If there’s a recipe that sweeps you straight back to school cafeteria lunches—crisp-edged, cheese-pull bliss—it’s Old School Pizza Burgers. These open-faced sandwiches are packed with a savory, meaty sauce, bubbling mozzarella on top, and just the right amount of nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving straightforward comfort food, Old School Pizza Burgers never fail to bring smiles—and plenty of flavor—to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old School Pizza Burgers is in their simplicity—every ingredient here plays an essential role in building those classic flavors and textures. Each one adds depth, creaminess, or a bit of crunchy freshness to make this classic sing.
- Ground Beef: Forms the hearty base, bringing that classic meaty bite everyone loves.
- Ground Italian Sausage: Adds depth, spice, and just a hint of richness to amp up the flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper: Brightens up the filling with fresh crunch and color.
- Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and a touch of savory depth.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a touch of warmth and classic pizzeria flavor in every mouthful.
- Dried Oregano: Supplies that unmistakable “pizza” essence, herby and comforting.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making every ingredient pop.
- Black Pepper: Adds just a bit of heat for balance.
- Pizza Sauce or Marinara Sauce: Brings that zesty, tomatoey goodness that ties it all together.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The star topping that forms that irresistible gooey layer.
- Hamburger Buns or Sandwich Rolls: Serve as the perfect vehicle for all that saucy, cheesy filling.
- Butter (optional): Toasting with butter before assembling adds a subtle richness and golden crunch.
How to Make Old School Pizza Burgers
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon as they cook. The goal is to ensure the meats are fully browned and crumbly—this will give your filling that perfect hearty texture. Once browned, drain off any excess grease for a lighter, less greasy result.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Toss in the finely diced green bell pepper and onion. Sauté everything together for three or four minutes, just until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step builds the familiar flavor foundation that makes Old School Pizza Burgers so nostalgic.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies evenly—this brings out those classic Italian-American flavors. Next, pour in your pizza sauce or marinara and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up slightly and everything melds together beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in one full cup of shredded mozzarella. Watch as it melts into the filling, making everything creamy and delightfully gooey. Don’t rush this step—the cheese is what makes Old School Pizza Burgers irresistibly melty inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the split buns on a baking sheet, cut sides up. If you’re after a little extra crunch and richness, brush them with melted butter and toast them in the oven for three to four minutes. This small touch helps the buns stand up to the hearty filling.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the hot meat-and-cheese mixture generously onto each bun half—you want a nice, hearty mound. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining shredded mozzarella, so every bite delivers a stringy, golden cheese pull. Bake for eight to ten minutes, just until the cheese is gorgeously melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Old School Pizza Burgers
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are your secret weapon for elevating Old School Pizza Burgers. A scatter of chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a few sliced olives can add color and a pop of extra flavor. Kids and adults alike will love the finishing touches!
Side Dishes
These pizza burgers are hearty, but pair them with a crisp side salad—Caesar or Italian—to cut through the richness. Classic potato chips, sweet potato fries, or even seasoned curly fries make wonderful, retro-inspired sides. For a lighter touch, fresh carrot and celery sticks are always welcome.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Old School Pizza Burgers into party-ready bites by making them on slider rolls or miniature baguette slices. Or, get playful with toppings—set out bowls of sliced pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, or pickled banana peppers for a DIY pizza burger bar. This dish shines at casual gatherings, family movie nights, or nostalgic weeknight dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra Old School Pizza Burgers, don’t worry—they keep well. Store the cooled pizza burgers (wrapped or in an airtight container) in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, pack any leftover filling and buns separately, then assemble before reheating.
Freezing
Old School Pizza Burgers are a meal-prep dream. Assemble the sandwiches, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze on a tray until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add an extra few minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
For that lovely gooey cheese and crisped bun, reheat Old School Pizza Burgers in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too (about 2 minutes), but the oven delivers the best texture. Top with a little extra shredded mozzarella before reheating to freshen things up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground beef and Italian sausage create that classic flavor, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble for a lighter or vegetarian twist. Just be sure to season well and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What’s the difference between pizza sauce and marinara?
Pizza sauce is often thicker and spiced more assertively, while marinara is usually lighter and chunkier. Either works for Old School Pizza Burgers—choose whichever you prefer or have on hand, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Can I add more toppings inside the filling?
Definitely—Old School Pizza Burgers are super customizable. Toss in chopped pepperoni, mushrooms, or sliced olives for that true pizza shop vibe. Just be mindful of not overfilling, so your buns can hold all that deliciousness.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns before adding the filling is key. The extra crunch provides a barrier, keeping them from absorbing too much sauce. If you’re making these ahead, assemble just before baking to preserve the texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Old School Pizza Burgers are always a favorite with kids! The flavors are familiar, the format is fun, and you can let little hands help sprinkle on the cheese or choose their toppings. It’s a family dinner win every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Old School Pizza Burgers that brings people together—it’s comfort food with an extra dash of nostalgia and fun. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or a group of friends, these saucy, cheesy, open-faced sandwiches will hit the spot. Give this recipe a try and bring that classic school-lunch magic right to your own kitchen!
Print
Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 open-faced pizza burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Old School Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic twist on classic pizza flavors, combining ground beef, Italian sausage, and gooey cheese on a toasted bun. A delicious and satisfying meal that brings back memories of school cafeteria lunches.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
Vegetable Mix:
1/2 cup green bell pepper (finely diced), 1/2 cup onion (finely diced)
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cheese:
1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For Serving:
6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls (split), 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Add green pepper, onion, and seasonings. Stir in sauce and cheese until melted.
- Prepare the Buns: Toast split buns with butter in the oven.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon meat mixture onto buns, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy hot and customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
Notes
- You can customize with pepperoni slices, olives, or mushrooms for extra ‘pizza’ flavor.
- Great for freezer meals—assemble, freeze, and bake when ready.
- Serve with a side salad or fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 open-faced pizza burger
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
