How to Make Classic Pizza Burgers: The Old School Recipe You Remember

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Looking for a pizza burger recipe that brings back childhood memories? We certainly were! These old school pizza burgers aren’t just nostalgic comfort
food—they’re also incredibly practical for busy weeknights, coming together in under 30 minutes.
Essentially, these delicious hybrids combine the best of two favorite foods—juicy burgers and zesty pizza flavors. With approximately 430 calories per serving,
these old fashioned pizza burgers offer a satisfying meal that packs 29g of protein. Whether you prefer the classic version with ground beef, pizza sauce, and
Italian seasoning, or the open-faced variety served on English muffins with melty mozzarella, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, pizza burgers are a fantastic
way to use up extra burger buns, making them both economical and delicious.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make pizza burgers that taste just like the ones from school cafeterias and family kitchens of the 70’s. This kid-friendly
dinner is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!
Gathering the Essentials
To prepare these classic pizza burgers, I need to gather all the right ingredients first. The foundation of any good pizza burger starts with quality ground meat.
While many recipes primarily use ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best), some versions incorporate ground pork for extra flavor [1]. For an authentic 70’s
experience, stick with pure ground beef.
For the signature pizza flavor profile, I’ll need several key seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sometimes oregano [2]. Furthermore,
some recipes include onion powder or crushed red pepper flakes for additional kick [3].
The cheese selection is crucial—traditional pizza burgers feature mozzarella, either shredded or sliced [2]. Nevertheless, provolone makes an excellent alternative
if you prefer a slightly sharper taste [4].
No pizza burger is complete without sauce. Most recipes call for pizza sauce or tomato paste [2], though some creative versions use marinara or even ketchup [5].
The buns deserve consideration too—while standard hamburger buns work perfectly [2], brioche rolls offer a richer experience [4]. Some old-fashioned recipes
even use English muffins or ciabatta buns for an interesting twist [6].
Finally, for toppings, pepperoni slices reign supreme [1], though mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers make wonderful additions [7].
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pizza Burgers
Now comes the fun part—transforming simple ingredients into delicious pizza burgers! I start by combining ground beef with finely chopped onion in a large
skillet. After cooking until no longer pink, I drain the excess fat thoroughly [8].
Subsequently, I mix in key seasonings: oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring until well combined. For authentic flavor, I add approximately 1 cup of pizza sauce to
the meat mixture, creating that signature saucy texture [9].
During the last few minutes of cooking, I stir in a generous amount of shredded cheese. Most recipes recommend using a combination of mozzarella, cheddar,
and sometimes Parmesan for the perfect melty consistency [9].
Meanwhile, I prepare the buns by splitting them and placing them on a baking sheet. For extra flavor, brushing the insides with a mixture of melted butter, garlic
powder, and parsley creates a delicious garlic bread effect [10].
I spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each bun half [8]. Indeed, the open-faced style is key to achieving that classic cafeteria look. After
topping with additional cheese if desired, I bake at 375-425°F for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the edges begin to toast [11].
Served hot, these pizza burgers transport me back to simpler times with every bite!
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
These classic pizza burgers are incredibly versatile and can be customized in numerous ways. For an extra cheesy experience, try stuffing the beef patties with
mozzarella rather than just topping them [12]. Beyond the traditional version, you could create a Hawaiian variation with ham and pineapple or a supreme version
with bell peppers and onions [13].
For busy weeknights, prepare these burgers ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap them individually in foil or ziplock bags and store in an airtight container [9]. When
reheating, use a skillet to maintain that crispy crust—the bottom crisps back up plus the top gets melty again [9].
As for serving ideas, these pizza burgers pair perfectly with:
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Italian-inspired sides like grilled corn, air fryer potato wedges, or parmesan zucchini [14]
Fresh salads such as avocado tomato salad or cucumber salad [15]
Classic potato or pasta salads for summer gatherings [16]
First, remember to toast the buns beforehand to prevent sogginess [17]. Moreover, use sturdy buns like ciabatta, focaccia, or garlic bread slices since regular
hamburger buns may not hold up [18]. Although the open-faced style is traditional, you can certainly enjoy these as regular burgers with two buns if preferred [14].
For kid-friendly appeal, consider making mini versions on English muffins as appetizers [9].
Conclusion
Pizza burgers truly represent the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how these nostalgic treats combine juicy
burger goodness with zesty pizza flavors to create something uniquely satisfying. Undoubtedly, their appeal goes beyond mere nostalgia – these delicious hybrids
offer practical benefits for busy families seeking quick, protein-packed meals.
The beauty of pizza burgers lies in their simplicity and adaptability. You can stick with the classic ground beef version topped with mozzarella and pepperoni or
experiment with countless variations to suit your family’s preferences. Additionally, their make-ahead potential makes them perfect for meal planning and busy
weeknights when time runs short.
Remember those key preparation tips – toasting the buns beforehand prevents sogginess, while choosing sturdy bread options helps support all those delicious
toppings. The open-faced presentation might bring back cafeteria memories, but feel free to enjoy them as traditional closed sandwiches too.
Most importantly, pizza burgers allow us to share a taste of the past with younger generations. This kid-friendly dinner combines familiar flavors in a fun format
that appeals to eaters of all ages. Therefore, next time you’re craving both pizza and burgers but can’t decide between them, why choose? This 30-minute wonder
delivers the best of both worlds while bringing a touch of nostalgia to your dinner table.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main ingredients in a classic pizza burger? A classic pizza burger typically consists of ground beef, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning,
mozzarella cheese, and burger buns or English muffins. Additional ingredients may include garlic powder, onion, and pepperoni slices for extra flavor.
Q2. How do you make pizza burgers? To make pizza burgers, brown the ground beef with onions, drain excess fat, and mix in pizza sauce and seasonings.
Add shredded cheese, then spoon the mixture onto bun halves. Bake at 375-425°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and edges are toasted.
Q3. Can pizza burgers be prepared in advance? Yes, pizza burgers can be made ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap them individually in foil or place in ziplock
bags and store in an airtight container. When reheating, use a skillet to maintain the crispy texture and melt the cheese.
Q4. What are some variations of pizza burgers? Pizza burgers can be customized in many ways. Try a Hawaiian version with ham and pineapple, or a
supreme version with bell peppers and onions. You can also experiment with different cheeses or stuff the patties with mozzarella for an extra cheesy experience.
Q5. What sides pair well with pizza burgers? Pizza burgers pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with Italian-inspired options like grilled corn or
air fryer potato wedges. Fresh salads such as avocado tomato or cucumber salad complement the flavors nicely. For summer gatherings, classic potato or pasta
salads make great accompaniments.