🍔🍕 Old School Pizza Burgers: A Classic Mash-Up of Pizza & Burger Perfection
There’s something undeniably comforting about Pizza Burgers. Combining the best of both worlds—juicy, flavorful burgers topped with the iconic flavors of pizza—it’s a simple yet genius idea that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a kid looking for a fun dinner, an adult seeking a nostalgic indulgence, or someone on a quest for the ultimate comfort food, these Old School Pizza Burgers are the perfect solution.
This recipe is an homage to a dish that has graced school cafeterias, family kitchens, and neighborhood diners for decades. With ground beef, pizza sauce, and cheddar cheese, these burgers are an explosion of familiar, pizza-inspired flavors. The fusion of these two beloved foods—burgers and pizza—creates something magical that never goes out of style. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it an irresistible weeknight dinner that’s just as satisfying as it is fun.
Let’s take a deep dive into the history, cooking techniques, and variations of Old School Pizza Burgers and explore how to make this classic burger even more delicious!
Table of Contents
What Are Pizza Burgers?
The Origin Story of Pizza Burgers
Why Pizza Burgers Are a Timeless Classic
Ingredients Breakdown
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Flavor Variations
Make It Healthier
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Nutritional Insights
Final Thoughts
1. What Are Pizza Burgers?
Pizza Burgers are exactly what they sound like: a burger topped with pizza-inspired ingredients like pizza sauce, cheese, and sometimes Italian seasoning, all served on a bun. It’s like a pizza, but instead of a crust, you have a juicy burger patty. It’s the perfect mash-up of two comfort food favorites that bring the best of both worlds to the table.
They’re typically served on a hamburger bun, but if you’re feeling extra creative, you can swap it out for a crusty Italian roll or even a mini pizza crust for an extra pizza feel. While some versions may have extra toppings like pepperoni or veggies, the classic Old School Pizza Burger is all about simplicity—ground beef, pizza sauce, and cheddar cheese.
2. The Origin Story of Pizza Burgers
Pizza Burgers have a retro charm—the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes of nostalgia. The dish was particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s when it became a school lunchroom staple. With kids and teens in mind, it was a quick and satisfying way to combine two crowd-pleasing foods, pizza and burgers, into one easy meal.
Though its exact origin is hard to trace, the idea of merging pizza flavors with ground beef seems to have been born out of a desire to make pizza-inspired dishes more accessible. The emergence of pizza sauce in various pre-made jars and processed cheese in the 20th century made it easier for home cooks to replicate pizza-like dishes without the fuss of making a pizza from scratch.
In the school lunchrooms and small-town diners of the mid-20th century, Pizza Burgers became an iconic comfort food that’s still adored by many today. It has all the satisfaction of a burger with the delicious flavors of pizza—what’s not to love?
3. Why Pizza Burgers Are a Timeless Classic
Pizza Burgers have stayed relevant for so many years because they combine two foods that are universally loved: pizza and burgers. Their flexibility and ease of preparation make them a go-to choice for anyone craving comfort food that is both familiar and satisfying.
Here’s why Pizza Burgers are so beloved:
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner.
Kid-Friendly: If you have picky eaters, this dish is perfect because it combines the familiar flavors of both burgers and pizza.
Customizable: Whether you want extra cheese, pepperoni, or even vegetables, pizza burgers are easily adaptable to fit your tastes.
Comforting: Who doesn’t crave a burger with melty cheese and pizza sauce, all in one?
It’s this perfect blend of nostalgia, ease, and comfort that has kept Pizza Burgers on the table for generations.
4. Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you need to make Old School Pizza Burgers:
For the Burgers:
1 pound ground beef: The heart of the dish. Ground beef provides that rich, juicy, and flavorful base for the burger patty. We recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
For the Toppings:
1 cup pizza sauce: The classic sauce that brings all the flavors of pizza to the burger. You can use your favorite store-bought pizza sauce, or make your own if you prefer a fresher version.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds an authentic pizza flavor to the mix.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The gooey, melty cheese that ties everything together. Sharp cheddar has a tangy depth that pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory flavors of the beef and pizza sauce.
These ingredients combine to create the perfect pizza-inspired burger. Now, let’s dive into the preparation!
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Old School Pizza Burgers is easy and fun! Here’s how you can create this nostalgic dish:
1. Prepare the Patties
In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
Mix everything together gently. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tough burgers.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into oval or round burger patties, depending on your preference.
2. Cook the Burgers
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add the burger patties to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C for medium).
Once the burgers are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Add the Pizza Sauce & Cheese
In the same skillet, add about 1 cup of pizza sauce and spread it evenly over the cooked burger patties.
Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 2–3 minutes or until it’s bubbly and gooey.
4. Assemble the Burger
Toast your hamburger buns (optional, but it adds a nice crunch).
Place the cheesy, pizza-sauced patties on the bottom half of the buns.
Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
6. Cooking Tips & Tricks
Don’t overwork the beef: When mixing the ground beef, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough patties.
Toast the buns: Toasting the buns slightly adds a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy from the pizza sauce.
Use good-quality cheese: A sharp cheddar cheese brings the right balance of tang and creaminess. Don’t go for pre-shredded cheese; freshly shredded cheese melts much better.
Don’t skip the lid: Covering the skillet while the cheese melts ensures even melting and prevents the sauce from drying out.
7. Serving Ideas & Pairings
Pizza burgers are versatile when it comes to sides. Here are a few classic and creative ideas for serving your Old School Pizza Burgers:
Classic Side Dishes:
Fries: Whether they’re crispy French fries, waffle fries, or even homemade sweet potato fries, fries are always a great pairing with pizza burgers.
Onion Rings: Golden, crunchy onion rings pair perfectly with the burger’s gooey cheese and tangy sauce.
Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy slaw provides a light and crunchy contrast to the richness of the burger.
Pickles: Dill pickles or pickled vegetables add a nice acidic balance to the savory burger.
Creative Twists:
Cauliflower Fries: For a low-carb option, try serving with cauliflower fries or zucchini fries.
Garlic Bread: Turn up the pizza vibes even more with garlic bread or pizza-stuffed breadsticks.
Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well to balance out the richness of the pizza burger.
8. Flavor Variations
Old School Pizza Burgers are great as-is, but you can easily get creative with different flavors and toppings:
Pepperoni Pizza Burgers: Top your patties with slices of pepperoni before adding the cheese.
Veggie Pizza Burgers: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and olives to your burger for a veggie-packed option.
Spicy Pizza Burgers: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Garlic Pizza Burgers: Mix garlic powder or minced garlic into the beef mixture, and use mozzarella cheese along with the cheddar for an extra cheesy experience.
9. Make It Healthier
Want to make these Pizza Burgers a bit healthier? Here are a few options:
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
Swap regular pizza sauce for low-sodium pizza sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes and spices.
Go for whole-grain buns instead of white buns for extra fiber.
10. Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Meal Prep:
You can make the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking.
You can also freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Storage:
Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, simply place the burger in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over low heat.
11. Nutritional Insights
Here’s a rough breakdown of the Old School Pizza Burger per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 400-450
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 25g
Sodium: 750mg
Adjustments can be made for a healthier version, like using lean beef or a lower-fat cheese.
12. Final Thoughts
Pizza Burgers are an easy, satisfying meal that brings comfort and fun to the dinner table. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying it for the first time, these burgers are bound to win over your taste buds. The combination of pizza sauce, cheddar cheese, and seasoned ground beef creates a nostalgic experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
So grab your ground beef, pull out your favorite pizza sauce, and get ready to enjoy one of the best combinations of pizza and burgers that’s been making people smile for generations.