These Pizza Burgers are a throwback comfort food: juicy ground beef simmered in pizza sauce, seasoned just right, and piled high with melty sharp cheddar. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy and familiar.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional for serving: hamburger buns or toasted bread
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Season and Simmer
Stir in the Italian seasoning and pizza sauce. Mix well and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 5–8 minutes so the flavors meld together.
3. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
4. Serve
Spoon the cheesy pizza burger mixture onto toasted hamburger buns or slices of bread. Serve hot.
Optional Old-School Add-Ons
Pepperoni slices
Sautéed onions or bell peppers
A sprinkle of mozzarella for extra stretch
Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Tips for Best Flavor
Sharp cheddar gives that classic cafeteria-style tang, but you can mix in mozzarella if you want a more traditional pizza vibe.
Toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess.
Leftovers reheat great and can even be used as a filling for grilled sandwiches.