Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Old School Pizza Burgers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Two Classics in One: These burgers combine the juicy, savory goodness of a burger with the cheesy, saucy flavors of pizza.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or as a game day snack.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, sausage, or anything you love on a pizza.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding kids, teens, or adults, everyone will love the combination of pizza and burgers.
- Versatile: Serve them as sliders for parties or full-sized burgers for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 hamburger buns (or slider buns for mini versions)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
- 4 slices pepperoni (optional, but highly recommended!)
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Black olives
- Diced bell peppers
- Italian seasoning
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Burgers:
- Season the Ground Beef: In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix until combined, then divide the beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty to melt.
- Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, slice your buns and lightly toast them on the grill or in the pan until golden brown.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
- Add Marinara Sauce: Spread a generous tablespoon of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with the Burger: Place the cooked burger patties with melted cheese on top of the marinara-coated buns.
- Add Toppings: Add the optional pepperoni on top of the cheese for that classic pizza flavor. You can also add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, black olives, diced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Finish with Parmesan and Basil: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the burger, and garnish with freshly chopped basil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Place the top buns on the burgers and serve with your favorite side dish or as sliders for a fun bite-sized version!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 (or more if making sliders)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Veggie Version: Skip the meat and use a veggie burger patty for a vegetarian option. Top with extra veggies and a slice of mozzarella for a “pizza” burger that everyone can enjoy.
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the burgers in the microwave or on a skillet, adding a little marinara sauce to keep them moist. You can also place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to warm them up.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey or chicken for the burger patties?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Just make sure to season them well since turkey and chicken can be milder in flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses for more flavor.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the burger patties and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also prep the toppings in advance for easy assembly.
4. How can I make these burgers spicier?
To make them spicier, add jalapeño slices, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the toppings.
5. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?
Absolutely! You can use pizza sauce if you prefer, though marinara offers a nice classic flavor. Both will work beautifully.
6. Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can cook the burgers on a grill. Just make sure the grill is preheated, and the patties are cooked through before adding the cheese.
7. Can I add extra toppings to these burgers?
Yes, you can customize the toppings as much as you want! Try adding sautéed onions, roasted red peppers, or even arugula for some added flavor and texture.
8. How do I keep the cheese from melting off the burger?
To ensure the cheese stays on the burger, make sure to cover the patties with a lid during the last minute of cooking so the cheese can melt properly.
9. Can I make these pizza burgers without buns?
Yes, you can skip the buns and serve the pizza burger patties on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb version.
10. Can I freeze these burgers?
Yes! You can freeze the burger patties (uncooked or cooked) and the toppings for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly for storage.
Conclusion
Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic and fun twist on two of our favorite comfort foods—pizza and burgers. With juicy beef, gooey mozzarella, and zesty marinara, these burgers are a guaranteed hit. Whether you serve them as sliders for a party or full-sized for a family meal, everyone will love this cheesy, saucy treat. So fire up your grill or skillet, and enjoy these delicious pizza burgers today!
Print
Pizza Burgers
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers combine the best of two favorite comfort foods—burgers and pizza—into one delicious bite. With juicy beef patties, melty mozzarella, marinara sauce, and optional pizza toppings like pepperoni, these pizza burgers are sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as sliders for your next party!
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns (or slider buns for mini versions)
4 slices mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
4 slices pepperoni (optional, but highly recommended)
For the Toppings:
1/4 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
Sautéed mushrooms
Black olives
Diced bell peppers
Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Burgers:
-
Season the Ground Beef: In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix until combined, then divide the beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties.
-
Cook the Burgers: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty to melt.
-
Toast the Buns: Slice the buns and lightly toast them in the grill or pan until golden brown.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers:
-
Add Marinara Sauce: Spread a generous tablespoon of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
-
Top with the Burger: Place the cooked burger patties with melted cheese on top of the marinara-coated buns.
-
Add Toppings: Layer on optional pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, olives, diced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
-
Finish with Parmesan and Basil: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, and garnish with freshly chopped basil.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Place the top buns on the burgers and serve hot!
Notes
Veggie Version: Replace the beef with veggie burger patties, and top with extra veggies and mozzarella for a veggie pizza burger.
Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or jalapeño slices for an extra spicy version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
