Old School Pizza Burgers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza and burgers are two of the most beloved comfort foods, and when you combine them, it’s magic. These Old School Pizza Burgers are simple, quick, and bursting with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for a family dinner, casual get-together, or a fun twist on a traditional burger night. The combination of savory ground beef, zesty pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning brings the best of both worlds to your plate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Directions

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat.
2. While heating, form the ground beef into burger patties, making about 4 patties from the 1 pound of beef.
3. Season the patties with salt and pepper to taste, then cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. In the last minute of cooking, spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce over each burger patty.
5. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the sauce-covered patties and let it cook for another minute to warm the sauce.
6. Once the burgers are fully cooked, remove them from the heat and place them on buns of your choice.
7. For an extra cheesy touch, add shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce just before removing the patties from the heat to allow the cheese to melt.
8. Serve the pizza burgers hot, and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 burgers
• Total time: 15-20 minutes

Variations

• Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses to make your pizza burger extra cheesy.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with a veggie or plant-based burger patty for a vegetarian version.
• Toppings: Add classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives to your burger for more flavor and texture.
• Buns: Try using different types of buns such as sesame, brioche, or even garlic bread for a fun twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the burger patties in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can also reassemble the burger and heat it in the oven or on the grill for a crispy finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

2. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

3. Can I add other pizza toppings to the burger?

Yes, feel free to add pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers to make your burger even more pizza-like.

4. Can I cook the patties on the stovetop?

Yes, cooking the patties in a skillet on the stovetop is an excellent alternative to grilling. Just be sure to cook them over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly.

5. What kind of pizza sauce should I use?

You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own from scratch using tomatoes, garlic, and Italian spices.

6. Do I need to add cheese to the burger?

Adding cheese is optional, but mozzarella or any meltable cheese works perfectly to give the burger that gooey, pizza-like quality.

7. What kind of buns are best for these pizza burgers?

Soft hamburger buns work best, but you can experiment with garlic bread, brioche buns, or even sandwich rolls for added flavor.

8. Can I use other types of seasoning besides Italian seasoning?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, or basil to enhance the flavor of the burger.

9. Can I cook these in the oven instead of on the grill or stovetop?

Yes, you can bake the patties in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

10. How can I make the burger spicier?

Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or top the burger with spicy pepperoni or hot sauce to give it a fiery kick.

Conclusion

These Old School Pizza Burgers combine the deliciousness of pizza with the heartiness of a burger, creating a fun and flavorful dish that will satisfy all your cravings. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, they are the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or weekend get-together. Enjoy these tasty, pizza-inspired burgers with family and friends, and savor the comforting taste of nostalgia!

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