Name: Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 6 burger buns, halved; 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Introduction

Pizza burgers combine the best of two comfort foods: juicy burgers and classic pizza flavors. This easy recipe layers savory ground beef with pizza sauce and melted cheddar on toasted buns, creating a delicious, nostalgic treat perfect for any casual meal.

Three small pizzas are shown close up on a white marbled surface. Each pizza has three layers: a thick, round dough base that is light tan and fluffy, a bright red tomato sauce spread evenly on top, and melted cheese with browned spots covering cooked ground beef pieces. The cheese looks stretchy and gooey, draping down the sides. One pizza has a slice of tomato visible under the toppings. Some blurred fresh green salad is in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
6 burger buns, halved
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting the buns and melting the cheese.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the pizza sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened to concentrate the flavors.
Step 4: Arrange the burger bun halves cut side up on a baking sheet to ensure even crisping in the oven.
Step 5: Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly over each bun half. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar on top.
Step 6: Bake in the oven for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the buns are lightly toasted.
Step 7: Place the matching top bun on each bottom half. Let the pizza burgers rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Tips & Variations

For extra pizza flavor, add sliced pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
Try mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a classic pizza cheesiness.
Brush the buns lightly with garlic butter before baking for a rich, aromatic touch.
Use whole wheat or brioche buns if you prefer a different texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to keep the buns crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture.

How to Serve

The image shows three small round pizzas on a white marbled surface, each pizza has a thick light beige crust, a bright red tomato sauce base, a layer of cooked ground beef that looks brown and crumbly, and a generous topping of melted white and slightly golden cheese that stretches slightly over the edges. In the background, there is a blurred white plate with a green and red mixed salad. The focus is on the front pizza, with the other two pizzas slightly out of focus behind it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed since poultry can be milder in flavor.

Is it possible to make these ahead and bake later?

Absolutely. Assemble the pizza burgers on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.