Ah, the good old days of pizza burgers! Remember those mouthwatering creations that combined the savory goodness of a juicy burger with the irresistible flavors of a piping hot pizza? Well, the “Old School Pizza Burgers” recipe is here to transport you back to those nostalgic moments and satisfy your cravings for a delectable blast from the past.
Table of Contents
What Are Pizza Burgers?
Old School Pizza Burgers are a classic dish that became a beloved staple in American cuisine. These burgers feature a hearty beef patty topped with a tantalizing blend of pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled between fluffy burger buns. It’s the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What sets this Old School Pizza Burgers recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The juicy beef patty provides a satisfying foundation, while the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning infuse each bite with a delightful Italian-inspired twist. The melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy, gooey element that ties the whole dish together, making it a truly irresistible and comforting meal.
Ingredients for Old School Pizza Burgers
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 6 burger buns, halved
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Old School Pizza Burgers recipe uses these key ingredients, you can get creative and experiment with some variations. For example, you could try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. You could also swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses to enhance the pizza-like flavor. Additionally, you can play with different types of pizza sauce, such as marinara, pesto, or even barbecue sauce, to create your own unique twist on the classic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for assembling the burgers.</
Cook Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Add Sauce & Seasoning
Next, stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Assemble Burgers
Place the burger bun halves on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the beef mixture onto each bottom bun half, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled burgers into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve Warm
Finally, top the burgers with the remaining bun halves and serve them up hot and fresh!

Tips for Perfect Pizza Burgers
Choosing the Right Beef
For the best texture and flavor, opt for a leaner ground beef, such as 90% lean or 93% lean. This will ensure the patties hold their shape without becoming too greasy.
Enhancing Flavor with Toppings
While the classic Old School Pizza Burgers are delicious on their own, you can take them to the next level by adding your favorite pizza toppings. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, pepperoni, or even diced bell peppers to really capture that authentic pizza experience.
Serving Suggestions
These Old School Pizza Burgers pair incredibly well with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, you could serve them alongside a tangy coleslaw or a creamy pasta salad.
Pairing Suggestions
Best Sides to Serve with Pizza Burgers
When it comes to sides, the options are endless! Classic choices like french fries, potato wedges, or garlic bread are always a hit. For a healthier option, a simple green salad or a roasted vegetable medley would make a delightful accompaniment.
Drink Pairings for the Ultimate Meal
To complete the Old School Pizza Burgers experience, consider pairing them with a refreshing beverage. An ice-cold beer, a crisp white wine, or a classic soda would all be excellent choices to complement the bold flavors of the burgers.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the original pizza burger in the USA?
The original pizza burger was a beloved classic in American cuisine for many years. It gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, with various diners, drive-ins, and fast-food restaurants offering their own versions of the dish. However, as food trends and preferences evolved over the decades, the pizza burger’s prominence faded, and it became more of a nostalgic favorite rather than a mainstream menu item. Thankfully, recipes like this Old School Pizza Burgers are keeping the spirit of the original alive and allowing a new generation to experience the delicious combination of burger and pizza flavors.
Is pizza burger junk food?
While pizza burgers can certainly be considered a type of comfort food or indulgence, they don’t necessarily have to be categorized as “junk food.” The quality of the ingredients and the overall preparation method can make a significant difference. This Old School Pizza Burgers recipe uses lean ground beef, wholesome pizza sauce, and high-quality cheddar cheese, making it a relatively balanced meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet when consumed in moderation.
What to put on a pizza burger?
The classic toppings for an Old School Pizza Burger include pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese. However, you can get creative and add your favorite pizza-inspired toppings to customize the burger to your liking. Some tasty options to consider are sautéed mushrooms, pepperoni, diced bell peppers, onions, or even a drizzle of pesto or barbecue sauce.
What goes with pizza burgers?
Pizza burgers pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Some classic accompaniments include crispy french fries, onion rings, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, you could serve the pizza burgers with a creamy pasta salad, a tangy coleslaw, or even a side of garlic bread to really embrace the Italian-inspired flavors.
Conclusion
The Old School Pizza Burgers recipe is a delightful blast from the past that will transport you back to the good old days of classic American cuisine. By combining the savory goodness of a juicy burger with the irresistible flavors of a piping hot pizza, this dish offers a unique and satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re a nostalgic foodie or simply looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy your burgers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, fire up your ovens, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate Old School Pizza Burgers feast!
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Enjoy Flavorful Old School Pizza Burgers for Your Next Meal!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers are a classic dish that combines a juicy beef patty with pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled between burger buns.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 6 burger buns, halved
- 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Place the burger bun halves on the baking sheet. Spoon the beef mixture onto each bottom bun half, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Top with the remaining bun halves and serve hot!
Notes
For best texture, use lean ground beef (90% or 93% lean).
Consider adding toppings like sautéed mushrooms, pepperoni, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams