Short Description
These Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic throwback to school lunches, featuring seasoned ground beef in pizza sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and baked on a burger bun until golden and slightly crunchy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15 ounce) can pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 burger buns, split
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, crumble and cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Step 3: Drain off any excess grease from the cooked ground beef.
Step 4: Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the ground beef. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the burger buns.
Step 6: Top each with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Place the assembled pizza burgers on a baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the buns are slightly crunchy on the bottom and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a comforting, nostalgic flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a fun way to change up the traditional burger routine.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of your favorite chips or french fries.
- Add a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with carrot sticks or celery for a bit of crunch.
- Pair with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic cookout feel.
Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the ground beef while cooking.
- If you don’t have sharp cheddar cheese, you can use mozzarella, provolone, or any other cheese that melts well.
- Toast the burger buns lightly before adding the topping to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- To add some vegetables, mix finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the ground beef mixture.
- Be cautious when microwaving leftovers, as the cheese can become extremely hot. Allow it to cool slightly before eating to avoid burns.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time
Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Approximate values per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
Old School Pizza Burgers are a simple, tasty, and nostalgic dish that brings back fond memories. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a fun treat for the family. Enjoy the easy preparation and comforting flavors!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Ground turkey is a leaner option and will still taste delicious.
Q2: Can I prepare these pizza burgers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pizza burgers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Q3: What other toppings can I add to these pizza burgers?
A: Feel free to add any of your favorite pizza toppings! Some great options include sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, pepperoni, olives, or onions.
Q4: Can I freeze these pizza burgers?
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Bake them first then wrap each pizza burger individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q5: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
