Here’s the classic, no-frills version just like back in the day.
Old School Pizza Burgers
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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¾–1 cup pizza sauce (or thick marinara)
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried basil
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Hamburger buns (or sliced Italian bread)
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat
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In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion.
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Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Drain excess grease.
2. Make It “Pizza”
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Stir in pizza sauce, oregano, and basil.
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Simmer 5–10 minutes until thick and saucy.
3. Assemble
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Preheat oven broiler (or 375°F oven).
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Place bun halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
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Spoon meat mixture generously onto each bun.
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Top with mozzarella and any optional toppings.
4. Melt & Serve
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Broil 2–4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
(watch closely so they don’t burn)
Old-School Tips
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Use soft white hamburger buns for true cafeteria style
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Don’t overload—these were meant to be messy but simple
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Serve with tater tots, fries, or chips
Variations (Still Old School)
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School Lunch Style: Add a slice of American cheese under the mozzarella
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Italian Diner Style: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top
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Ultra Retro: Butter and lightly toast the buns first
If you want, I can also give you:
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A sheet-pan version for a crowd
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A sloppy-joe style pizza burger
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Or the exact 1970s school cafeteria version