Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe – A Classic American Favorite

Craving something hearty, cheesy, and full of nostalgic flavor? Look no further than these Old School Pizza Burgers – a retro recipe from school cafeterias and grandma’s kitchen. This recipe brings together the juicy satisfaction of a burger and the bold, saucy flavor of pizza into one delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend treats, or even party snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or sauces.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 hamburger buns or French bread rolls
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a pizza blend)
Optional: pepperoni slices, chopped bell peppers, or olives
Butter (for toasting the buns, optional)

How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

Tip: Use lean ground beef (90/10) for less grease and a healthier result.

2. Add Sauce and Seasoning

Reduce the heat to low. Add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Want more flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

3. Prepare the Buns

While the meat simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the buns in half and lay them on a baking sheet. Optional: lightly butter the inside of each bun and toast them in the oven for 3–5 minutes until golden.

4. Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the bottom half of each bun. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Add extra toppings like pepperoni or diced veggies if desired.

5. Bake and Melt

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, use the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes (watch carefully!).

Serving Suggestions

Pair with French fries, potato wedges, or a side salad.
Serve with garlic breadsticks or baked zucchini chips for a twist.
Add hot sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Variations & Tips

Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or use spicy pepperoni.
Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with lentils, tofu crumbles, or meat substitutes.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta