Ah, “Old School Pizza Burgers” – a delightful blast from the past that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and burgers. These classic treats are perfect for nostalgic cravings or family-friendly gatherings. Let’s dive into making these mouthwatering delights:
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Sauce:
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Pinch of salt and black pepper
For the Burger Patties:
– 1 pound ground beef (or your preferred ground meat)
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Pinch of salt and black pepper
For Assembling:
– Burger buns
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Sliced pepperoni
– Sliced black olives (optional)
– Sliced green bell peppers (optional)
– Sliced onions (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Make the Burger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the burger mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties that match the size of your burger buns. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you prefer, you can also grill the patties outdoors for an added smoky flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
Place the cooked burger patties on the bottom half of the burger buns. Spoon a generous amount of the prepared pizza sauce over each patty. Layer shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, and any other optional toppings you desire, such as black olives, green bell peppers, or onions.
Step 6: Toast the Pizza Burgers (Optional)
For an extra touch of deliciousness, place the assembled burgers under a broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Top the pizza burgers with the other half of the burger buns. Now they are ready to be served! These Old School Pizza Burgers are best enjoyed warm and gooey, just like a classic pizza. Serve them with some crispy fries or a refreshing salad on the side for a complete meal.
Step 8: Customize Your Pizza Burgers
The beauty of Old School Pizza Burgers lies in their versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize them to suit your preferences or add a personal touch. Here are some ideas for taking your pizza burgers to the next level:
1. Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or make hearty veggie patties using ingredients like mushrooms, black beans, or quinoa. Top them with your favorite pizza sauce, veggies, and plant-based cheese.
2. Cheesy Surprise: Create a cheesy surprise by stuffing the burger patties with mozzarella or cheddar cheese before cooking. As they cook, the cheese inside will melt, revealing a gooey center that’ll make your pizza burgers even more delectable.
3. Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the pizza sauce for a spicy twist. You can also experiment with hot Italian sausage instead of traditional ground beef for a fiery kick.
4. Hawaiian Twist: Embrace the classic Hawaiian pizza flavors by adding pineapple chunks to your pizza burger toppings. The combination of tangy pineapple with savory pepperoni and melted cheese is simply irresistible.
Step 9: Share the Love
Old School Pizza Burgers are a fantastic choice for gatherings or family meals. Prepare a batch of these delectable treats and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy. Whether it’s a game day get-together or a casual weekend dinner, these pizza burgers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Step 10: Leftover Magic
If you happen to have leftover pizza burgers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
Old School Pizza Burgers are a delightful blend of classic pizza flavors in a portable and delicious burger form. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize them to suit your taste, these pizza burgers are sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. Share them with family and friends, and enjoy the smiles and nostalgia that come with each bite. So, get ready to savor the best of both worlds – pizza and burgers – in one mouthwatering creation! Bon appétit!
