Old School Pizza Burgers Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Name: Old School Pizza Burgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 0.5 cup breadcrumbs; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; to taste Salt and pepper; 6 slices mozzarella cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce; 4 units hamburger buns; for garnish Fresh basil leaves; as needed Olive oil

October 19, 2025November 13, 2024 by Isabella

If you love pizza and burgers, this recipe is for you! Old School Pizza Burgers blend the best of both worlds into one flavorful dish. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a tasty meal that family and friends will enjoy. From perfecting the patty texture to fun topping ideas, I’ll guide you through every detail. Let’s dive in and create a mouth-watering treat together!

Why I Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines the beloved flavors of pizza and burgers, creating a unique and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and sauces to suit your taste, making each burger a personal creation.
Fun for Everyone: Kids and adults alike will have a blast enjoying these pizza burgers, making it a great family meal option.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– 1 tsp onion powder

– 1 tsp Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 6 slices of mozzarella cheese

– 1 cup marinara sauce

– 4 hamburger buns

– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

– Olive oil (for grilling)

These ingredients create the base for your Old School Pizza Burgers. The ground beef brings flavor and texture, while breadcrumbs help with binding. Parmesan cheese adds a rich taste. Garlic and onion powders boost the overall flavor. Italian seasoning gives that pizza vibe. Don’t forget the mozzarella cheese for that melty goodness! Marinara sauce adds a delicious layer, and fresh basil gives a nice touch.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

– Sliced pepperoni

– Green bell peppers

– Red onion slices

– Crushed red pepper flakes

Adding sliced pepperoni can enhance the pizza taste. Green bell peppers and red onion slices add crunch and freshness. Crushed red pepper flakes offer a spicy kick. Feel free to mix and match these extras to suit your taste.

Suggested Pairings (sides or drinks)

– French fries

– Garlic bread

– Mixed green salad

– Soda or iced tea

For sides, French fries and garlic bread are classic choices. They complement the juicy burgers well. A light mixed green salad adds freshness and balance. For drinks, a cold soda or iced tea will refresh you while enjoying your meal. These pairings make your pizza burger night even more fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Burger Patties

To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well but avoid overworking the meat. This keeps your patties tender. Next, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.

Cooking Method (Grilling or Skillet)

Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil. Place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip them and cook for another 3 minutes. After flipping, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty. Cover the patties to help the cheese melt for about 2 minutes.

Assembling the Pizza Burgers

While the cheese melts, toast the hamburger buns. You can do this on the grill or in a toaster until they turn golden brown. To assemble, place the cheesy patty on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the melted cheese. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor. Finally, cap it all with the top bun. Serve these delicious pizza burgers hot and enjoy the mix of great flavors!

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect the Patty Texture

To get the right patty texture, start with good ground beef. Use a mix that is about 80% lean. This gives you the right balance of flavor and juiciness. Mix the meat gently with the breadcrumbs and spices. Overmixing can make the patties tough. Shape each patty to about ½ inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly.

Cheese Melting Tips

To melt the cheese perfectly, add it on the patty right after you flip it. Cover the grill or skillet with a lid. This traps heat and makes the cheese melt faster. Use fresh mozzarella slices for a gooey texture. If you want a stronger flavor, try provolone or cheddar.

Best Practices for Grilling/Burgers

Always preheat your grill or skillet. This helps get nice grill marks and a great sear. Brush the cooking surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip. Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. This keeps all the juices inside, making your burgers tasty and moist.

Pro Tips

Keep It Juicy: To maintain the juiciness of the burgers, avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook.
Cheese Melt Perfection: Cover the patties with a lid when adding cheese to help it melt evenly and quickly.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni or bell peppers for added flavor!
Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serve extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping for a fun twist!

Variations

Vegetarian Option for Pizza Burgers

You can make a great vegetarian version of pizza burgers. Use cooked lentils or black beans in place of ground beef. Mix them with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them just like the beef version. This swap keeps the flavor while adding health benefits.

Different Cheese and Sauce Combinations

While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist. For sauces, you can switch marinara for pesto or a creamy Alfredo. Each cheese and sauce combo gives a new taste to your pizza burgers.

Toppings and Garnishes Ideas

Toppings can make your pizza burgers even better. Try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor. Fresh spinach or arugula can add a nice crunch. Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add some heat.

Storage Info

Storing Leftover Pizza Burgers

To store leftover pizza burgers, let them cool first. Place each burger in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty.

Reheating Tips for Best Results

When you’re ready to eat, reheating is key. You can use a skillet or an oven. For a skillet, heat it over medium-low heat. Place the burger in the pan and cover it. Heat for about 5 minutes or until hot. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F. Put the burgers on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the bun nice.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze pizza burgers, wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can store them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat using the tips above for the best flavor.

