What is an old school pizza burger made of?

Traditionally, it's made with ground beef, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese served open-faced on a hamburger bun. Our version keeps the flavor but boosts protein content for modern needs.

Why were pizza burgers popular in school cafeterias?

They were quick, inexpensive, easy to make in bulk, and had wide appeal among students. The combination of pizza flavors with sandwich convenience made them a classic.

Can you freeze and reheat old school pizza burgers?

Absolutely. Assemble, freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen at 375°F for 18–20 minutes. For leftovers, an air fryer or toaster oven works best.

What kind of cheese works best for pizza burgers?

Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, while part-skim mozzarella gives that classic stretch. You can also combine both for a balanced taste and texture.

Old School Pizza Burgers: 1 Easy, High-Protein Comfort Recipe

Old School Pizza Burgers Recipe – Easy High Protein Comfort Food

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Old school pizza burgers are a nostalgic, protein-packed meal made with seasoned beef, pizza sauce, and melted cheese on a crispy bun. Perfect for meal prep and family dinners.

Author: Elena Brooks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: High-Protein Meals
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
1 cup pizza sauce (no sugar added)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 whole wheat or high-protein buns, halved
1 cup shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese
Optional: red pepper flakes, parmesan, chopped spinach

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown and crumble ground beef; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
4. Spoon mixture evenly onto bun halves on a baking sheet.
5. Top each with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Freeze unbaked assembled burgers for up to 2 months.
To reheat: bake frozen at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
Add chopped spinach or turkey to boost nutrients.
Great with sweet potato fries or a side salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pizza burger
Calories: 390
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Find it online: https://proteinmealsdaily.com/old-school-pizza-burgers/