Old School Pizza Burgers

These Old School Pizza Burgers are an appealing mix of two comfort food classics. They bring back memories of school lunches, but they’re so much better. The juicy beef patties with gooey mozzarella and spicy marinara on top make a flavor that takes you back in time and satisfies both burger and pizza appetites in one tasty mouthful.

My son asked why we couldn’t have pizza and burgers at the same time, so I started making these. When I offered these to him for the first time, the smile on his face was amazing!

Italian Pizza Burgers with Cheese

Beef burgers with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and pizza toppings on top. The best combo of burger and pizza flavors!

• Time to prepare: 10 minutes
• Time to cook: 15 minutes
• Time: 25 Minutes

Choosing the Right Ingredients

• Ground beef: For the finest flavor, use an 80/20 blend.
• Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.
• Marinara: Thick sauce keeps buns from getting soggy
• Italian seasoning: Use herbs that are fresh and dried when you can.
• Choose strong buns that can handle toppings.

Things You Need

• For the Patties
  ○ 1 pound of ground beef
  ○ 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  ○ Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Toppings for Pizza
  ○ 1 cup of marinara sauce
  ○ 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  ○ You can choose what to put on your pizza, such pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers.
• For Serving
  ○ 4 hamburger buns

Steps for Cooking in Detail

Make the patties perfect by making a little dent in the middle. Add seasoning to the meat right before you cook it. Be careful with the flesh when you shape it.

Learn how to cook:

• Get your pan or grill heated first. If you can, only flip once. Don’t push down on the patties while they cook.
• Make the pizza layer: Before adding, heat the marinara. Put cheese on the patties while they are still hot. Put toppings on in a smart way.
• Finish in style: Toast the buns until they are golden. Add toppings one at a time. Allow the cheese to fully melt.

How to

1. First step
   Mix the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the ground beef until they are all mixed together.
2. Step 02
   Cut the meat into four equal pieces and form them into excellent burger patties.
3. Step 03
   Set the pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot, then cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
4. Step 04
   While the burgers are cooking, cut the buns in half and toast them until they are golden brown.
5. Step 05
   Put marinara sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings on top of each burger. Cover and heat for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
6. Step 06
   Put those cheesy pizza burgers on their toasted buns and serve them hot!

The Key to Success

I’ve learned via trial and error that adding the marinara sauce at the end of cooking keeps the burgers from getting soggy and lets the cheese melt flawlessly.

Make it Yours

Set up a bar with toppings so that everyone can make their own pizza burgers.

Every month, my family organizes a “Pizza Burger Bar” night where everyone can make their own mix. It’s become such a great event that even the neighbors want to know when the next one will be!

Helpful Tips from the Chef

• Make patties ahead of time and refrigerate them.
• Cast iron makes the nicest crust.
• Make sure the toppings are small enough to eat.

What You’ll Need

• A large skillet or grill pan
• Bowl for mixing
• Spoons and cups for measuring
• Spatula

Notes

These pizza burgers are a tasty way to combine two of your favorite dishes into one meal you can eat with your hands. Great for when you can’t choose between a pizza and a burger!

Questions that come up often

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

You should think of this material as rough and not as the last word on health.

• Four hundred fifty calories
• Fat: 25 g
• 30 g of total carbohydrates
• 30 g of protein