combine two classic comfort foods into one delicious dish, satisfying cravings for both pizza and burgers simultaneously. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible. Third, they’re highly customizable. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences by adding different toppings or using different types of cheese. Finally, they’re a fun and nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood pizza parties and family dinners.
Serving Suggestions:
These Old School Pizza Burgers are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Some popular serving suggestions include:
- French Fries: A classic pairing for burgers, crispy french fries complement the savory flavors of the pizza burgers perfectly.
- Potato Chips: For a lighter option, serve the pizza burgers with your favorite potato chips.
- Coleslaw: The cool, creamy crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy burgers.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a healthy and refreshing accompaniment to the pizza burgers.
- Onion Rings: Crispy, golden-brown onion rings are another delicious option that pairs well with burgers.
- Pickles: Offer a selection of pickles, such as dill pickles, sweet pickles, or bread and butter pickles, for a tangy and crunchy addition to the meal.
- Fresh Vegetables: Serve the pizza burgers with a platter of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers, for a healthy and colorful side dish.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use a spicy pizza sauce.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or black olives.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
- If you don’t have pizza sauce on hand, you can use tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly before adding the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- To prevent the buns from getting soggy, place a layer of lettuce leaves on the bottom bun before adding the meat mixture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
These Old School Pizza Burgers are a fun, easy, and delicious way to satisfy your cravings for both pizza and burgers. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend get-together. With their customizable toppings and simple preparation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy a taste of nostalgia with these classic pizza burgers!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I make these pizza burgers ahead of time? Yes, 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 assemble the burgers, simply reheat the meat mixture and proceed with the recipe. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the burgers just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Can I freeze these pizza burgers? It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled pizza burgers, as the buns may become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the meat mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the meat mixture in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the recipe.
- What kind of buns are best for these pizza burgers? Any type of hamburger buns or sandwich rolls will work for this recipe. However, it’s best to choose a sturdy bun that can hold the weight of the meat mixture and cheese without falling apart. Brioche buns, sesame seed buns, or Kaiser rolls are all good options.
- Can I use homemade pizza sauce for this recipe? Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce will add even more flavor to these pizza burgers. You can use your favorite pizza sauce recipe or find a variety of recipes online. Just be sure to simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly before adding it to the meat mixture.
- What are some other toppings I can add to these pizza burgers? The possibilities are endless! Some other toppings you can add to these pizza burgers include pepperoni slices, cooked bacon crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, black olives, pineapple chunks, jalapeño slices, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing or barbecue sauce. Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favorite toppings to create your own unique pizza burger masterpiece!
