Old School Pizza Burgers: A Retro Classic That Still Slaps

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Remember those greasy, cheesy, saucy pizza burgers from school cafeterias and diners? This throwback recipe brings back all that nostalgic flavor with a homemade upgrade! Perfect for game day, family dinners, or when you’re craving some serious comfort food.

Why This Recipe Works

✅ Tastes just like the 80s/90s classic – But better!
✅ Ready in 30 minutes – Faster than delivery
✅ Kid-approved – Picky eaters love it
✅ Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings

Ingredients & Subs

For the Burgers

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness, or turkey/chicken)
  • 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage (or more beef)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pizza Topping

  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Sliced pepperoni (optional but highly recommended)
  • Buttered hamburger buns (toasted)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Burger Patties

  1. In a bowl, mix beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, and all spices until just combined (don’t overmix!).
  2. Form into 6 equal-sized patties (they’ll shrink, so make them slightly larger than your buns).

2. Cook the Patties

  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

3. Assemble the Pizza Burgers

  1. Place cooked patties on toasted, buttered buns.
  2. Top each with 2 tbsp marinara, a handful of mozzarella, and pepperoni slices (if using).
  3. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

4. Melt the Cheese

  1. Broil in oven for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly (or microwave for 30 sec if you’re going full retro).

5. Serve & Enjoy!

✔ Best served immediately with extra napkins—these are messy in the best way!

Pro Tips

🍞 Bun Hack – Butter and toast them in the skillet for extra crunch.
🧀 Cheese Boost – Mix mozzarella with provolone for more flavor.
🌶 Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or banana peppers.

Variations

🍕 Supreme Style – Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
🥓 Meat Lover’s – Top with crumbled bacon and ham.
🍍 Hawaiian – Add a pineapple ring and Canadian bacon.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Prep patties and refrigerate raw for 1 day or cooked for 3 days.

How do I reheat?

350°F oven for 10 mins or microwave for 1 minute (bun might get soft).

Can I freeze them?

Freeze cooked patties (without buns) for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These Old School Pizza Burgers are the ultimate comfort food mashup—all the flavors of pizza in burger form! Perfect for when you can’t decide between the two.

Warning: May cause flashbacks to cafeteria lunches and childhood bliss! 🍔🔥

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