Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
If you grew up in the ‘70s, ‘80s, or even early ‘90s, chances are you remember pizza burgers — a magical blend of two beloved foods: burgers and pizza. Crispy-edged beef patties topped with gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and pepperoni on toasted buns… it’s nostalgia on a plate.
Perfect for weeknights, game day, or feeding a hungry crowd, these Old School Pizza Burgers are as fun to eat as they are to make.
🍕🍔 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick and easy — on the table in under 30 minutes
✅ Kid- and family-friendly
✅ Uses pantry staples
✅ Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
🛒 Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12–16 slices of pepperoni (optional, or use other pizza toppings)
Optional: sliced black olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, red onion
For Assembly:
4 hamburger buns, split
1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, Parmesan, or fresh basil for garnish
🔥 Instructions
1. Make the Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined — don’t overmix.
Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly wider than your buns (they’ll shrink slightly when cooked).
2. Cook the Patties
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp: 160°F/71°C).
Remove from heat and set aside on a plate.
3. Toast the Buns
While the burgers rest, spread butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast them in the same skillet or under the broiler until golden and crisp.
4. Assemble Pizza Burgers
Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Top each with a cooked beef patty, 2–3 tablespoons of pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and your pizza toppings of choice (pepperoni, olives, etc.).
Broil under high heat for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye — it goes fast!
Top with the toasted bun lids.
5. Serve
Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or extra Parmesan. Pair with fries, a Caesar salad, or even garlic breadsticks for the ultimate pizza night feel.
👨🍳 Tips for Success
Use 80/20 ground beef for juicier burgers — leaner beef can dry out.
Don’t overwork the meat when mixing — it keeps the patties tender.
Want more crusty pizza flavor? Sprinkle extra cheese on the top bun before broiling!
For extra crispy edges, sear the patties on cast iron.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mix.
Go low-carb: Use portobello mushroom caps or lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Use ground turkey or sausage: A tasty alternative to beef.
Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or peppers make it feel more pizza-shop authentic.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until hot.
Avoid microwaving — it can make the buns soggy.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Old School Pizza Burgers are a fun, throwback recipe that bridges the best of burgers and pizza. They’re comforting, cheesy, and endlessly customizable — making them perfect for picky eaters, nostalgic adults, and hungry kids alike. Try them once, and they just might become your new weeknight favorite.