Name: Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 6 burger buns, halved; 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Introduction

Pizza burgers combine the best of two favorite comfort foods into one delightful meal. This recipe for old school pizza burgers features a savory beef and sauce mixture topped with melted cheddar cheese on toasted buns—perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner.

The image shows three small pizzas on a white marbled surface. Each pizza has three layers: a thick, soft dough base with a pale golden edge; a bright red tomato sauce spread evenly on top; and a generous layer of browned ground meat covered with melted mozzarella cheese that is golden and slightly bubbly. One pizza in the background has visible green toppings mixed with the meat. A colorful salad with greens and some red and orange vegetables is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
6 burger buns, halved
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting the buns and melting the cheese.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain any excess fat when fully cooked.
Step 3: Stir in the Italian seasoning and pour in the pizza sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, intensifying the flavor.
Step 4: Arrange the burger bun halves cut side up on a baking sheet to ensure they toast evenly in the oven.
Step 5: Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly over each bun half, then top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake the assembled sliders for 12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the buns are lightly toasted.
Step 7: Place each top bun on its matching bottom bun and let the pizza burgers cool for a minute or two before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Tips & Variations

Try adding sliced pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms on top before baking for extra flavor.
Use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a more traditional pizza taste.
For a spicier kick, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the beef sauce.
Lightly butter the buns before baking to achieve a richer, golden crust.

Storage

Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.

How to Serve

The image shows four small round pizzas on a wooden board, each with three main layers: a thick, light golden crust at the bottom, a bright red tomato sauce spread evenly on the crust, and a generous layer of ground beef pieces covered by melted, bubbly cheese that is golden brown in spots on top, with some cheese slightly dripping down the sides. Small green vegetable pieces are visible on the board near the pizzas. The background is blurred but shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Adjust cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

What type of pizza sauce works best?

Using a good-quality jarred pizza sauce works well, but you can also use marinara or homemade tomato sauce for a fresh flavor.