I remember sitting by the kitchen window on rainy afternoons, flipping through my mother’s worn recipe binder. Each smudged page told a story, and tucked between her notes on spaghetti casserole and tuna melts was this old gem—pizza burgers.
It wasn’t glamorous, just a well-loved midweek meal that brought the whole family running to the table the moment the oven door creaked open. I hadn’t thought of them in years until a curious craving struck during a quiet Sunday lunch with my grandkids. They were fussing, not too keen on burgers or pizza, and I chuckled to myself—how about both?
I shuffled through my own recipe box, now just as grease-speckled as my mom’s. There it was: six ingredients, all pantry staples, no fluff. The aroma of simmering beef in rich pizza sauce took me straight back to our old house with linoleum floors and the radio humming in the background. What surprised me most, though, was how well this retro recipe still held up. I’ve made them several times since, tweaking here and there, but always sticking close to that comforting, cheesy original.
Now, they’ve become a fun, nostalgic hit at casual family dinners—and not just with the kids. The adults love them too, especially when served with a side salad and something sparkling in a glass. This dish is simple, satisfying, and full of charm. It’s also the kind of recipe that reminds you good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.
Short Description
Old School Pizza Burgers combine the hearty satisfaction of a burger with the bold, melty flavors of a classic pizza—built on a toasty bun, topped with beefy, cheesy goodness, and baked to bubbly perfection.
Key Ingredients
- 450 grams ground beef
- 240 milliliters pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 6 burger buns, halved
- 170 grams shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Tools Needed
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Oven
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the Italian seasoning and pour in the pizza sauce. Let it simmer for about 5–6 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Buns
While the beef simmers, preheat your oven to 175°C (about 350°F). Arrange the burger bun halves, cut side up, on a baking tray. For easier cleanup, line the tray with parchment paper.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Spoon the beef mixture generously onto each bun half. Then, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar on top. Don’t be shy—cheese is key to that melty, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and just starting to bubble. The buns should be lightly toasted.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Add the top halves of the buns if you like a full sandwich experience, or serve them open-faced. Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before digging in—they’ll be hot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Packed with classic, nostalgic flavor
– Quick and easy to prepare
– Kid-friendly and adult-approved
– Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners
– Budget-friendly with simple pantry staples
– Comfort food that’s both fun and filling
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using Too Much Sauce
Issue: Makes the buns soggy.
Fix: Stick to 240 ml—just enough for flavor without drenching.
Skipping the Simmer Step
Issue: The sauce can taste flat or too thin.
Fix: Letting it simmer deepens flavor and helps it cling to the beef.
Overloading with Cheese
Issue: Can cause greasy tops or soggy bottoms.
Fix: Use 170g, evenly divided. It’s the perfect amount for melt and flavor.
Baking at Too High a Temperature
Issue: Cheese burns before buns toast.
Fix: Bake at 175°C (350°F) for even results.
Adding Raw Toppings (like raw onions or peppers) Before Baking
Issue: They can release water and soften the buns.
Fix: Pre-sauté toppings or add them after baking for crunch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These pizza burgers are great on their own but even better when paired thoughtfully.
Serve with a crisp garden salad, Caesar salad, or coleslaw
Add baked sweet potato fries or oven-roasted potato wedges
Offer as a buffet-style option for parties—slice in halves or quarters for easy grab-and-go bites
Pair with sparkling water, root beer, or a glass of Chianti for adults
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 175°C oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the buns chewy or soggy.
Freeze the beef mixture separately (without buns) in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well and offers a leaner option. Just watch the cooking time—it tends to cook faster and may need a bit more seasoning.
2. What type of pizza sauce works best?
Use a thick, flavorful sauce—homemade or store-bought. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer before adding to the meat.
3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella gives it classic pizza vibes, while provolone or a cheddar blend adds richness.
4. Are these freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the meat mixture, but it’s best to assemble and bake fresh for the crispiest texture.
5. How do I make these vegetarian?
Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles and ensure your pizza sauce is vegetarian. Everything else stays the same.
Tips & Tricks
Toast the buns lightly before adding meat for extra crunch.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat for heat.
Let the cheese cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.
Use a spoon with drainage holes if your beef mixture is very saucy.
Serve open-faced for a fun twist that shows off the cheesy topping.
Recipe Variations
1. Pepperoni Pizza Burgers
Add diced pepperoni to the beef and sauce before spooning onto buns. Bake as usual. It adds that familiar pizzeria taste with a spicy kick.
2. Veggie Supreme Version
Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives and mix them into the beef sauce. Top with mozzarella instead of cheddar for that veggie-lover’s pizza flavor.
3. Hawaiian Pizza Burgers
Mix chopped ham and small pineapple tidbits into the meat mixture. Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Bake and serve with a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
4. Garlic Bread Style
Brush bun halves with garlic butter before adding the filling. The flavor takes it up a notch and mimics garlic bread pizza.
5. Spicy Jalapeño Twist
Mix chopped pickled jalapeños into the beef and sprinkle crushed chili flakes on top of the cheese before baking.
Final Thoughts
Pizza burgers may sound like something straight out of a 1970s lunchroom, but don’t let that fool you—they’re a true comfort classic, reborn. Every bite reminds me of simpler times, of recipes passed from hand to hand, often without exact measurements or written cards, just shared stories. It’s that feeling of warmth and home that makes them worth making over and over again.
They don’t try too hard. They don’t need fancy ingredients or a perfect Instagram filter. What they offer is even better: honest flavor, melted cheese, and that unmistakable smell of something hearty coming from the oven. It’s meals like this that bring people together. And that’s always been my favorite part of cooking—not just feeding the belly, but feeding the heart.
If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s your chance to bring a little retro joy into your kitchen. You might just find a new family favorite hiding in an old recipe.
Old School Pizza Burgers
Print ThisIngredients
- 450 grams ground beef
- 240 milliliters pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 6 burger buns, halved
- 170 grams shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in Italian seasoning and pizza sauce. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Buns
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Arrange bun halves, cut side up, on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Spoon the beef mixture over each bun half. Top generously with shredded sharp cheddar.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 12 minutes, until cheese melts and bubbles, and buns are lightly toasted.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Add top buns if desired, or serve open-faced. Cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
