Gosh, old school pizza burgers just hit different, don’t they? There’s something magic about that cheesy, beefy snack that takes you straight back to school lunch lines or your grandma’s kitchen—total nostalgia bomb. You ever get a craving for a simple meal but every recipe out there feels fussy? I feel that. Honestly, it’s like, can we just get to the good stuff without all the weird ingredients? If you dig “pizza everything,” make sure to check out these pepperoni pizza quesadillas or throw together a tater tot pizza casserole for next time. But for today, trust me, pizza burgers are the move.
Why You’ll Love This Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Okay, real talk. These old school pizza burgers are just… comforting. You get that saucy, cheesy taste and every bite brings a tiny celebration (not exaggerating). It’s messy, it’s fun, and the whole thing smells incredible while it bakes. You don’t need special skills either—no fancy equipment, nothing wild. Just mix, scoop, bake, and eat. If you’re looking for dinner that feels homemade but is barely more work than frozen pizza, this is your jam.
“My kids are picky, but they gobbled these up and asked for seconds. Absolute win!” – Trisha
Life’s short. Eat food that makes you happy.
Expert Cooking Tips
Here’s what I wish someone had told me sooner: the messier you get with the cheese, the better. No one cares if it oozes. And don’t overcook the beef or you’ll end up with flavorless mystery meat—medium works best. Toast your buns a little first, so they don’t get soggy. Oh, and if you’re lazy (like me some days), using jarred sauce is totally fine. No judgment from this corner of the internet. Got an air fryer? These reheat like a dream.
Variations and Substitutions
Honestly, don’t stress the details. Don’t have hamburger buns? Use English muffins or even sandwich bread. Any ground meat works. Add pepperoni for a little zip or swap in mushrooms if you’re feeding vegetarians. Shredded mozzarella is classic, but honestly, use whatever cheese is closest to expiring in your fridge. Prefer homemade sauce? Sure, but store-bought marinara is no crime. Make it your own—nobody’s grading you.
Proper Storage
Well, if by some miracle you have leftovers (I rarely do), store your cooked pizza burgers in an airtight container. Fridge is fine for up to three days. Wanna freeze them? Wrap each burger in foil or pop ‘em in a freezer bag. Microwave works for reheating, but I swear they taste even better set under the broiler for a few minutes for that crispy top.
What Goes with This Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Looking for ideal sides? Here are a few trusty picks:
- For a simple dinner, toss together a green salad with Italian dressing.
- Grab some kettle chips or fries (if you’re feeling fancy).
- Garlic cheese bombs with pizza dough take things up a seriously cheesy notch.
Truthfully, these old school pizza burgers are a meal all on their own, but I’ve served them with all of the above—never once heard a complaint.
Common Questions
Can I prep these in advance?
Totally! You can prep the meat mixture a day early and just assemble right before baking. Super handy.
What if I don’t eat beef?
No stress—try ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless crumble. All work great.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce?
Not my top pick, honestly. The sauce gives you that pizza flavor. But hey, rough chop some tomatoes and add extra herbs if you want.
Are these kid-friendly?
Oh yes. Kids get obsessed with pizza burgers (who wouldn’t?). You can even sneak in chopped veggies if you think you’re clever.
Does the bread get soggy?
A little, but that’s part of the fun (and why I toast mine first). If you’re really anti-sog, let them cool for 3-5 minutes before eating. Makes a difference.
This Is Supper Worth Craving
That’s seriously all you need to revive that old school pizza burgers magic at home. Classic, tasty, and easy on the wallet—what’s not to love? If you want to mix things up next time, try these easy mini deep dish crescent roll pizzas or whip up a nostalgic classic old-fashioned meatloaf for the family. Hungry for more? Get inspired by even more retro pizza goodness right over at Old School Pizza Burgers – Recipes Smile. Don’t overthink, just dive in. Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out.
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Old School Pizza Burgers
These nostalgic pizza burgers are a cheesy, beefy delight that are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the beef mixture into patties.
- Cook patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes each side.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly.
- Spread marinara sauce on each bun, place the cooked patties on top, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
Toast the buns to prevent sogginess and feel free to swap in different meats or cheeses as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pizza, burgers, comfort food, easy dinner, nostalgic