Who doesn’t love a good, hearty burger? And when you throw a pizza twist into the mix, you’ve got a match made in comfort food heaven!
This old-school pizza burger recipe brings back my childhood flavors with a nostalgic touch. It’s one of those dishes that takes you back to simpler times—whether from a retro diner or a favorite home-cooked meal.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy family night or a fun weekend dinner. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the juicy, cheesy goodness of pizza burgers!
Old School Pizza Burger Recipe Overview
What are pizza burgers?
They are the ultimate mashup of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and burgers. Picture a juicy beef patty seasoned just right, topped with rich pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and sandwiched between soft buns.
It’s a flavor explosion that satisfies all your cravings in one bite. And the best part? It’s super easy to make!
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe will have you dishing up a diner-style favorite in no time.
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet or grill pan
- Spatula
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet (optional, for toasting buns)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey, if you prefer
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hamburger buns toasted, if desired
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: pepperoni slices mushrooms, green peppers, or olives
Instructions
Prepare the Patties
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Shape the Patties
- Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty, making sure it’s slightly larger than your hamburger buns since they shrink when cooking.
Cook the Patties
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers
- Preheat your broiler or set your oven to 375°F. After the patties are cooked, place each patty on the bottom half of a toasted hamburger bun. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce over each patty, spreading it evenly.
Add Cheese and Toppings
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pizza sauce. If you’re using extra toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or green peppers, add them now.
Melt the Cheese
- Place the assembled burgers on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes or in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Top and Serve
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the burgers from the oven. Top each pizza burger with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Variations of the Recipe
You can take this recipe in a lot of different directions depending on your personal preferences:- Vegetarian Pizza Burgers: Substitute the ground beef for a plant-based burger patty and load it with veggies.
- BBQ Pizza Burger: Swap out the pizza sauce for a smoky barbecue sauce and top with cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Hawaiian Style: Add pineapple slices and Canadian bacon to create a tropical twist on the pizza burger.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers
Pizza burgers are super flexible, and you can serve them with a variety of side dishes. French fries or onion rings are classic choices, but a fresh salad or roasted vegetables can balance out the richness of the burger. Don’t forget a cold soda or a chilled glass of lemonade to wash it all down!Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely because these are so tasty!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving the pizza burgers if you want to keep the buns from getting soggy.Conclusion
And there you have it—a delicious, old-school pizza burger recipe bound to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect blend of two comfort food classics and super easy to make. Whether you’re throwing a casual dinner or craving something indulgent, these pizza burgers will hit the spot every time.
FAQs
1. What is the origin of pizza burgers?
Pizza burgers originated as a fun, fusion-style diner food in the mid-20th century, combining two American favorites: pizza and burgers.
2. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza sauce works great, but if you have time, you can whip up a homemade version for an extra flavor.
3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap out the regular hamburger buns for gluten-free buns, and you should double-check that your pizza sauce and toppings are also gluten-free.
4. What sides go well with pizza burgers?
Fries, onion rings, or even a simple green salad pair wonderfully with pizza burgers. For something different, try serving them with garlic bread!
5. Can I freeze pizza burgers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven.
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