Old-School Pizza Burgers, a retro classic that combines all the best parts of pizza and burgers in one satisfying sandwich. These easy-to-make, delicious pizza burgers are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a nostalgic treat that kids and adults will love.
Old-School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Pizza burgers are a vintage favorite, bringing together juicy ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and classic pizza flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and delicious. In this Old-School Pizza Burgers recipe, we use ground beef seasoned with Italian spices, pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella to create an irresistible meal.
What is a Pizza Burger?
A pizza burger is essentially a hamburger infused with pizza flavors. The beef patty is seasoned and topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. Served on a toasted bun, these pizza burgers have all the flavors of a slice of pizza in burger form!
Ingredients for Old-School Pizza Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices pepperoni (optional)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Butter for toasting buns
How to Make Old-School Pizza Burgers
- Season the Ground Beef:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a patty.
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Add the Toppings:
- Once the patties are cooked, spoon pizza sauce over each patty, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add a couple of pepperoni slices on top if desired.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Toast the Buns:
- In a separate skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat and toast the hamburger buns until golden brown.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
- Place each cheesy, pizza-sauce-topped patty on a bottom bun, then top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the pizza burgers hot with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping or alongside a classic Italian side salad.
Tips for Perfect Old-School Pizza Burgers
- Use Quality Beef: Ground beef with an 80/20 ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) will keep your burger juicy and flavorful.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to bring in extra pizza toppings.
- Make It Ahead: Cook the patties and assemble the toppings, then finish with sauce and cheese just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Burgers
- Can I use a different cheese? Yes! Provolone or cheddar also works well if you don’t have mozzarella.
- What’s the best pizza sauce? Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or try homemade for extra flavor.
- Can I make pizza burgers vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute with a plant-based patty and enjoy with the same pizza toppings.
Conclusion
Old-School Pizza Burgers bring a delicious twist to a classic burger, combining all the best flavors of a pizza with a juicy beef patty. This nostalgic recipe is easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy any craving for pizza or burgers. Enjoy your pizza burgers with family and friends, and bring a bit of retro fun to the table!