If you’re looking for the ultimate nostalgia trip, Old School Pizza Burgers are the answer! These saucy, cheesy, beefy sandwiches are a delicious mashup of classic American burgers and all your favorite pizzeria flavors, right down to the bubbling cheese and crispy pepperoni. Think of them as the perfect comfort food—easy enough for weeknights, yet crowd-pleasing enough for a family get-together. Expect plenty of gooey cheese pulls, savory meat, and that unmistakable aroma of toasted buns and Italian herbs. If you crave the taste of school lunchroom classics (but better) or retro diner vibes, this recipe will instantly bring the fun back to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Old School Pizza Burgers rely on a handful of straightforward, no-fuss ingredients, each one playing a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy ground beef to the melty cheese and zesty sauce, don’t skip a thing—these are the secret to that unforgettable taste!
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful meat that browns beautifully in the skillet.
- Pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for that classic pizzeria zing.
- Italian seasoning: A simple way to bring in those signature herbs—oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that really boosts the overall flavor.
- Onion powder: Balances the garlic and gives the beef mixture a mellow sweetness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the beef and the buns.
- Black pepper: A little heat to round out all the savory notes.
- Hamburger buns: Soft and sturdy buns hold up to all that saucy, cheesy filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into that irresistible, stretchy pizza topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty punch and helps brown the cheese topping.
- Sliced pepperoni: For a pop of spice and that classic pizza look—optional, but highly recommended!
- Butter: Spreads on the buns for a golden, crispy finish under the broiler.
- Garlic salt: Infuses the buns with a subtle garlicky kick and extra flavor.
- Optional toppings (green peppers, mushrooms, olives): Add your favorites to make each pizza burger your own.
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. The goal here is to get those little crispy bits that bring so much flavor. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess grease—this keeps your Old School Pizza Burgers perfectly saucy, not greasy.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix so the beef is coated in all that herby, tomatoey goodness. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. This helps the flavors meld and thickens the sauce just enough to stay put on your buns.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
Preheat your broiler while you split the hamburger buns and lay them cut side up on a baking sheet. Spread a bit of butter on each half, then sprinkle lightly with garlic salt for that extra punch. Slide them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch closely! You want a light golden toast, not burnt edges.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spoon a generous amount of the beef and sauce mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, then add pepperoni slices or any other favorite toppings. This is where your Old School Pizza Burgers start looking like mini pizzas!
Step 5: Broil to Perfection
Return the loaded buns to the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. The pepperoni will crisp up and the cheese will smell absolutely irresistible. Once melty and golden, remove from the oven and top with the other half of each bun.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pizza burgers cool for a minute so you don’t burn your fingers, then serve immediately while they’re hot and gooey. The combination of flavors and textures is pure comfort—and you’ll want to dive in right away!
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh chopped parsley right before serving really elevates the look and taste of Old School Pizza Burgers. If you love a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper or even a drizzle of hot honey is a fun twist. For a pop of freshness, a few basil leaves or even a small pile of arugula can brighten up these hearty sandwiches.
Side Dishes
Old School Pizza Burgers are fantastic with classic sides like crispy oven fries, a simple green salad, or even a cup of tomato soup for dipping. For a retro diner feel, serve with potato chips and a side of pickles. If you want to keep the pizza theme going, try garlic knots or a small antipasto salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or game day, slice each pizza burger in halves or quarters and serve them slider-style on a platter with toothpicks. Or, go open-faced by making just the bottom half of each bun and adding extra toppings—great for a buffet. You can even let everyone assemble their own Old School Pizza Burgers, offering a toppings bar with different cheeses and veggies for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old School Pizza Burgers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, store the buns and beef mixture separately, then assemble and reheat when ready to eat. This keeps the buns from getting soggy and preserves that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef and sauce mixture for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re craving pizza burgers, just thaw overnight in the fridge and use fresh buns and cheese to reassemble. Freezing the assembled burgers isn’t recommended, as the buns and cheese can become mushy.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the beef mixture in a skillet or microwave until hot, then assemble on fresh buns and broil as directed. If you have fully assembled leftovers, pop them in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes to re-crisp the buns and remelt the cheese. This brings them back to that just-made, bubbly deliciousness!
FAQs
Can I make Old School Pizza Burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef and sauce mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. When you’re ready to serve, toast the buns, assemble the burgers, and finish them under the broiler for fresh, melty results.
What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns with butter and garlic salt under the broiler creates a protective layer, keeping them crisp even under all that saucy goodness. If assembling ahead, wait to add the beef mixture until just before serving.
Can I use different meats or make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground substitutes. For a vegetarian version, use meatless crumbles and load up on vegetable toppings like mushrooms, peppers, and olives for that classic pizza flavor.
Are Old School Pizza Burgers kid-friendly?
Kids absolutely love these! The familiar pizza flavors and fun, handheld format make them a hit with all ages. Letting kids customize their own toppings can make dinner even more interactive and exciting.
What variations can I try to change up the flavor?
Old School Pizza Burgers are super versatile—add red pepper flakes for heat, swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone, or try barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce for a smoky twist. The recipe is a great canvas for your favorite pizza-inspired combos!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fun, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with Old School Pizza Burgers. They’re the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds and maybe even a little nostalgia. Give them a try—you’ll see just how quickly they become a family favorite!
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broiler
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers combine the classic flavors of pizza with the satisfying heartiness of a burger. Ground beef is cooked with savory Italian seasonings and pizza sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni on toasted hamburger buns for a nostalgic and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Buns & Topping
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Cheese & Other Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- Optional toppings such as green peppers, mushrooms, or olives
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to prevent sogginess in your pizza burger.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Prepare the Buns: Preheat your broiler. Split the hamburger buns and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Spread a little butter on each half and sprinkle lightly with garlic salt for added flavor. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the buns are lightly toasted and golden.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously, then add pepperoni slices or any other optional toppings like green peppers or mushrooms.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled buns to the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, creating that classic pizza texture.
- Serve: Place the top bun halves on each pizza burger and serve immediately while hot for the perfect blend of juicy burger and pizza flavors.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture during cooking.
- These pizza burgers can be served open-faced without the top bun for a lighter meal.
- Leftover pizza burgers reheat best in an oven or air fryer to maintain a crispy bun and melted cheese texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza burger
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