FAQs

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These options are leaner and still tasty. You could also try a plant-based meat substitute. This can make a great vegetarian or vegan pizza burger.

How long can I store pizza burgers in the fridge?

You can keep pizza burgers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Can I make pizza burgers in advance?

Yes, you can make pizza burgers in advance. Prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for a day. You can also cook them ahead of time and reheat when ready to eat.

What are other toppings I can add?

You can add pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor. Fresh spinach or arugula also works well. Experiment with your favorite pizza toppings to create your ideal burger!

In this post, we explored how to make delicious pizza burgers. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips to get perfect patties. Variations like vegetarian options and extra toppings can enhance your meal. Don’t forget about storing and reheating leftovers for later enjoyment.

Try these pizza burgers. They are fun, tasty, and simple to make. Enjoy cooking and sharing them with your friends and famil

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 6 slices of mozzarella cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 4 hamburger buns - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) - Olive oil (for grilling) These ingredients create the base for your Old School Pizza Burgers. The ground beef brings flavor and texture, while breadcrumbs help with binding. Parmesan cheese adds a rich taste. Garlic and onion powders boost the overall flavor. Italian seasoning gives that pizza vibe. Don't forget the mozzarella cheese for that melty goodness! Marinara sauce adds a delicious layer, and fresh basil gives a nice touch. - Sliced pepperoni - Green bell peppers - Red onion slices - Crushed red pepper flakes Adding sliced pepperoni can enhance the pizza taste. Green bell peppers and red onion slices add crunch and freshness. Crushed red pepper flakes offer a spicy kick. Feel free to mix and match these extras to suit your taste. - French fries - Garlic bread - Mixed green salad - Soda or iced tea For sides, French fries and garlic bread are classic choices. They complement the juicy burgers well. A light mixed green salad adds freshness and balance. For drinks, a cold soda or iced tea will refresh you while enjoying your meal. These pairings make your pizza burger night even more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well but avoid overworking the meat. This keeps your patties tender. Next, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil. Place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip them and cook for another 3 minutes. After flipping, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty. Cover the patties to help the cheese melt for about 2 minutes. While the cheese melts, toast the hamburger buns. You can do this on the grill or in a toaster until they turn golden brown. To assemble, place the cheesy patty on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the melted cheese. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor. Finally, cap it all with the top bun. Serve these delicious pizza burgers hot and enjoy the mix of great flavors! To get the right patty texture, start with good ground beef. Use a mix that is about 80% lean. This gives you the right balance of flavor and juiciness. Mix the meat gently with the breadcrumbs and spices. Overmixing can make the patties tough. Shape each patty to about ½ inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly. To melt the cheese perfectly, add it on the patty right after you flip it. Cover the grill or skillet with a lid. This traps heat and makes the cheese melt faster. Use fresh mozzarella slices for a gooey texture. If you want a stronger flavor, try provolone or cheddar. Always preheat your grill or skillet. This helps get nice grill marks and a great sear. Brush the cooking surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip. Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. This keeps all the juices inside, making your burgers tasty and moist. Pro Tips Keep It Juicy: To maintain the juiciness of the burgers, avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. Cheese Melt Perfection: Cover the patties with a lid when adding cheese to help it melt evenly and quickly. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni or bell peppers for added flavor! Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serve extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping for a fun twist! {{image_2}} You can make a great vegetarian version of pizza burgers. Use cooked lentils or black beans in place of ground beef. Mix them with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them just like the beef version. This swap keeps the flavor while adding health benefits. While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist. For sauces, you can switch marinara for pesto or a creamy Alfredo. Each cheese and sauce combo gives a new taste to your pizza burgers. Toppings can make your pizza burgers even better. Try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor. Fresh spinach or arugula can add a nice crunch. Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add some heat. To store leftover pizza burgers, let them cool first. Place each burger in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. When you're ready to eat, reheating is key. You can use a skillet or an oven. For a skillet, heat it over medium-low heat. Place the burger in the pan and cover it. Heat for about 5 minutes or until hot. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F. Put the burgers on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the bun nice. To freeze pizza burgers, wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can store them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat using the tips above for the best flavor. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These options are leaner and still tasty. You could also try a plant-based meat substitute. This can make a great vegetarian or vegan pizza burger. You can keep pizza burgers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Yes, you can make pizza burgers in advance. Prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for a day. You can also cook them ahead of time and reheat when ready to eat. You can add pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor. Fresh spinach or arugula also works well. Experiment with your favorite pizza toppings to create your ideal burger! In this post, we explored how to make delicious pizza burgers. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips to get perfect patties. Variations like vegetarian options and extra toppings can enhance your meal. Don't forget about storing and reheating leftovers for later enjoyment. Try these pizza burgers. They are fun, tasty, and simple to make. Enjoy cooking and sharing them with your friends and family!$