A retro classic that never goes out of style — these cheesy, meaty open-faced pizza burgers bring all the nostalgic flavors of pizza night with the heartiness of a burger. Fast, flexible, and family-friendly!
🍽️ Recipe Card
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Dietary Tags: Kid-Friendly | High-Protein | Easy Weeknight Meal
🧾 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Ground beef
Pizza sauce
Italian seasoning
Hamburger buns (split in half)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Add-Ins
Diced pepperoni
Diced bell peppers or onions
Garlic powder
Shredded mozzarella
Red pepper flakes
👨🍳 Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
Mix in Sauce & Seasonings
Stir in Italian seasoning and pizza sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add any extras like garlic powder, pepperoni, or diced veggies.
Assemble the Buns
Place bun halves, cut side up, on the baking sheet. Spoon beef mixture onto each half.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle each with shredded cheddar (and mozzarella, if using) for a gooey, melty finish.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve open-faced or topped with the other bun half. Let cool slightly and dig in!
💡 Quick Notes & Tips
Open-face = less mess, more cheese!
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Want extra crisp buns? Toast them briefly before adding toppings.
Great make-ahead: prep meat mixture in advance and store in fridge.
📸 Brief Introduction
This recipe is a throwback to school lunches and weeknight dinners from decades past — but it’s just as good today. Old-school pizza burgers are simple to make, endlessly customizable, and deeply satisfying. Think of them as sloppy joes crossed with pizza — cheesy, saucy, and beefy in all the right ways.
👣 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
🔥 1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet to make cleanup easy.
🍳 2. Brown the Ground Beef
Sauté until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Drain well.
Tip: Season the beef while it cooks for deeper flavor.
🍅 3. Add Sauce & Seasonings
Add pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened slightly. Stir in garlic powder, pepperoni, or diced veggies if desired.
🍞 4. Assemble the Burgers
Place bun halves cut-side-up on your baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture onto each.
🧀 5. Add Cheese
Top with shredded cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella. Spread evenly for the perfect cheese melt.
🔥 6. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and just starting to turn golden.
🍽️ 7. Serve Your Way
Serve as open-faced melts or top with the other bun half for a full sandwich. Let cool slightly and enjoy warm.
🧂 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
🥩 Ground Meat Variations
Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add crumbled sausage for extra Italian flair.
🍕 Sauce Tips
Use marinara or homemade pizza sauce for more control over flavor.
Add a spoonful of tomato paste for extra richness.
🔁 Cheese Combos
Cheddar for sharpness
Mozzarella for melt
Pepper jack or provolone for a twist
🍽️ Serving Ideas & Variations
🧁 How to Serve
As a main dish with salad, fries, or slaw
Cut in halves or quarters for party snacks
Serve open-faced for easy finger food
Pair with kid-friendly veggie sides
🔁 Creative Twists
Add jalapeños for heat
Use English muffins or Texas toast instead of buns
Sprinkle with oregano or basil before baking
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
🧺 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating
Oven: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
Microwave: 30–60 seconds (note: buns will be softer)
⏳ Make Ahead
Cook beef mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate
Assemble right before baking for fast weeknight meals
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Gluten-Free Option: Use GF buns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use plant-based ground meat or lentils and vegetarian pizza sauce.
Q: Do I have to use hamburger buns?
A: No — try slider rolls, English muffins, or even bagels.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Freeze the cooked meat mixture, not the assembled burgers. Assemble and bake fresh for best texture.
🧡 Personal Note
These pizza burgers take me straight back to after-school snacks and childhood dinners — and now, they’re just as fun to make for game day or casual get-togethers. It’s one of those recipes that hits every time and never sticks around long once served.