Old School Pizza Burgers are the ultimate nostalgic comfort food. Combining the meaty satisfaction of a burger with the cheesy, saucy appeal of classic pizza, these baked open-faced sandwiches deliver everything you loved about cafeteria lunches—but way better. Fast, flavorful, and family-friendly, they’re perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Pizza Burgers are quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get all the comforting flavors of pizza—gooey cheese, savory sauce, and seasoned beef—on top of a toasty bun. They’re great for feeding a crowd, pleasing picky eaters, and delivering retro vibes with every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup pizza sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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6 hamburger buns or English muffins, halved
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Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, chopped bell peppers, olives, red pepper flakes
directions
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Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. -
Add the sauce:
Stir in the pizza sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened. -
Prepare the buns:
Arrange the halved hamburger buns or English muffins cut-side up on the baking sheet. -
Assemble the pizza burgers:
Spoon the meat mixture evenly over each bun half. Top with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Add any desired extra toppings, such as pepperoni or diced veggies. -
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the buns are toasted. -
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 open-faced burgers (12 halves)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 300–350 kcal per piece
Variations
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Meat Lovers: Add chopped bacon, sausage, or pepperoni to the beef mixture.
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Veggie Style: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition.
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Spicy Kick: Stir crushed red pepper or hot sauce into the beef mixture.
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Kid-Friendly: Let kids add their own toppings before baking.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef mixture over zucchini rounds or bell pepper halves instead of buns.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, though the bun may soften.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and provides a leaner option.
What kind of pizza sauce should I use?
Any jarred or homemade pizza sauce will work. Choose one you enjoy for best flavor.
Can I freeze pizza burgers?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
Do I need to toast the buns first?
Not necessary—baking them with the toppings toasts them perfectly.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, prepare the beef mixture and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in cheddar, provolone, or even Parmesan.
Are English muffins better than buns?
Both work well. English muffins offer a crispier base; buns give a softer bite.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, use a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and veggies instead.
Can I add sauce on top?
If you like extra sauciness, drizzle a bit more pizza sauce over the cheese before baking.
What sides go well with pizza burgers?
Serve with a simple salad, fries, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Old School Pizza Burgers are the perfect fusion of two beloved classics—pizza and burgers—wrapped into one easy, melty, handheld meal. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding the family or reliving your childhood favorites, these pizza burgers are sure to hit the spot.
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers – Cheesy, Saucy, Retro Comfort
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 open-faced pizza burgers
Description
These Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic blend of savory ground beef, zesty pizza sauce, and melty cheese—all served open-faced on toasted buns. Quick to make and kid-approved, they’re perfect for weeknights, game days, or when you’re craving retro comfort food.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup pizza sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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6 hamburger buns (split)
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Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, olives
Instructions
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Cook Beef:
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned.
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Drain excess fat. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Assemble Burgers:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place bun halves on a baking sheet.
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Spoon beef mixture onto each bun half.
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Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add any extra toppings if desired.
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Bake:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Serve:
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Serve hot, optionally with a side of marinara or a simple salad.
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Notes
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Swap ground beef with turkey or sausage for a twist.
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Use English muffins or Texas toast as a base for variation.
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Great for freezing—just assemble, freeze, and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
