If you grew up in the ’70s, ’80s, or even ’90s, chances are you’ve had a version of pizza burgers. These Old-School Pizza Burgers are a blast from the past—English muffins topped with seasoned beef, pizza sauce, and gooey mozzarella, baked until golden and bubbly.

They’re quick, affordable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Best of all, they bring a little nostalgia to the dinner table, making them as fun as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Retro comfort food that’s both nostalgic and budget-friendly
Easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings
Quick weeknight dinner or snack for kids and adults alike
Cheesy, saucy, and perfectly satisfying

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground beef – hearty, classic burger base.
Pizza sauce – brings that familiar pizza flavor.
Italian seasoning – a mix of herbs for a true pizzeria vibe.
English muffins – sturdy enough to hold the toppings, perfectly crispy.
Mozzarella cheese – melty and irresistible.
Parsley – a sprinkle of color to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the beef – Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain grease.
Season & sauce – Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning, simmer briefly.
Build the pizzas – Spread beef mixture over English muffin halves.
Cheese it up – Top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake – Cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish & serve – Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm.

Chef Tips & Variations

Switch up the bread: Try bagels, sandwich rolls, or even naan.
Extra toppings: Add pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, or olives before baking.
Make it spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce before serving.
Kid-friendly: Let kids build their own pizza burgers with their favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pizza burgers with a simple side salad, some oven fries, or even a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate retro dinner experience.

Fun Questions for Readers

What was your favorite retro snack as a kid?
Do you prefer pizza burgers with beef, turkey, or a veggie patty?
If you could add one crazy topping to these burgers, what would it be?

Did You Know?

Pizza burgers became a popular trend in school cafeterias and home kitchens during the ’80s.
English muffins are ideal for mini pizzas because they stay crispy and hold toppings well.
You can easily turn this recipe into a party appetizer by making smaller slider-sized versions.

Nutritional Tips

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content.
Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase fiber and vitamins.
Consider whole grain English muffins for added nutrients.

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor balance: Savory beef, rich cheese, and tangy sauce in each bite
Textural contrast: Crispy muffin base, tender meat, and gooey cheese
Customizable & portable: Easy to adapt for different diets or meal prepping
Family-friendly: Fun, interactive, and perfect for kids and adults alike

Old-School Pizza Burgers

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

Approximately 350 per serving

kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
6 English muffins, split
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dried parsley, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the English muffin halves.
Top each with mozzarella cheese.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with dried parsley before serving.

Notes

You can use other types of bread or rolls instead of English muffins.
Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or peppers.
For a spicier burger, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.