Old School Pizza Burgers are the kind of comfort food that instantly transports you back in time. If you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, chances are these cafeteria-style open-faced sandwiches were a familiar favorite. Combining the best parts of burgers and pizza, these gooey, cheesy delights are enjoying a well-deserved comeback—and for good reason.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Old School Pizza Burgers are a delicious blend of ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, and gooey cheese, served on hamburger buns or English muffins. They’re incredibly simple to make, budget-friendly, and universally appealing to both kids and adults. With their crispy edges and melty centers, these retro treats are ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
garlic powder
onion powder
pizza sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
hamburger buns or English muffins, split

directions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix in the pizza sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Place the split buns or English muffins on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Spoon the meat mixture evenly over each bun half.
Top each with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Step 3: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the buns are slightly crispy.

Step 4: Serve
Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 open-faced pizza burgers (12 halves), enough to serve 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Sausage Version: Use ground Italian sausage instead of beef for more spice and flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles in place of beef.
Cheese Lovers’ Edition: Add provolone or cheddar for an extra cheesy variation.
Spicy Kick: Mix crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture.
Mini Pizzas: Use mini bagels or slider buns for bite-sized party snacks.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted.
You can also reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the bread may soften.
To freeze, wrap individual pizza burgers in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the burgers ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

What kind of buns work best?

English muffins and hamburger buns both work well, but sturdier options like sourdough slices can also be used.

Can I use different sauces?

Absolutely. Marinara, garlic tomato, or even Alfredo sauce can be used for different flavor profiles.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven for best results.

What’s the best cheese for pizza burgers?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can also use cheddar, provolone, or a blend for added flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the buns before topping helps prevent sogginess.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions can be added to the meat mixture.

Are they kid-friendly?

Extremely. Kids love the cheesy, pizza-like flavor, and they’re easy to hold and eat.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, simply multiply the ingredients and use two baking sheets to cook more at once.

How long do leftovers last?

Stored properly, they’ll last up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Old School Pizza Burgers are a warm, cheesy, and satisfying throwback to simpler times. Whether you’re making them for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or introducing them to a new generation, this easy recipe brings comfort and flavor in every bite. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Old School Pizza Burgers: A Nostalgic Bite of Cheesy Goodness

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic bite of cheesy, meaty goodness, combining the comforting flavors of pizza and burgers in one irresistible open-faced sandwich. A throwback to school lunches and family dinners, they’re quick, easy, and kid-approved.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
6 hamburger buns or English muffins, split

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Mix Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Assemble: Arrange bun halves on a baking sheet. Spoon the meat mixture over each half. Top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake: Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.
Add pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives for extra pizza flavor.
Can be made ahead and frozen before baking — perfect for meal prep.