If you are craving a meal that marries the juicy goodness of a burger with the cheesy, savory flavors of a classic pizza, then you must try this Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe. It perfectly blends ground beef seasoned with Italian spices and smothered in marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices, all tucked into a lightly toasted bun. The result is a nostalgic, satisfying dish that brings the best of both worlds straight to your plate, ready to impress family and friends with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe shine. Each element is simple but essential, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible pizza vibe.
- 1 lb ground beef: The juicy base that holds all your pizza flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle kick and aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances depth with a mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for authentic pizza taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the savory flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of spicy heat.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: The saucy heart of the pizza experience.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, adding that classic cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Gives the burgers a zesty, meaty bite.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft and toasted just right to hold all the goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for toasting buns to a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop pan over medium heat. This ensures your patties cook evenly and develop that appetizing sear that locks in flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Perfect Burger Patty
In a bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend transforms simple beef into a pizza-inspired powerhouse. Form the mixture evenly into four patties so they cook uniformly.
Step 3: Cook the Patties to Juicy Perfection
Place the patties onto your heated grill or pan and cook for roughly 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to achieve your preferred level of doneness—whether that’s medium juicy or well done, they’re going to be delicious either way!
Step 4: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni
In the last minute of cooking, generously spoon marinara sauce over each patty, then layer on shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese to gooey, bubbling perfection — this step is where your burger earns its pizza crown.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While the patties finish cooking, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Toast the hamburger buns until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds fantastic texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy once assembled.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve Your Old School Pizza Burgers
Place the melted, saucy patties on the toasted buns. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments — your Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped basil, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or even a pinch of red chili flakes can elevate your pizza burgers to next-level deliciousness. These simple touches brighten up the dish and lend a pop of freshness that complements the hearty flavors.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or onion rings pair beautifully, offering a satisfying crunch alongside your burger. For a lighter option, a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables provide balance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your burgers open-faced on plates lavishly drizzled with extra marinara sauce, or stack them with fresh greens and sliced tomatoes for a more gourmet style. For a fun twist, serve mini slider versions at parties to let everyone savor the pizza burger magic bite by bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the buns from getting soggy, consider storing patties separately and assembling just before eating.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked patties without cheese and toppings for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags. Add fresh toppings when reheating for the best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed patties in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra marinara sauce and cheese to revive the pizza experience. Toast buns separately in a pan or toaster oven to maintain their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner version. Keep in mind it may cook faster and be slightly drier, so adding a bit of extra seasoning or moisture can help.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella is classic for pizza flavor and meltiness, but you can experiment with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses to customize your burgers.
Is it necessary to toast the buns?
Toasting adds texture and helps prevent sogginess, which is especially helpful with the sauce-rich toppings. But if you prefer soft buns, you can skip this step.
Can this recipe be made on a grill outdoors?
Yes, grilling outside adds a smoky layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pizza toppings. Just watch your cooking times carefully to avoid overcooking.
How do I keep the cheese from sliding off?
Covering the pan when you add the cheese helps it melt evenly and stick to the patty. Using shredded cheese rather than slices also promotes better adhesion.
Final Thoughts
This Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of two beloved comfort foods coming together in perfect harmony. Once you make these at home, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for easy dinners or casual entertaining. So go ahead, fire up your stove or grill, and enjoy the delicious nostalgia wrapped in every bite!
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers combine the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the beloved toppings of a pizza. Juicy beef patties seasoned with garlic, onion, and oregano are topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices, all nestled inside toasted hamburger buns. This easy-to-make recipe offers a fun and flavorful twist on a traditional burger, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Buns and Cooking
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the burger patties evenly.
- Prepare Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the seasonings evenly. Shape the mixture into 4 even-sized patties.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties on the heated grill or pan. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they are done to your preferred level of doneness, ensuring a flavorful and juicy interior.
- Add Toppings: During the last minute of cooking, spoon marinara sauce onto each patty and evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices on top. Cover the patties to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Toast Buns: While the patties finish cooking, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Toast the hamburger buns until they develop a golden-brown crust, adding a slight crunch and enhancing the flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Place each cooked pizza burger patty onto the toasted buns, then serve immediately to enjoy the warm, melty, and savory fusion of pizza and burger flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with your favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms or olives.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture or use spicy marinara sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking patties for best searing results.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
