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

Introduction

Pizza burgers combine the best of two classic favorites into one delicious bite. This recipe layers savory ground beef with pizza sauce and melted cheddar on toasted burger buns, creating a fun and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

The image shows three small round pizzas placed on a white marbled surface. Each pizza has three visible layers: a light beige crust base, a smooth red tomato sauce next, and a top layer of melted golden brown cheese with small browned spots. There are scattered pieces of cooked ground meat, dark brown in color, evenly spread on the cheese layer. The pizzas are arranged close together in the foreground with a blurred background that seems to include a salad with green and red vegetables. The overall lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the melted cheese texture. 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 have it ready for toasting the buns and melting the cheese.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the Italian seasoning, then add the pizza sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened to concentrate the flavor.
Step 4: Arrange the burger bun halves cut side up on a baking sheet to help them crisp up evenly in the oven.
Step 5: Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly over each bun half. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the sliders 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. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving so the cheese settles slightly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture before baking.
Try using mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a more traditional pizza taste.
Serve with a side of garlic fries or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

Storage

Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the buns crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Small round mini pizzas are placed on a wooden board with a white marbled texture in the background. Each mini pizza has three visible layers: the bottom is a light golden, soft dough crust, the middle layer is a rich red tomato sauce that slightly spills over the edges, and the top layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and melted, lightly browned white cheese that drapes over the sides with gooey texture. Small pieces of bright green bell pepper are scattered around the pizzas on the board. The focus is on the closest pizza, showing the cheese bubbles and meat texture clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Adjust cooking time as needed and be sure to season well for flavor.

Is it possible to make these pizza burgers vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, then follow the same steps for a tasty vegetarian version.

Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

These Old School Pizza Burgers combine classic burger flavors with the rich, cheesy goodness of pizza for a nostalgic and delicious meal. Ground beef is simmered in zesty pizza sauce and Italian seasoning, then piled onto toasted burger buns and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a hearty, comforting treat perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 pizza burgers 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to toast the buns and melt the cheese.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat.
Season the Meat: 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 flavor.
Prep the Buns: Place the burger bun halves cut side up on a baking sheet. This setup helps them crisp up evenly in the oven.
Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly over each bun half. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake: Bake the sliders in the oven for 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly toasted.
Serve: Top each bottom bun with its matching top. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving to allow the cheese to settle slightly.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while simmering.
You can use mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of sharp cheddar for a more classic pizza flavor.
To make cleanup easier, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Leftover pizza burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: pizza burgers, old school, ground beef, cheesy sliders, quick dinner, baked burgers