Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe

If you’re craving a blast from the past with a savory, cheesy twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for Old School Pizza Burgers. Imagine the irresistible marriage of juicy beef and pork, herby pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and buttery toasted buns—all baked up until golden and bubbling, just like the cafeteria treat you remember, only so much better. These retro-inspired pizza burgers are unfussy, family-friendly, and pure comfort—the kind of supper that brings everyone running to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Old School Pizza Burgers is all in their simplicity—each ingredient has its moment to shine and helps offer that nostalgic, pizzeria-takeout-meets-homemade-dinner experience. From savory meats to melty cheese, every bite is crave-worthy.

• Ground beef: Delivers richness and hearty, classic burger flavor as the base of your pizza mixture.
• Ground pork (or more beef): Adds subtle sweetness and extra juiciness—use all beef if you prefer.
• Salt: Just the right amount for drawing out all those meaty, savory notes.
• Black pepper: Pops in a touch of mellow heat to balance the rich, cheesy filling.
• Italian seasoning: Gives this dish its bold, unmistakable pizza flavor in every bite.
• Garlic powder: Brings, well, garlicky goodness without fussing over fresh cloves.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick, stir these in for a gentle spiciness.
• Pizza sauce: Zesty, tomatoey, and herbal—your shortcut to that classic pizza taste.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for that stretchy, melty, irresistible topping and filling.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Piles on the nutty, salty pizzazz that makes pizza burgers totally addicting.
• Hamburger buns or English muffins: Pick your favorite base—they get toasty and soak up all the saucy goodness.
• Butter or olive oil: The secret to a perfectly golden, crispy crust under all that cheesy magic.

How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—this gives you the perfect temperature for bubbly cheese and a crisp base. While the oven comes up to temp, set out your ingredients and get a large skillet heating on the stove. This little bit of organization makes everything feel easy and fun!

Step 2: Brown the Meats

Add the ground beef and ground pork to your skillet over medium heat. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, letting it brown evenly and develop lots of savory flavor. Once fully cooked, drain off any extra grease for a lighter, less messy pizza burger.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well so every morsel is seasoned. Pour in the pizza sauce and give everything a good mix, then let it simmer for five minutes so the flavors can mingle and your filling thickens just slightly.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Take the skillet off the heat and immediately stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. The heat will melt the cheeses right into the meat mixture, giving you that signature creamy, gooey texture that makes Old School Pizza Burgers unforgettable.

Step 5: Toast Your Buns or Muffins

Place your hamburger buns or split English muffins cut-side up on a baking sheet. Lightly brush (or drizzle) each with a little melted butter or olive oil. Slide them into the oven for 5 minutes—just enough to crisp the edges and give them a flavorful base that’ll hold up to the saucy topping.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Remove the toasted buns from the oven and spoon the cheesy, meaty mixture over each half. Be generous! If you love extra cheese or sauce, sprinkle a bit more mozzarella and dab on some extra pizza sauce right now.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Return your assembled pizza burgers to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch as the cheese gets irresistibly gooey and the tops start to bubble and brown. The aroma alone is going to call everyone to the kitchen!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

When they’re sizzling and golden, remove Old School Pizza Burgers from the oven and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed hot and fresh, with all that melty cheese stretching with every bite!

How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil or chopped parsley on top gives a pop of color and fresh aroma, making the pizza burgers extra inviting. A quick shake of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic butter doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

Classic sides are king here—think crispy tater tots, golden fries, or a simple green salad tossed in Italian dressing. Each side rounds out the meal beautifully and leans into that retro supper club nostalgia.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer pizza burgers on a tray, sprinkle with extra herbs, and serve at parties as “open-faced sliders.” Or cut them into quarters for a game-day snack platter—kids will love them, and grownups won’t be able to resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Old School Pizza Burgers fresh, let them cool to room temperature before wrapping tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll stay tasty for up to three days—just the thing for an easy lunch!

Freezing

These pizza burgers freeze beautifully: assemble them right up to the final bake, then wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, you’ll be amazed at how the flavors stay vibrant and the texture remains spot on.

Reheating

To reheat from chilled or frozen, set your oven to 375°F. Place the pizza burgers (unwrapped) on a baking sheet and bake until heated through and the cheese is bubbling again—about 10 minutes from chilled, or a bit longer if frozen. The oven keeps the bread crisp and the cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I use just ground beef instead of ground pork?

Absolutely! Old School Pizza Burgers work perfectly with all ground beef, and you’ll still get plenty of juicy, savory flavor. The pork just adds a slight sweetness, but go with what you have.

How do I make them vegetarian?

Swap the meats for your favorite plant-based ground, and use vegetarian cheese if you like. The pizza flavors and gooey cheese make a veggie version just as fun and satisfying.

What pizza sauce should I use?

You can use any store-bought pizza sauce you love, or homemade if you want to go the extra mile. Look for one with lots of herbs and a tangy tomato kick for the most genuine Old School Pizza Burgers flavor.

Can I add toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms?

Definitely! Stir pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives into the meat mixture, or scatter them on top before baking. This is a great way to customize your pizza burgers to suit any craving.

Can these be made ahead for a party?

Yes! Assemble the pizza burgers a few hours ahead and refrigerate before the final bake. Pop them in the oven when you need them, and you’ll have hot, melty, party-ready pizza burgers in no time.

Final Thoughts

Old School Pizza Burgers are pure childhood joy in every bite—a little bit of nostalgia, a lot of gooey cheese, and a promise of easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food. Why not make them tonight and fall back in love with all the flavors that made school lunch a highlight?

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