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Old School Pizza Burgers are pure comfort food nostalgia. These easy open-faced burgers were a school cafeteria hit for a reason. Thick beefy filling loaded with pizza flavors piled high on soft buns and blanketed with melty cheese—something about this combination turns a weeknight into a little celebration. As a kid, I always hoped these would show up on our dinner table fast to make and endlessly adaptable.
These take me right back to my childhood kitchen. I remember my mom sliding a tray of these golden beauties out of the oven and how the smell made us all flock to the table. Now I make the same ones for my own kids and they vanish just as quickly.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: This gives the burgers that classic savory flavor and satisfying texture. Look for fresh meat with good marbling for the juiciest result.
- Pizza sauce: The foundation for pizza flavor in every bite. Use a robust jarred sauce or try homemade for extra depth. Choose one with bold tomato and herb notes for best results.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings unmistakable pizzeria magic. Seek out a fresh jar with a strong fragrance or mix your own with oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Burger buns: Split buns make the perfect base for piling on toppings. Grab soft bakery buns or even sturdy sandwich rolls. Avoid overly dense bread so each bite stays tender.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melty cheese pulls it all together. Sharp cheddar adds a punchy tang and stretches beautifully. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready for baking as soon as your toppings are built. A hot oven makes sure the cheese bubbles up perfectly.
- Brown the Beef:
- Place your ground beef in a skillet and cook over medium high heat. Break it up with a spoon and let it sizzle until it loses its pink color and takes on a bit of browning, which means more flavor. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Season and Simmer:
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the browned meat. Stir to coat thoroughly. Next pour in the pizza sauce. Stir well and simmer for five minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly and soak up all those herby tomato flavors.
- Prepare the Buns:
- Lay out your burger bun halves, cut side up, on a large baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced for even heating.
- Assemble and Top:
- Generously spoon the hot pizza beef mixture onto each bun half. Use the back of your spoon to spread it edge to edge. Sprinkle a hefty mound of shredded cheddar over the top of each.
- Bake and Melt:
- Slide your tray into the preheated oven. Bake for twelve minutes. This gives the buns time to toast and the cheese to melt into bubbling deliciousness.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove your tray from the oven and carefully place a reserved top bun onto each cheeseburger. Let your pizza burgers cool for three to five minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Then serve hot and gooey.
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I always look forward to using sharp cheddar in this recipe. Not only does it melt perfectly, but the extra kick elevates the flavor beyond the average cheeseburger pizza. My family’s favorite memory is making a triple batch for a birthday party; the kids kept sneaking back for seconds straight off the tray.
Storage tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to keep the buns from turning soggy. You can also wrap cooled pizza burgers individually and freeze them for up to two months. For a quick meal, just pop a frozen one in a hot oven until piping hot.
Ingredient substitutions
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you prefer. Another popular twist is to use mozzarella for a classic pizza stretch or mix cheeses for extra flavor. If you cannot find Italian seasoning, use your own blend of dried oregano, basil, parsley, and thyme. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free buns.
Serving suggestions
Serve with a side of crunchy salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. Potato chips or fries are a retro companion and kids will love dipping these in extra pizza sauce. For a party, set up a tray with pepperoni, olives, or sautéed mushrooms so everyone can customize their own.
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Enjoy the nostalgic taste of these pizza burgers and share them with your family or friends for a comforting meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, provolone, or a cheese blend will all melt well and add their own distinctive flavor.
- → How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the bun halves before adding the beef mixture helps keep them crisp.
- → Is it possible to make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the buns with the beef and cheese, then bake just before serving for the best texture.
- → Can I add more toppings or vegetables?
Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or sliced olives make great additions for extra flavor and texture.
- → What sides go well with these pizza burgers?
They pair nicely with salads, fries, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.