Old School Pizza Burgers

This hearty pizza burger recipe combines the nostalgia of school cafeteria favorites with homemade goodness, perfect for busy families who want a fun twist on burger night. The combination of savory beef, zesty pizza sauce, and melty cheese creates an irresistible comfort food that both kids and adults will devour.

I first made these pizza burgers when my kids were going through a picky eating phase. The familiar flavors were an instant hit, and they've become our go-to solution for hectic weeknights when I need something quick that everyone will actually eat.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides the hearty base and satisfying protein. Choose 80/20 for best flavor, though leaner options work too
• Pizza sauce: gives that classic pizza flavor without extra work. Look for chunky varieties with visible herbs for best taste
• Italian seasoning: infuses the meat with aromatic herbs in one simple ingredient. Fresh herbs work too if you have them
• Burger buns: create the perfect vehicle for all that saucy goodness. Select brioche buns for extra richness
• Sharp cheddar cheese: adds that essential melty topping that makes everything better. Freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre-shredded

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven temperature to 350°F. This moderate heat ensures the cheese melts perfectly without burning the buns. Use the middle rack position for most even heating. Allow about 10 minutes for your oven to fully preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.

Cook the Ground Beef:

Place a large skillet over medium high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until no pink remains. Transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess fat, which prevents soggy buns.

Season and Sauce:

Return the drained beef to the skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the meat and stir to distribute. Pour in the pizza sauce and mix thoroughly to coat all the meat. Let the mixture simmer for 2 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. The sauce should cling to the meat rather than being too runny.

Prepare Buns:

Arrange all your burger bun halves cut side up on a large baking sheet. If desired, you can lightly toast the buns before adding toppings for extra texture and to prevent sogginess. Simply place them under the broiler for 30 seconds before proceeding.

Assemble:

Spoon the beef mixture generously onto each bun half, dividing it equally. Spread the mixture to the edges of each bun for complete coverage. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat, creating an even layer that will melt into all the nooks and crannies.

Bake:

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted and beginning to bubble. The edges of the buns will turn golden brown and slightly crisp, creating a delicious contrast to the soft center.

Serve:

Remove from the oven and let cool for about 3 minutes before handling. Place the top buns over the cheese covered bottoms to complete your pizza burgers. Serve immediately while still warm and gooey for the best experience.

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My family's favorite way to enjoy these is on game nights when we need something we can eat with one hand while playing board games. The first time I served them, my husband declared them better than the cafeteria version he remembered from childhood, which I consider high praise indeed!

Make It Your Own

These pizza burgers welcome endless variations based on your favorite pizza toppings. Try adding cooked mushrooms, green peppers, or even pineapple to the meat mixture. For a supreme version, sprinkle tiny pieces of pepperoni on top of the cheese before baking. My personal favorite addition is a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for adults who enjoy a bit of heat.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore that freshly baked quality. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make the buns slightly soggy. I recommend storing the components separately if possible, with meat mixture in one container and buns in another, then reassembling when reheating.

Kid-Friendly Cooking Project

This recipe makes an excellent introduction to cooking for young helpers. Kids can stir the sauce, sprinkle cheese, and help assemble their own personal pizza burgers. Creating a toppings bar with various cheeses and pre-cooked add-ins lets everyone customize their own creation. My daughter loves measuring the Italian seasoning and has declared herself the official "cheese supervisor" in our kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap cheddar cheese for another cheese?

Yes! Mozzarella can be a great substitute for a more classic pizza flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses too, like provolone or Monterey Jack.

→ How can I make these burgers healthier?

Consider using whole wheat burger buns, lean ground beef, or ground turkey. You can also add sautéed vegetables as a topping for extra nutrients.

→ What other toppings work well with pizza burgers?

Popular additions include sliced pepperoni, olives, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready, spread it on the buns, top with cheese, and bake as directed.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through for best results.