Making Old-School Pizza Burgers is a fun and easy way to combine all the delicious flavors of pizza with the hearty goodness of a burger. This classic recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend cookouts, or even a quick meal for busy weeknights. Follow along as we break down the ingredients and directions to prepare this tasty dish.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
6 hamburger buns, split in half
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Directions
In a mixing bowl, gently combine 1 pound of lean ground beef with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender. Divide the mixture into six equal portions, roll into balls, and flatten them into ¾-inch thick patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty using your thumb.
Take the 6 hamburger buns and split them in half. Arrange the bun halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Toast them under the broiler, in a toaster oven, or in a dry skillet until they are lightly golden and slightly crisp.
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat or heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare burger. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness.
About 2 minutes before the burgers are done cooking, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on top of each patty. Generously sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the sauced patties. Cover the patties briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
Once cooked, place the patties onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top each with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Old-School Pizza Burgers
Old-School Pizza Burgers are a fantastic twist on your typical burger. Here’s why you’ll enjoy them:
Timeless Flavor: The blend of ground beef, pizza sauce, and cheese captures the comforting tastes of both burgers and pizza.
Versatile: You can add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or even pepperoni to customize each burger to your liking.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for beginner cooks. It’s a fun dish that can be whipped up in less than an hour!
Nutritional Benefits
While pizza burgers are a treat, it’s good to know what you’re eating:
Protein Power: Using lean ground beef gives you a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Calcium: The sharp cheddar cheese provides calcium, contributing to healthier bones and teeth.
Herbs and Spices: The Italian seasoning adds flavor without the need for extra salt, keeping the dish tasty yet healthier.
What to Serve With Old-School Pizza Burgers
Complement your pizza burgers with side dishes that enhance the meal:
| Side Dish | Description |
|———————|————————————————–|
| French Fries | Crispy fries will satisfy those carb cravings. |
| Salad | A fresh side salad adds crunch and freshness. |
| Coleslaw | Creamy coleslaw pairs well and adds a nice texture. |
| Potato Salad | A classic pairing that adds richness to your meal. |
| Chips | Serve a bag of chips for some extra crunch! |
How to Store Old-School Pizza Burgers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
Cool Down: Allow the burgers to cool to room temperature before storing.
Refrigeration: Place the burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store them for longer, wrap each burger in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Overmix: Be gentle while mixing the ground beef with the seasoning. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
Indent the Patties: Making a slight indentation helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds flavor and prevents them from getting soggy once you add the sauce and juices from the burger.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. A safe temperature for beef is 160°F (71°C).
Variations
Feel free to switch things up with these variations:
Cheesy Pizza Burgers: Mix some mozzarella cheese directly into the beef for an even cheesier bite.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a kick.
Veggie Pizza Burgers: Use ground turkey or black beans as a healthier alternative to beef.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes! You can use mozzarella, provolone, or any cheese that melts well. Choose your favorite!
2. Can I cook these in the oven?
Absolutely! If you prefer oven cooking, place the patties on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, adding the sauce and cheese for the last few minutes.
3. What can I do with leftover pizza sauce?
Leftover pizza sauce can be used for dipping, added to pasta dishes, or spread on sandwiches for extra flavor.
Old-School Pizza Burgers bring nostalgia to the dinner table, reminding us of simpler times while delivering delicious flavors. Try making this beefy classic for your next meal, and enjoy the happy faces around the table!
A fun and easy recipe combining the delicious flavors of pizza with the hearty goodness of a burger.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
6 hamburger buns, split in half
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with Italian seasoning. Avoid overworking the meat.
Divide the meat mixture into six portions, roll into balls, and flatten to ¾-inch thick patties with an indentation in the center.
Toast the hamburger buns cut-side up until lightly golden.
Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side.
On each patty, spoon pizza sauce and sprinkle cheese 2 minutes before finishing cooking. Cover to melt cheese.
Assemble the burgers with patties on the bottom bun halves, topped with the other halves. Serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or olives. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.