Description
Old School Pizza Burgers are a delicious nostalgic mash-up of two classics: juicy burgers and cheesy, saucy pizza. These easy-to-make sandwiches feature seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, and zesty pizza sauce, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella on a classic hamburger bun. Perfect for game day, quick weeknight dinners, or when you’re craving retro comfort food.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pizza Sauce
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For Assembly
- 6 hamburger buns (split)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra pepperoni slices (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Pizza Sauce: Add the pizza sauce to the skillet, mixing well. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Burgers: Preheat your broiler. Place the split hamburger buns cut-side up on a baking sheet. Spoon the pizza burger mixture evenly over each bun half.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and, if using, Parmesan cheese and extra pepperoni over each burger.
- Broil to Finish: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Let cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy warm, open-faced, or sandwich two halves together.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives to customize.
- Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
- For a crispier base, toast the buns lightly before topping with the meat mixture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a toaster oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza burger
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
