Save Pin
Craving comfort food that's gooey and simple? These throwback pizza burgers pack all your favorite pizza flavors into an easy dinner. They’re oozy, fun, and disappear fast with both kids and grownups smiling around the table—a retro vibe every time.
I whipped these up for my crew on a wet afternoon and now whenever the temps drop, they beg for pizza burgers. It’s our cozy hack when we want pizza without the hassle or mess.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Burger buns: Hold everything together—go with white or wheat, just grab fresh soft ones
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for rich, bold flavor Freshly shredded from a block is the secret for peak meltiness
- Italian seasoning: Kicks things up with flavor Look for oregano and basil loaded blends for the best results
- Pizza sauce: Delivers those herby, tangy notes you'd get from real pizza Choose one that's not overloaded with sugar
- Ground beef: Gives you the classic burger bite and burger richness Fresh is always best here if you can swing it
Cheesy Details
I reach for sharp cheddar for a flavor punch but mozzarella is awesome if you’re after that stretchy cheese vibe like you get at a pizza place
Simple Step-by-Step
- Finish and Serve:
- Pop on the tops if you’re into the full sandwich vibe Cool just a couple minutes so you don’t scorch your fingers Dive in while everything’s still gooey
- Bake:
- Bake in the center of your oven for about twelve minutes until the cheese melts, gets bubbly, and the edges hit that golden crispness
- Assemble Pizza Burgers:
- Spread the beef mix over each bun half and go right to the edges for max flavor Sprinkle on a heavy layer of sharp cheddar for LOTS of meltiness
- Prep the Buns:
- Put the cut sides up on a baking tray for topping coverage This keeps the bottoms from turning gummy
- Season and Simmer:
- Stir in Italian seasoning, let those flavors soak into the beef Add the pizza sauce and simmer briefly till it thickens up—keeps bread from getting soggy
- Brown the Beef:
- Toss ground beef in a hot skillet and break it up while it cooks Once brown and cooked through, drain out any grease so it’s not too heavy
Save Pin
Honestly, the best part is seeing that cheese sizzle and brown in the oven. Feels just like the family kitchen at childhood sleepovers, hoping for the pizza bell. Every time I make these, it's flashes of my Saturday mornings with cartoons and friends.
Chill & Reheat Tips
Keep them in a closed container in the fridge up to three days To avoid soggy buns layer with parchment or a paper towel Heat just till warm in a regular or toaster oven to bring them back to life and keep the texture on point
Smart Swaps
Ground turkey makes these lighter or go totally meat-free with cooked lentils or mushrooms Got marinara only? That works too, just toss in more dried herbs Any cheese like provolone, mozzarella, or mixes—melt away and taste great
Easy Pairings
These go great with crunchy green salad or roasted broccoli Want something fast for kids? Pair with carrot sticks or oven fries Add pepperoni, olives, or peppers under the cheese to impress your guests or just for fun
True Comfort Classic
Back in the day, these quick dinners showed up at lunch counters everywhere—think seventies and eighties. Two favorites—pizza and burgers—smashed into one bubbly, hot bite. Every family’s got a tweak or a secret. Mess around with new toppings or maybe splash on a spicy sauce to claim it as yours.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Which cheese should I use?
Mozzarella melts really nicely and tastes like your favorite pizza, while sharp cheddar adds extra tang. Mix them together if you want both flavors.
- → Can I pile on other toppings?
Go for it! Add pepperoni, mushrooms, or even some bell peppers to make every sandwich your own.
- → How can I keep leftovers fresh?
Once they're cool, pop pizza burgers into a sealed container in the fridge for three days. Warm them back up in the oven to bring back the crispiness.
- → What if I don't have pizza sauce?
No worries—use marinara, jazzed-up tomato sauce, or toss together your own if you like.
- → Can I get parts ready ahead of time?
You bet. Prep the beef and sauce in advance, stash it in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you need them hot and cheesy.
- → Will picky eaters like these?
Usually! Cheesy beef on a bun is pure comfort and you can switch up toppings to fit everyone’s tastes.