Introduction:
Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic combination of a juicy burger patty topped with pizza-inspired ingredients. This classic comfort food brings together two of the most beloved dishes — pizza and burgers — into one delicious meal.
The combination of melty mozzarella, savory marinara sauce, and a perfectly seasoned burger makes for an irresistible bite.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just craving something hearty, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
8 slices pepperoni or any other pizza topping you prefer
1 tbsp olive oil (for toasting buns)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the grill or stovetop: Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
If using a grill, lightly oil the grates.
If using a stovetop, drizzle a little oil into your skillet.
Prepare the burger patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a patty.
Cook the patties:
Grill or pan-fry the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of mozzarella cheese and allow it to melt.
Toast the buns: While the patties cook, lightly toast the hamburger buns. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a separate skillet and toast the buns face down until golden brown.
Assemble the pizza burgers: Once the patties are cooked and the cheese is melted, place each burger patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each patty. Top with pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings), then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Add fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Serve: Top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately while hot.
Description: Old School Pizza Burgers combine the comfort of a cheeseburger with the bold flavors of pizza. Each bite features a juicy beef patty loaded with melted mozzarella, savory marinara sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings, all tucked between a lightly toasted bun. The balance of pizza and burger elements creates an indulgent and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips:
Burger patty variations: For a leaner option, you can substitute turkey or chicken for the beef patty.
Marinara sauce: You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch for a fresh, flavorful twist.
Toppings: Customize the toppings based on your pizza preferences. Try adding mushrooms, green peppers, or olives for a more traditional pizza flavor.
Cheese: If you like extra cheese, you can use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a stretchier, more decadent texture.
Buns: Brioche or sesame buns add extra flavor and texture, but you can use any burger buns you prefer.
Variations:
Veggie Pizza Burger: Use a veggie patty or a portobello mushroom cap as the base for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
Spicy Pizza Burger: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or top with jalapeños for a spicy kick.
BBQ Pizza Burger: Swap the marinara sauce for BBQ sauce, and top the burger with cheddar cheese and crispy onions for a fun twist.
Corrections:
Ensure the burger patties are cooked thoroughly for safety, especially when using ground beef. If using leaner meats, be mindful of not overcooking, as they can dry out faster.
Be cautious not to overcrowd the skillet or grill, which could cause the patties to cook unevenly.
Enjoy: Savor your Old School Pizza Burgers with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. These burgers are perfect for a casual weeknight meal, a fun weekend barbecue, or as a creative option for your next pizza night. Enjoy!