How to Make Classic Pizza Burgers: The Forgotten School Cafeteria Recipe

ByAileenrecipes

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Did you know you can whip up delicious pizza burger recipes in just 30 minutes or less, with each serving containing only 205 calories?

These nostalgic treats take me back to school cafeteria days, where old school pizza burgers were always the highlight of lunch hour. Today, I’ll show you how to make pizza burgers that capture that same comforting flavor with simple ingredients like ground beef, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning. The beauty of this school pizza burger recipe is its simplicity – you’ll need just 5 minutes of prep time before you’re ready to cook. Additionally, pizza burgers are a fantastic way to use up extra burger buns you might have sitting around. Within 6-7 minutes of cooking per side, you’ll have a meal that serves 10-12 people, making it perfect for family dinners or nostalgic gatherings with friends.

Gathering the Essentials

To create authentic pizza burgers that remind me of those cafeteria classics, gathering the right ingredients is crucial. The perfect combination of meats, cheese, and seasonings makes all the difference in achieving that nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients for classic pizza burgers

The foundation of any great pizza burger recipe starts with quality ground beef. I prefer using 80% lean/20% fat ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. For an authentic old school pizza burger experience, you can combine 1 pound of ground beef with 1 pound of Italian sausage. This meat combination delivers that perfect pizza-like taste.

Furthermore, you’ll need:

  • Marinara or pizza sauce (about 1 cup)
  • Mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)
  • Italian seasonings (oregano, basil, marjoram, garlic powder)
  • Hamburger buns or alternatives
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

Some recipes include breadcrumbs and eggs to bind the meat mixture together, along with onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.

Choosing the right buns and cheese

For an authentic recipe for pizza burgers, the bun selection matters significantly. While standard hamburger buns work well, I’ve found that sturdier options like ciabatta, focaccia, or brioche hold up better to the sauce and toppings. English muffins are another excellent choice that many people remember from school cafeteria days.

Mozzarella is the classic cheese choice for that perfect pizza-like stretch. Meanwhile, provolone offers a slightly sharper flavor that still melts beautifully. For the most authentic old fashioned pizza burgers, use sliced rather than shredded cheese, though both work well depending on your preference.

Optional add-ins for extra flavor

The beauty of learning how to make pizza burgers is that you can customize them endlessly. To enhance your school pizza burger recipe, consider these flavorful additions:

Bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives bring classic pizza toppings to your burger. Jalapeños or banana peppers add a spicy kick. Black olives, spinach, or diced tomatoes introduce fresh elements.

For meat lovers, bacon makes a fantastic addition. Alternatively, try the truly old school approach of using Spam or bologna instead of ground beef for a genuine cafeteria flashback.

Moreover, experimenting with different cheese varieties like asiago can transform your basic pizza burger into something special. A drizzle of honey provides an unexpected sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pizza Burgers

Now that I’ve gathered all my ingredients, it’s time to create those old school pizza burgers that bring back cafeteria memories. The cooking process is straightforward yet delivers delicious results every time.

1. Brown the ground beef

First, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add diced onions and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef to the pan along with salt and pepper. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat into smaller pieces while it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent soggy burgers.

2. Mix in sauce and seasonings

After browning the beef, it’s time to add flavor. Stir in 1 cup of pizza or marinara sauce to the meat mixture. Subsequently, add Italian seasonings—typically 1-2 teaspoons of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Some recipes also call for a small amount of sugar to balance the acidity of the sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

3. Assemble the burgers on buns

Once your meat mixture is ready, prepare your buns. For a truly authentic pizza burger recipe, slice hamburger buns in half and arrange them on a baking sheet. Alternatively, English muffins provide that classic school cafeteria feel. Generously spoon the meat mixture onto each bun half, distributing it evenly. A heaping two tablespoons per bun half is generally sufficient.

4. Add cheese and broil to finish

Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (or place sliced cheese) over the meat mixture on each bun. Place the baking sheet under the broiler, approximately 4 inches from the heat source. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble. Watch carefully during this step as broilers can quickly burn the cheese. Let the finished pizza burgers rest for a few minutes prior to serving, allowing the flavors to settle.

Old School Variations to Try

Interestingly, pizza burgers originated in the 1970s in school cafeterias across America. These nostalgic treats have several delicious variations that capture the essence of those beloved cafeteria days.

Using Spam or bologna like the cafeteria days

The most authentic old school pizza burger recipe includes an unexpected ingredient – processed meat! In fact, many original cafeteria recipes called for ground bologna or Spam instead of (or alongside) ground beef. For a genuine throwback experience, try grinding 7 oz of Spam or 1 lb of bologna using a meat grinder. This creates that distinctive cafeteria flavor that many remember fondly from their school days.

