Old School Pizza Burgers – Cheesy, Savory & Loaded with Flavor
Take your burger game to the next level with these Old School Pizza Burgers! Juicy beef patties topped with gooey melted cheese, marinara sauce, and classic pizza toppings all sandwiched in a soft bun. Perfect for a fun dinner, game day, or anytime you crave a cheesy, flavorful twist on burgers and pizza.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
- Oven or broiler for cheese melt
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula and knife set
- Optional: burger press for uniform patties
Ingredients
Beef Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Cheese:
- 4 slices mozzarella or provolone (or blend)
Pizza Sauce:
- ½ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Buns & Toppings:
- 4 burger buns, lightly toasted
- Optional: pepperoni slices, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives
- Fresh basil or oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Form Patties: Season beef with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Shape into 4 even patties. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Cook Patties:Skillet: Heat oil over medium-high; cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned.Grill: Preheat grill; cook 4–5 minutes per side.Broil: Broil 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Add Sauce & Cheese: Spread pizza sauce evenly on patties. Top with cheese slices and optional toppings. Broil briefly if desired for extra melt.
- Assemble Burgers: Place patties on toasted buns, garnish with fresh herbs. Skewer if needed to hold layers.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with sides like fries, salad, or onion rings.
Notes
- Don’t overwork beef to keep patties tender.
- Lightly toast buns to prevent sogginess from sauce.
- Assemble burgers just before serving for best texture.
- Variations: spicy (jalapeños, pepper jack), BBQ (BBQ sauce, smoked cheese), vegetarian (plant-based patty or portobello).
- Make-ahead tip: Cook patties ahead; store separately from buns and assemble before serving.