Cheesy Pizza Burgers: A Retro Comfort Food Classic
Take a nostalgic trip back to school cafeteria days with these Cheesy Pizza Burgers! Combining savory seasoned beef with bold pizza flavors, these burgers are baked on fluffy buns for a fun, family-friendly meal. Perfect for pizza night or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Let’s make pizza burger night a hit!
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 6 hamburger buns, split in half
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced pepperoni (optional)
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers or onions (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. For extra pizzazz, mix in garlic powder, diced pepperoni, bell peppers, or onions, if desired.
- Assemble Burgers: Place the bun halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the beef mixture evenly onto each bun half.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella, if using) over the beef mixture, ensuring even coverage for a gooey melt.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Add the top bun half for a classic burger or serve open-faced for a pizza-like experience. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired. Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 16g
Notes & Tips
- Pro Tips:
- Use lean ground beef (85/15) for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Lightly toast the buns before adding the beef mixture to prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with cheese blends—try mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Customize with toppings like olives, jalapeños, or mushrooms for a personal touch.
- Simmer the beef and sauce mixture to deepen the pizza flavor.
- Variations:
- Pizza Sloppy Joes: Serve the beef mixture on soft buns for a saucier, messier meal.
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the buns and stuff the mixture into bell peppers or zucchini boats.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meatless version.
These Cheesy Pizza Burgers are the ultimate comfort food mashup, blending the best of pizza and burgers in every bite. Serve with fries, a side salad, or even some extra pizza sauce for dipping, and enjoy this retro-inspired meal!
Total Time: 22 minutes | Serves: 6
