Description
These Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic, hearty fusion of juicy burgers and cheesy, saucy pizza. With a flavorful ground beef mixture, gooey mozzarella and tangy pizza sauce, all piled high on toasted buns, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce & Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni (optional)
For Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns, split
- Butter for toasting buns (about 2 tablespoons)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking apart the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onions soften, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat, if needed. Stir in garlic powder, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Pizza Sauce: Add the pizza sauce to the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
- Toast the Buns: While the beef mixture simmers, heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter the cut sides of each hamburger bun. Place buns, buttered side down, and toast for about 2 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Place the bottom halves of each bun on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Spoon a generous portion of beef mixture onto each. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan, then top with pepperoni slices if using.
- Melt the Cheese: Preheat broiler to high. Place assembled burgers under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and is bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven, top each with the toasted bun tops, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your classic pizza burgers!
Notes
- If you prefer, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add cooked bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to the beef for more pizza flavor.
- To make these ahead, prep the beef mixture and store in the fridge for up to two days.
- For extra crunch, serve with garlic bread instead of regular hamburger buns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza burger
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg