Introduction

Old School Pizza Burgers combine the best of two classic favorites: pizza and burgers. This easy recipe layers savory ground beef with tangy pizza sauce and melty cheddar cheese on a toasted bun, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

The image shows four small round mini pizzas on a wooden board with a white marbled texture below. Each pizza has three clear layers: the base is a light golden-brown bread crust, the middle layer is a rich red tomato sauce with some melted yellow cheddar cheese, and the top layer is a generous amount of browned melted mozzarella cheese covering crumbled cooked ground beef pieces. A few small green bell pepper pieces are scattered near the pizzas, adding a touch of color. The melted cheese looks stretchy and slightly browned in spots, giving an appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
6 burger buns, halved
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with Italian seasoning, mixing until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Form the seasoned beef into six equal patties, matching the size of the burger buns.
Step 3: Cook the patties on a grill or skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Step 4: During the last minute of cooking, spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce over each patty and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
Step 5: Toast the burger buns until golden and slightly crisp.
Step 6: Assemble the burgers by placing each cheesy patty on the bottom half of a bun, then topping with the bun’s top half. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra pizza flavor, add sliced pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms on top of the cheese before melting.
Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a classic pizza taste.
Mix a small amount of garlic powder into the beef for added depth.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the meal.

Storage

Store leftover pizza burgers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through, making sure the cheese melts again. Avoid freezing as the bun may become soggy upon thawing.

How to Serve

Four small pizzas with three layers each are shown closely on a wooden board over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is thick white dough with a soft texture, the middle layer is bright red tomato sauce covered with melted yellow cheddar cheese, and the top layer has cooked ground beef with browned mozzarella cheese melted on it, bubbling and slightly dripping over the edges. Some small green bell pepper pieces are visible near the pizzas. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Cook patties thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed to keep the flavor rich.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the beef with plant-based patties and follow the same steps. Use vegetarian-friendly pizza sauce and cheese for a meatless version.

Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 122 reviews

Old School Pizza Burgers combine the best of two beloved comfort foods—juicy beef burgers topped with savory pizza sauce and melted sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled inside a toasted burger bun. This easy and nostalgic recipe brings a fun twist to classic burgers, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 burgers 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

1 pound ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Buns and Cheese

6 burger buns, halved
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid overworking the meat, then form into 6 evenly sized patties.
Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are no longer pink inside.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Once the patties are almost done, spoon pizza sauce evenly over each patty. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid or a piece of foil to create steam and melt the cheese, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
Toast the Buns: While the cheese melts, toast the burger buns cut side down in a separate pan or on the grill until golden brown.
Serve: Place each sauced and cheese-topped patty onto a toasted bun and cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sliced pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms on top of the cheese before melting.
Can be prepared on a grill instead of stovetop for a smoky flavor.
Use your favorite pizza sauce brand or homemade sauce for the best taste.
Leftover patties can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the burger buns with gluten-free buns.

Keywords: pizza burger, cheesy burger, ground beef burger, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe