Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe

If there’s one dish that feels like taking a bite straight out of childhood, it’s Old School Pizza Burgers. These open-faced, cheesy creations are the perfect blend of a classic burger and everyone’s favorite pizza flavors—making them a hit for family dinners, picky eaters, or anyone craving ultimate comfort food. You get hearty ground beef, zesty pepperoni, tangy pizza sauce, and a gooey blanket of mozzarella, all bubbling on a toasted bun. With every bite, Old School Pizza Burgers are a trip down memory lane, and so easy to make, you’ll want them on repeat in your kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, staple ingredients is all it takes to bring Old School Pizza Burgers to life. Each component packs flavor or texture—so don’t skip the classics, but feel free to riff on toppings or swaps to make these burgers your own.

• Ground Beef (1 pound): For a rich, meaty base; use lean beef for less grease, or substitute turkey or sausage for a twist.
• Diced Pepperoni (1 cup): Brings big pizzeria flavor; finely dice for even distribution in every bite.
• Pizza Sauce (1 cup): The tangy, herby glue that melds all the flavors together—go for your favorite jarred or homemade option.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 ½ cups): For that gooey, irresistible melt and the signature pizza pull.
• Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory depth, perfectly accenting the beef and sauce.
• Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and brings gentle sweetness to the party.
• Dried Oregano (½ teaspoon): This classic herb is a must for that unmistakable pizza-shop aroma.
• Hamburger Buns, Split and Toasted (4): The crunchy foundation; try garlic bread buns for an extra pop of flavor.
• Optional Toppings (sliced olives, green peppers, mushrooms): Add as you please for color, crunch, or a veggie boost.

How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium heat and crumble in the ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking it up as you go, until there’s no pink left and the beef is wonderfully browned. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease and get ready for the flavor boosters.

Step 2: Add Pepperoni, Sauce, and Seasonings

Add the diced pepperoni, pizza sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano straight into the skillet with your beef. Stir it all together and let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and the pepperoni to release its signature zestiness.

Step 3: Mix in the Cheese

Remove your skillet from the heat and sprinkle in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the saucy meat, creating the irresistible base for your Old School Pizza Burgers.

Step 4: Assemble on Toasted Buns

Arrange the bun halves on a baking sheet, cut sides up. Heap generous spoonfuls of your beefy, cheesy filling onto each bun, spreading all the way to the edges for maximum coverage. Top each with a final layer of mozzarella (that remaining ½ cup—don’t skimp!).

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is outrageously melty and starting to bubble with golden spots. Remove carefully, garnish if you like, and prepare yourself for nostalgia in every bite.

How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

Personalize your Old School Pizza Burgers by sprinkling on sliced olives, diced green peppers, or mushrooms right as they come out of the oven. A little chopped parsley adds a beautiful pop of color if you’re feeling fancy, while a pinch of crushed red pepper is great for a little heat.

Side Dishes

Balance out the cheesy richness with a bright side salad, or keep things classic with a pile of crispy fries. These burgers also love some carrot sticks or a cup of tomato soup on the side for the ultimate throwback meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Old School Pizza Burgers into a shareable appetizer by making them with mini slider buns. For parties, cut each burger into quarters and arrange them on a platter so guests can mix and match toppings. Or, serve open-faced on garlic toast for a weeknight dinner that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra Old School Pizza Burgers (lucky you), let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. They reheat well and make an easy lunch or after-school snack.

Freezing

Old School Pizza Burgers can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap each individually in foil and store in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To revive that gooey, melty goodness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 10 minutes. You can also pop a single pizza burger in the microwave for a quick fix, but the oven delivers the best crunch.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even sausage works great for Old School Pizza Burgers. Just keep an eye on seasoning, since turkey is leaner and might need a little extra salt and spice.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

Pop the split buns under the broiler for a minute or two, or toast them in a dry skillet. For extra flavor, brush with garlic butter before toasting—they’ll be irresistible!

How can I make these Old School Pizza Burgers vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or a hearty mix of mushrooms and lentils. Omit the pepperoni or use veggie pepperoni, and pile on your favorite veggies for a meatless twist.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes! The meat and sauce mixture can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. When ready to assemble, just stir it up, spoon onto buns, add cheese, and bake as directed.

Do Old School Pizza Burgers work for a crowd?

They’re perfect for feeding a crowd! You can easily double or triple the recipe and set up a DIY pizza burger bar with assorted toppings so everyone can customize their own.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Old School Pizza Burgers never go out of style—they’re quick, family-friendly, and taste like pure nostalgia with every bite. If you’re craving comfort food with a twist or want to bring a retro favorite back to your table, give these a try soon. You’ll be surprised at just how much everyone asks for seconds!

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