Some cafeterias in Minnesota (the home of SPAM) made their pizza burgers by mixing crumbled SPAM into the beef and simmering it in a sweetened pizza sauce. If Spam seems too salty, bologna makes an excellent substitute and is often more affordable – as low as $1.98 per pound compared to $3.58 for a can of Spam. Essentially, this variation stretches your ground beef further while adding unique flavor.

Making it open-faced or as a sandwich

One of the hallmarks of classic school pizza burgers is their versatility in presentation. Open-faced pizza burgers are particularly reminiscent of old fashioned cafeteria style – served on split English muffins with seasoned beef, marinara, and melted mozzarella. This approach allows you to see all the toppings and creates a pizza-like eating experience.

Surprisingly, some school cafeterias served pizza burgers that could be picked up and eaten like a bagel. To achieve this sturdier version, simply use less meat mixture spread on each bun. For family meals, the open-faced style can help stretch ingredients further, especially when feeding a crowd.

Turning them into sliders for parties

Transform your old school pizza burgers into crowd-pleasing mini versions:

  • Use King’s Hawaiian pre-sliced slider buns for the perfect size
  • Reduce the amount of meat mixture per bun
  • Arrange on a party platter for easy self-service

These sliders make excellent appetizers when prepared on mini English muffins or bagels. For variety at parties, consider these slider variations:

  • Substitute Italian sausage for pepperoni
  • Create a “meat lover’s” version with ham, sausage and pepperoni
  • Make vegetarian sliders with sautéed peppers, onions and mushrooms

Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Tips

After enjoying my homemade pizza burgers, properly storing leftovers ensures they remain delicious for future meals. Unlike ordinary leftovers, these classic treats require specific handling to maintain their flavor and texture.

How to store leftovers in the fridge

Pizza burgers stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when properly stored. For best results, I disassemble any leftover burgers rather than storing them fully assembled. Placing the sauced burger patties in an airtight container prevents them from drying out. Alternatively, individually wrapping assembled burgers in plastic wrap and placing them in a gallon storage bag works well for quick grab-and-go options.

Freezing pizza burgers for later

Freezing extends enjoyment of old school pizza burgers for up to 3 months. For cafeteria-style convenience, I wrap each cooled burger in wax paper using a drugstore fold before placing them in a freezer bag. Uncooked patties freeze excellently too—perfect for meal prep.

Best way to reheat without drying out

The secret to reheating pizza burgers without compromising texture lies in the method:

  • Oven method: Wrap burgers loosely in foil and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Place a small oven-safe dish of water on the pan during preheating to create steam that softens the crust.
  • Stovetop skillet: Add a splash of water to create steam, cover, and heat each side for about 90 seconds.
  • Air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, toasting the bun separately during the last minute.

Conclusion

Pizza burgers truly stand as a remarkable piece of American school cafeteria history that deserves a place in our home kitchens. After all, these delicious treats combine two beloved foods into one satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. Throughout this recipe, we’ve seen how simple ingredients transform into something special with minimal effort.

Undoubtedly, the versatility of pizza burgers makes them perfect for any occasion. You can stick with the classic recipe or experiment with variations like using Spam for authentic cafeteria flavor. Additionally, you might try the open-faced style for a more pizza-like experience or create mini sliders for your next gathering.

What I love most about these nostalgic treats is how they connect us to childhood memories while still satisfying modern appetites. The preparation couldn’t be easier—just 5 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes of cooking yields a meal that serves the whole family. Meanwhile, leftover pizza burgers store well in the fridge or freezer, making them an excellent option for busy weeknight meals.

Next time you’re looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that brings back the good old days, give these pizza burgers a try. Your family will thank you, and you might just start a new tradition based on this wonderful cafeteria classic. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to make them your own—that’s the beauty of comfort food that stands the test of time.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main ingredients for a classic pizza burger? A classic pizza burger typically consists of ground beef, pizza or marinara sauce, Italian seasonings, mozzarella cheese, and hamburger buns. Some variations include Italian sausage or even Spam for an authentic school cafeteria taste.

Q2. How long does it take to make pizza burgers? Pizza burgers are a quick meal to prepare. You’ll need about 5 minutes for prep time and approximately 15-20 minutes for cooking. The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

Q3. Can pizza burgers be made ahead and frozen? Yes, pizza burgers freeze well for up to 3 months. You can freeze them assembled or just freeze the cooked meat mixture. For best results, wrap each burger in wax paper before placing in a freezer bag.

Q4. What’s the best way to reheat pizza burgers? To reheat without drying out, wrap the burger loosely in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a skillet with a splash of water and cover, or an air fryer set to 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Q5. How can I make pizza burgers for a party? For parties, consider making pizza burger sliders. Use smaller buns like King’s Hawaiian rolls, reduce the amount of meat mixture per bun, and arrange them on a platter. You can also offer various toppings for guests to customize their sliders.