Name: Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup chopped pepperoni; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 6 hamburger buns (split); 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns)

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If you’re on the hunt for a fun, retro meal that scores a perfect ten for family appeal and flavor, Old School Pizza Burgers deserve a special spot on your table. Imagine the magic of hearty ground beef, zesty pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all bubbling away under a layer of pizza sauce, cozied up on a toasted bun. These beloved throwbacks are the kind of quick, satisfying dinner you’ll want to make on repeat — they’re loaded with classic pizza flair, but serve up all the weeknight ease and comfort of a good burger. If you’re craving nostalgia and bold, cheesy joy, these Old School Pizza Burgers fit the bill.

Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Old School Pizza Burgers is that every ingredient earns its keep — from the savory beef to the buttery buns. Each item brings either texture, flavor, or melty goodness, making this a craveable, nostalgic meal you can whip up in no time!

Ground beef: Use an 80/20 blend for a perfectly juicy, flavorful base that holds up to all that sauce and cheese.
Pepperoni (chopped): Adds a punch of salty, classic pizza flavor throughout every bite; you can use regular or turkey pepperoni depending on your preference.
Pizza sauce: Go for your favorite jarred or homemade version — this brings the signature tang and keeps the filling moist.
Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon is enough to infuse the mixture with those unmistakable pizza parlor vibes.
Garlic powder: Delivers deep savory notes without the fuss of chopping garlic cloves.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the beefiness of the mix.
Salt and pepper: Essential for brightening and balancing the whole filling.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into irresistible gooeyness; don’t be shy with the cheese here!
Hamburger buns (split): The soft, slightly sweet base transforms this from pizza to “pizza burger” territory.
Butter (optional, for toasting buns): Buttered buns make the edges just a little crispy — and a little more delicious.

How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by grabbing a large skillet and heating it over medium. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink — the little crispy bits are golden! Drain off any excess grease, so your pizza burgers don’t get soggy later.

Step 2: Stir in the Pizza Flavors

Now, mix in your chopped pepperoni. Pour in the pizza sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a big pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything cook together for about 3–4 minutes. Your kitchen should now smell exactly like your favorite pizzeria!

Step 3: Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended)

If you want that irresistible crunch, spread a little butter on the buns and toast them cut-side-down in a skillet or on a baking sheet until just golden. It only takes a minute or two and makes all the difference in texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Old School Pizza Burgers

Spoon the hot, savory meat mixture evenly over the bottoms of your buns. Heap each one with plenty of shredded mozzarella — don’t be stingy! Arrange the open-faced burgers on a baking sheet for the final flourish.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop the tray into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the aroma makes it impossible to wait any longer. Serve them hot, either as open-faced pizza melts or with the top bun nestled on for true burger style.

How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle your Old School Pizza Burgers with a little parsley or fresh basil for a pop of color. You can also scatter on some grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra zing—let your crowd customize their own!

Side Dishes

Pair these pizza burgers with classic sides like crispy potato wedges, a big Caesar salad, or even some buttery corn on the cob. They’re also fantastic with a pile of crunchy pickles or a scoop of creamy coleslaw to balance out the cheesy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Old School Pizza Burgers open-faced, like a hearty pizza melt, or closed with the top bun for a true burger feel. For parties, you can even use slider buns and make mini versions — they’re a nostalgic hit for game nights or movie marathons!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the buns separate from the filling to prevent sogginess — just reassemble right before eating for best results.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, the cooked beef and pepperoni filling freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Spoon the cooled mixture into a freezer bag, press flat, and thaw overnight in the fridge before use. Wait to toast buns and add cheese until ready to serve for the freshest taste.

Reheating

Reheat the filling in a skillet over low heat or zap gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Assemble your Old School Pizza Burgers on fresh or toasted buns, add cheese, and bake until bubbly — just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for Old School Pizza Burgers?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its melty stretch, you can switch it up with provolone or cheddar, or even blend several cheeses together for extra flavor and gooiness.

Are Old School Pizza Burgers kid-friendly?

Kids love these! With their familiar pizza flavors and fun format, Old School Pizza Burgers are always a hit for birthday parties, sleepovers, or any busy weeknight dinner.

Can I make these Old School Pizza Burgers vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumble, skip the pepperoni or use a veggie version, and you’ll still get loads of hearty, delicious pizza flavor.

What kind of pizza sauce works best?

Your favorite jarred pizza sauce will work just fine—choose one that’s thick enough to coat the meat without making it soupy. Feel free to use homemade sauce for even more personal flair.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Go ahead and toss in chopped green peppers, mushrooms, or onions when you cook the beef. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds classic pizza shop goodness to every bite.

Final Thoughts

These Old School Pizza Burgers deliver an unbeatable blend of nostalgic flavors and fun, hands-on eating that rivals the best pizza night or burger night. Give this recipe a whirl — it’s quick, comforting, and every bite is guaranteed to bring on big smiles. Old School Pizza Burgers might just become your new family tradition!

Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 pizza burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic treat that combines the best of pizza and burgers in one delicious dish. Juicy ground beef mixed with pepperoni, pizza sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection on hamburger buns. Easy to make and perfect for a fun family dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger:

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped pepperoni
1 cup pizza sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 hamburger buns (split)
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Mix Ingredients: Stir in pepperoni, pizza sauce, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
Toast Buns: Optionally, toast buttered buns until golden.
Assemble: Spoon meat mixture on buns, top with mozzarella.
Bake: Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake until cheese melts.
Serve: Enjoy hot with the top bun or open-faced.