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Old School Pizza Burgers (An Easy Family Favorite!)

Make easy Old School Pizza Burgers! A fun recipe combining pizza flavors and a burger, with a savory meat sauce, melted cheddar, and a soft bun.

Ingredients

Scale

ere’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 6 burger buns, halved
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • (Implied from a similar user prompt for “Coney Chili Mac Casserole” which this recipe resembles: 1 large onion, chopped) Correction: The user’s current prompt does list “1 large onion, chopped” in the ingredient list and directs to cook it with the beef. I will use this as provided.

The correct ingredient list based on user’s full prompt is:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 31/2 cups spaghetti sauce (Note: User prompt lists “1 cup pizza sauce” in one part, but “31/2 cups spaghetti sauce” in another. “1 cup” is more plausible for 1lb beef for a sloppy-joe style topping. I will proceed with the “1 cup pizza sauce” for a “Pizza Burger” recipe as that makes more sense.)
  • 1 package (16 ounces) spiral or cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained (Note: This is from the user’s previous “Pizza Casserole” recipe and is clearly an error for this “Pizza Burger” recipe. I will omit it.)
  • 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (Note: Also from Pizza Casserole. This Pizza Burger recipe lists “1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.” I will use cheddar.)
  • 8 ounces sliced pepperoni (Note: Also from Pizza Casserole. I will list this as an optional topping as it fits the theme.)

Let’s create a clean, plausible list based on the most logical interpretation of the “Pizza Burger” title and simple instructions:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 6 burger buns, halved
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • (Optional: Sliced pepperoni for topping)
  • (Implied: Salt and pepper to taste)

These quantities are perfect for making 12 open-faced pizza burger halves (6 full burgers).

Chop your onion before you begin.

Instructions

Let’s cook up these fun and flavorful Old School Pizza Burgers:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Brown the Beef and Onion:

  • In a large skillet, cook the 1 pound of ground beef and the 1 chopped large onion over medium-high heat.
  • Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
  • Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onion is softened and translucent (about 8-10 minutes).
  • Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Simmer the Pizza Sauce Mixture:

  • Return the skillet with the drained beef and onion to medium-low heat.
  • Stir in the 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Then, mix in the 1 cup of pizza sauce. (Season with a pinch of salt and pepper here if your pizza sauce is unseasoned, but taste first).
  • Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and all the flavors have melded together.

4. Assemble the Pizza Burgers:

  • Arrange the 12 burger bun halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Using a large spoon, spread the prepared beef and pizza sauce mixture evenly onto each of the 12 bun halves.
  • Top each one generously with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  • (Optional: Arrange a few slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese on each bun half.)

5. Bake:

  • Place the baking sheet with the pizza burgers into the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the burgers are heated through.

6. Serve:

  • Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
  • You can serve them open-faced, or place the top bun halves onto their corresponding bottoms to create a full burger.
  • Let them cool slightly for a minute or two before serving, as the filling and cheese will be very hot. Enjoy!

A delicious and easy meal ready in about 30 minutes!