If you’re craving the perfect mashup between two all-time favorites, then this Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe is exactly what you need. These juicy beef patties infused with Italian spices, topped with marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni, all nestled inside a perfectly toasted bun, bring the best of a pizzeria right to your plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends at a casual get-together, these pizza burgers deliver layers of flavor and nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, classic ingredients come together effortlessly in this recipe, each playing a key role in creating those rich, comforting flavors and textures that make this dish so satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that gives the burger its juicy, savory essence.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic kick that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Injects that classic Italian herb flavor reminiscent of traditional pizza.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and sharp contrast to the meat’s richness.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: The vibrant, tangy tomato layer that transforms the burger into a pizza lover’s dream.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stretchy topping that makes every bite decadent and irresistible.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Adds savory spice and texture while packing that signature pizza flavor punch.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft, sturdy holders that cradle the burger components perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting buns): Creates a golden, slightly crispy bun surface to complete the sandwich experience.
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop pan over medium heat so it’s hot and ready to deliver a beautiful sear. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper – these seasonings are the heart of the Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe, giving each patty a burst of Italian-inspired flavor. Form the mixture carefully into four equal-sized patties to ensure even cooking and the perfect bite-sized balance for your buns.
Step 2: Cook the Burgers
Place your patties onto the grill or heated pan and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. This is where the magic happens — the beef juices lock in, and the outside develops a savory crust that enhances every mouthful. During the final minute of cooking, spoon marinara sauce generously on top of each patty, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and place pepperoni slices over the cheese. Cover your pan or grill to let the cheese melt beautifully and the pepperoni warm up, emulating the iconic pizza topping combo.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
While your patties are cooking, take a separate pan and heat olive oil over medium heat. Toast the hamburger buns on the cut sides until they turn a golden brown, which adds a lovely crunch and prevents sogginess from the sauce. This simple step elevates the entire eating experience by introducing a subtle crunch that contrasts perfectly with the melty cheese and tender beef.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Once your patties are topped with melted mozzarella and warm pepperoni and buns are toasted to perfection, it’s assembly time! Place each pizza burger patty onto a bun and serve immediately. The moment that first bite blends the robust, meaty patties with the tangy marinara and melty cheese is simply unbeatable. This Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe is comfort food at its finest and is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pizza burgers by adding fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and aroma. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the melted mozzarella can also add an extra layer of savory depth. These small touches make the presentation pop and add flavor dimensions that complement the burgers perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries, crunchy garlic breadsticks, or a fresh Caesar salad serve as wonderful companions to this burger. If you want something lighter, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cheese and beef. For those channeling full pizza night vibes, serve with a side of crispy mozzarella sticks or oven-roasted veggies seasoned with Italian herbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe for a crowd by setting up a “build-your-own” burger bar, complete with extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, sliced black olives, or even some hot banana peppers. Alternatively, you can slice the burgers into smaller sliders for a fun party snack that keeps things casual and tasty. Pairing the burgers with soda in classic glass bottles or a chilled craft beer can elevate the festive feel and complete the experience beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers, store the pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the sauce and buns separate from the patties if possible to avoid sogginess. This way, you maintain the perfect texture and can enjoy a nearly fresh-tasting burger the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, these pizza burgers freeze well. Wrap each cooked patty with toppings tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. The buns can also be frozen separately. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes the Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe an excellent make-ahead meal option.
Reheating
To reheat, place the thawed burger patties on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Toast the buns on a hot skillet or under the broiler for a minute to regain that toasty crispness. This reheating method keeps the flavors fresh and textures just right.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, but be sure to add a little extra seasoning or a small amount of olive oil to keep the patties moist and flavorful.
What type of marinara sauce is best?
Choose a high-quality marinara sauce with fresh tomato flavor and a balanced blend of herbs. Whether homemade or store-bought, avoid overly sweet sauces to keep the savory profile of the pizza burgers.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the patties a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until cooking. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
How spicy are the pepperoni slices?
Pepperoni usually has a mild to moderate spice level, which adds a nice pop of flavor without overwhelming the burger. For those sensitive to spice, you can swap pepperoni for mild Italian sausage slices or leave it off altogether.
Is this recipe suitable for a barbecue grill?
Definitely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky char that compliments the Italian flavors beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cheese melting step by using a grill lid or tenting loosely with foil.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining the comfort of a burger with the timeless flavors of pizza, and this Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s easy to make, endlessly delicious, and perfect for sharing with people you care about. Give it a try at your next meal and watch everyone fall in love with this nostalgic, flavor-packed classic!
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old School Pizza Burgers combine the savory flavors of classic pizza toppings with juicy grilled beef patties. Seasoned ground beef patties are topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices, served on toasted hamburger buns for a delightful meal that merges two favorite comfort foods in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Patties
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings & Assembly
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef patties.
- Season and Form Patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form the seasoned beef into 4 even-sized patties.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties on the grill or pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the patties reach your desired level of doneness.
- Add Pizza Toppings and Melt Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, spoon marinara sauce evenly over each patty, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add the sliced pepperoni. Cover the patties to help melt the cheese completely.
- Toast Buns: While the patties are cooking, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Toast the hamburger buns until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Place each cooked and topped patty on a toasted bun. Serve the pizza burgers immediately to enjoy them hot and fresh.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or top with sliced jalapeños.
- Use fresh basil leaves instead of dried oregano for a fresher herbal flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute buns with gluten-free hamburger buns.
- Covering the patties when melting cheese helps it melt more evenly and quickly.
