Old School Pizza Burgers are a retro-inspired fusion of juicy ground beef, zesty pizza sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all served on toasted buns or English muffins. This dish was a staple in school cafeterias and home kitchens during the ’70s and ’80s, and it’s making a well-deserved comeback. With bold Italian seasoning, a hearty meat base, and that unmistakable pizza flavor, these burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or feeding a hungry crowd. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy both burger and pizza lovers alike.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembly:
- 6 hamburger buns or English muffins, split
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Optional: pepperoni slices, sliced olives, or sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then pour in the pizza sauce and simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld. Reduce heat to low and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
While the meat mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bun or muffin halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Lightly toast them in the oven for 5 minutes to create a sturdy base that won’t get soggy.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture onto each toasted bun half. Top with shredded cheese and any optional toppings like pepperoni or olives. Return the tray to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with a side of fries, salad, or even a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Kid-friendly version: Use mini slider buns and let kids add their own toppings.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use veggie toppings.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked pizza burgers. Bake straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
Old School Pizza Burgers are the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. They’re fast, flavorful, and full of nostalgic charm. The crispy bun, savory meat, and melty cheese hit all the right notes—comforting, satisfying, and just a little indulgent. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or introducing a new generation to this retro gem, these pizza burgers are a guaranteed hit.
Want to pair them with a fun dipping sauce or a retro dessert like banana pudding next? I’ve got ideas!