If there’s one dish that perfectly balances gooey cheese, saucy goodness, and old-fashioned nostalgia, it’s Old School Pizza Burgers. Imagine everything you’ve ever loved about pizza—melty mozzarella, satisfying pepperoni, and aromatic spices—all piled onto a fluffy hamburger bun. This recipe is pure comfort food and an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re corralling hungry kids for dinner or reliving your favorite pizza parlor memories. Just a few simple steps and basic ingredients transform into a meal that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Old School Pizza Burgers is just how accessible and classic the ingredients are. Each component does its part: the beef brings rich flavor, the pizza sauce delivers zest, and the cheese ties it all together in one irresistible, melty bite.

Ground Beef (1 pound): Go for an 80/20 blend for rich flavor without too much grease.
Pepperoni Slices (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a pop of spice and that unmistakable pizza flavor.
Pizza Sauce (1/2 cup): The saucy heart of these burgers—use your favorite brand or even homemade.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savoriness; don’t skip it!
Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Just a pinch creates that classic pizzeria aroma.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For subtle sweet depth in every mouthful.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Adjust to your preference—it’s all about balance.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Because gooey, stringy cheese is non-negotiable.
Hamburger Buns (4, split): Soft and sturdy enough to stand up to all that filling.
Butter (2 tablespoons, softened): For toasting the buns so they’re golden and extra flavorful.
Optional Toppings: Sliced olives, green peppers, or extra marinara for a personalized touch.

How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by crumbling the ground beef into a large skillet set over medium heat. Cook it down, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and any pink has disappeared. Take your time here—a good sear brings out the flavor. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess grease so your pizza burgers don’t turn soggy.

Step 2: Build the Pizza Flavor

To that sizzling beef, add in your chopped pepperoni, pizza sauce, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir and let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for the sauce to thicken just enough to coat every bit of beef, so each bite bursts with flavor. The kitchen will start to smell like your favorite pizza joint—an excellent sign!

Step 3: Melt in the Cheese

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella into the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and woven throughout the meat mixture, turning it beautifully creamy and cheesy. This step is where Old School Pizza Burgers start to really earn their name!

Step 4: Toast the Buns

Grab your hamburger buns and spread each cut side with a little softened butter. Arrange them, buttered side up, on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven for 3 to 5 minutes. You want them just barely golden and inviting—a perfect support for the saucy filling to come.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon generous helpings of the cheesy pizza-beef mixture onto the bottom halves of your toasted buns. Now’s your chance to jazz things up—scatter over some sliced olives, a few bell peppers, or an extra spoonful of marinara if you like. Cap them with the top halves of the buns, return the baking sheet to the oven, and let everything warm through for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Take the baking sheet out, and get ready to serve immediately while the cheese is still oozy and the buns are warm. Don’t be shy—dig in and let these Old School Pizza Burgers take you straight back to the good old days of pizza-parlor bliss.

How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top of your finished burgers for a burst of color and a fresh, herby aroma. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders. And of course, a dusting of grated parmesan is always a classy, extra-pizza move.

Side Dishes

These burgers pair perfectly with classic sides like crispy oven fries or a bright Caesar salad. If you like to keep things fun and casual, serve with crunchy pickles, potato chips, or even a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Let your mood (and your cravings!) decide.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or game-day, try sliding the filling onto mini buns for pizza burger sliders—easy to eat and seriously adorable. Or, borrow from the garlic toast tip in the recipe: swap out soft buns for thick, toasty garlic bread for extra crunch and flavor. Let everyone build their own with toppings at the table, pizza night style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Old School Pizza Burgers, separate the beef mixture from the buns to avoid sogginess. Store the meat filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Buns can be kept at room temperature in a sealed bag until you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

The pizza burger mixture freezes beautifully! Spoon it into a freezer-safe bag or container (not the buns) and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and you’ll have quick comfort food ready whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, spoon the filling into a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or a little extra sauce if needed. Gently stir until heated through. If you’re prepping for a group, pop the mixture in the oven, covered, at 350°F until bubbly, then assemble with fresh toasted buns.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take on Old School Pizza Burgers. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may benefit from a drizzle of olive oil during browning to stay juicy.

What’s the best way to make these gluten-free?

It’s easy to make Old School Pizza Burgers gluten-free—simply use your favorite gluten-free buns. Also, double-check your pizza sauce and pepperoni to ensure they meet your needs.

Can I prepare these ahead for a party?

Yes, the beef mixture can be made two days in advance and gently reheated on party day. Handle the buns and cheese fresh, so everything tastes just-made and delicious.

How can I sneak in more veggies?

Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach can be added to the beef mixture as it cooks. They’ll blend seamlessly into the classic pizza flavors while adding extra nutrition and color.

Could these be made in a slow cooker?

You can brown the meat and combine everything except the cheese in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours, then stir in the mozzarella right before serving. This method is great for serving a crowd at gatherings or potlucks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts retro fun and full-on flavor, give Old School Pizza Burgers a try. They’re a joyful throwback with enough cheesy, saucy goodness to win over everyone at the table. Go ahead—whip up a batch and share the nostalgia (and the smiles) with someone you love!

Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 pizza burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic twist on a classic favorite, combining savory ground beef, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese all sandwiched between buttered buns. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun game-day snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (chopped)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 hamburger buns (split)
2 tablespoons butter (softened)
Optional toppings: sliced olives, green peppers, or additional marinara

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Instructions

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add ingredients: Add pepperoni, pizza sauce, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until mixture thickens.
Combine cheese: Stir in mozzarella until melted.
Prepare buns: Spread butter on buns, toast in oven.
Assemble: Spoon beef mixture onto buns, add optional toppings, and bake to warm through.
Serve: Enjoy hot!