Introduction
Remember the days when cheesy goodness met savory satisfaction in a single dish? Ah, the nostalgia of old school pizza burgers! If you’re like me, these delicious creations were a staple of childhood gatherings and after-school snacks. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and rediscover the joy of pizza burgers that you may have forgotten you loved.
Now, before we dive into the wonderful world of old school pizza burgers, let me share a quick story. Back in my college days, my roommates and I used to whip up these tasty treats whenever we needed a break from studying. The aroma of melted cheese and marinara sauce wafting through our tiny apartment always brought a smile to our faces.
So, why are old school pizza burgers so special? Well, they combine the best of two worlds – the classic flavors of pizza and the comfort of a juicy burger. It’s a match made in culinary heaven that never fails to satisfy cravings and bring people together.
Join me as we explore the magic of these forgotten gems and learn how to recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Burgers
I make these pizza burgers when I want to indulge in a hearty meal that reminds me of carefree days and simple pleasures. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a fun twist on traditional burgers and pizza – a delightful mashup that never disappoints.
One thing I love about pizza burgers is their versatility. You can customize them with your favorite toppings and sauces, making each bite a unique flavor experience. Plus, they are perfect for feeding a crowd at gatherings or game nights.
So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will reignite your love for this classic comfort food.
(Psst… If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made burger patties and store-bought pizza sauce for a quick and easy version of this recipe!)
Ingredients
To make these irresistible pizza burgers, you’ll need:
Ground beef patties
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni slices
Hamburger buns
Marinara sauce
Optional: Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or any other pizza toppings you love
I sometimes use turkey patties instead of beef for a lighter option, and they taste just as delicious. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Directions
1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Form the seasoned meat into patties.
2. Cook the beef patties on a grill or stovetop until they reach your desired level of doneness.
3. While the patties are cooking, preheat your oven broiler and toast the hamburger buns until golden brown.
4. Once the patties are cooked, top each one with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and any additional toppings you like.
5. Place the loaded patties under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing the cheesy patties on the toasted buns. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey goodness!
This is where I usually sneak a taste of the melty cheese before serving – it’s hard to resist!
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve found that using lean ground beef helps keep the burgers juicy without being too greasy. Don’t worry if the patties look a bit messy when assembling – once they’re cooked, everything melds together perfectly.
For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the melted mozzarella for an extra flavor boost!
Variations
One experiment I tried was adding a dollop of pesto sauce to the burger before layering on the toppings. It sounded great in theory, but the flavors ended up clashing, so I stick to classic marinara now.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef patties with grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar – a delicious alternative that even meat lovers will enjoy!
Equipment
If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the patties in a skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to cook them over medium heat to ensure they’re cooked through without burning the outside.
A broiler is essential for melting the cheese to gooey perfection, but if you don’t have one, you can achieve a similar effect by covering the patties with a lid while they’re still hot to trap the heat.
Storage Information
Though honestly, in my house, these pizza burgers never last more than a day! However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the burgers in the oven at a low temperature to preserve their deliciousness.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these pizza burgers with a side of crispy garlic parmesan fries and a refreshing cucumber salad. The combination of flavors and textures is unbeatable!
For a fun twist, you can turn the leftover burgers into pizza burger sliders by cutting them into smaller portions and serving on slider buns. It’s a great way to make the most out of any extra patties!
Pro Tips
I once tried rushing the burger assembly process and ended up with toppings sliding off everywhere – not a pretty sight! So, take your time to layer the ingredients carefully for a picture-perfect pizza burger every time.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Experiment with different cheeses, sauces, and veggies to create your signature pizza burger masterpiece. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite combination!
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken patties instead of beef for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chicken patties work just as well and add a unique flavor to the pizza burgers. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to complement the lighter meat.
Q: Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
A: Sure thing! Pre-shredded cheese is a convenient option, but I find that freshly grated mozzarella melts more smoothly and has a richer flavor. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
Old School Pizza Burgers You Forgot You Loved
Rediscover the joy of old school pizza burgers with this nostalgic and delicious recipe. These pizza burgers combine the classic flavors of pizza with the comfort of a juicy burger, creating a delightful mashup that is sure to satisfy cravings and bring people together.
Ingredients
-
Ground beef patties
-
Italian seasoning
-
Garlic powder
-
Shredded mozzarella cheese
-
Pepperoni slices
-
Hamburger buns
-
Marinara sauce
-
Optional: Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or any other pizza toppings you love
Directions
-
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Form the seasoned meat into patties.
-
Cook the beef patties on a grill or stovetop until they reach your desired level of doneness.
-
While the patties are cooking, preheat your oven broiler and toast the hamburger buns until golden brown.
-
Once the patties are cooked, top each one with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and any additional toppings you like.
-
Place the loaded patties under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Assemble the burgers by placing the cheesy patties on the toasted buns. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey goodness!
