Old-School Cheesy Pizza Burgers

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Old-School Cheesy Pizza Burgers: A Delicious Blast from the Past!

Get ready to bring back a beloved classic with these Old-School Cheesy Pizza Burgers! Imagine juicy ground beef, infused with savory Italian seasonings, nestled on a toasted English muffin, smothered in rich pizza sauce and two kinds of gooey cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, these “burgers” are a fun, comforting, and utterly delicious twist on both pizza and burgers that will transport you straight back to simpler times!

These pizza burgers are incredibly easy to make but deliver big on flavor. The combination of the hearty beef, tangy sauce, and irresistible melted cheese on a perfectly toasted English muffin creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick family dinner, a nostalgic lunch, or a fun party snack.

Ingredients:

  • 6 English muffins, split
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping, if desired)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray or brush
  • French fries (for serving, optional)

Equipment:

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, and salt & black pepper to taste. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring to ensure the seasonings are well distributed and fragrant. Remove from heat.

  2. Prepare English Muffins: Place the split English muffins cut-side up on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly spray or brush the cut sides with olive oil.

  3. Assemble the Pizza Burgers:

    • Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce onto each English muffin half, spreading it evenly.
    • Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly among the muffin halves, spreading it over the sauce.
    • Top each muffin half generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

  4. Bake the Pizza Burgers: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the English muffin edges are lightly golden and toasted. If you prefer a darker, crispier top, you can briefly broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning!).

  5. Serve and Enjoy! Remove the Old-School Cheesy Pizza Burgers from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve hot with a side of French fries and extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy this delicious blast from the past!

Tips & Variations:

  • Toasted Muffins: For extra crispiness, you can lightly toast the English muffin halves in a toaster or under the broiler for a minute before adding toppings.
  • Meatless Option: Omit the ground beef and load up with more veggies like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef or a dash of hot sauce to the pizza sauce for a little kick.
  • Add Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers or black olives can be added to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
  • Cheese Blend: Experiment with other cheese blends, like a provolone and mozzarella mix, for a different taste.
  • Make Ahead: The seasoned ground beef can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the pizza burgers just before baking.

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