Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic, crave-worthy mashup of a cheeseburger and a slice of pizza. Think toasted buns piled high with seasoned beef, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked to perfection. It’s a retro-style meal that brings big flavor and classic comfort to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, satisfying, and takes me right back to school cafeteria lunches or family dinners from years past. The combination of saucy meat, stretchy cheese, and crisped buns is totally irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without firing up the grill—everything gets baked on a sheet pan, hot and melty in minutes.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Onion (diced)
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Garlic (minced)
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Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper
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Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
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Pepperoni slices (optional)
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Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
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Butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
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In a skillet, I brown the ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked. I drain any excess fat.
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I add minced garlic, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
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I lay out the bottom halves of the buns on the prepared baking sheet and spoon the meat mixture on top.
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I top each one with shredded cheese and a few slices of pepperoni if I’m using them.
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I place the top bun halves beside the bottoms (cut side up) and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are toasted.
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I assemble the burgers, sprinkle with Parmesan if I’m feeling extra, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 pizza burgers. It takes 15 minutes to prep and 10–12 minutes to bake, so I can have them ready in just under 30 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes mix it up by using Italian sausage instead of ground beef or adding sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, or olives to the meat mixture. When I want to keep it meat-free, I use a vegetarian meat alternative or just load it with extra veggies and cheese. Garlic butter brushed on the buns before baking adds a rich, savory finish.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly or kept in an airtight container. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes—this keeps the buns crisp and the cheese melty. I avoid the microwave, which can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
What kind of buns work best?
I like using sturdy hamburger buns, kaiser rolls, or even English muffins. Anything too soft can get soggy, so I go for something that toasts well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to eat, I assemble and bake fresh for best results.
Can I use leftover sloppy joe mix?
Absolutely. I just stir in some pizza sauce and seasoning to give it that pizza burger flavor.
What’s the best cheese for pizza burgers?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of Italian cheeses all melt beautifully and add great flavor.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, I freeze the fully assembled and baked burgers individually wrapped. When ready to eat, I reheat them in the oven straight from frozen.
Conclusion
Old School Pizza Burgers are a fun, flavorful throwback that always hits the spot. Whether I’m making them for a quick family dinner, a casual party, or just to relive a little food nostalgia, they’re always a hit. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and totally delicious—this recipe is a keeper.
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic combination of juicy ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, melty cheese, and crispy buns—baked to perfection for a retro comfort food classic that’s easy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Pepperoni slices (optional)
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Arrange bottom halves of buns on the baking sheet. Spoon meat mixture onto each one.
- Top with shredded cheese and pepperoni slices if using.
- Place top bun halves on the baking sheet, cut side up. Optionally brush with butter.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and tops are toasted.
- Assemble the burgers, sprinkle with Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Swap beef for Italian sausage or a vegetarian alternative.
- Add mushrooms, peppers, or olives for extra flavor.
- Brush buns with garlic butter for added richness.
- Use provolone, cheddar, or Italian cheese blends as alternatives.
- Prepare meat mixture in advance for quicker assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza burger
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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