This Old School Pizza Burger

#### For the Pizza Toppings:
– **1/2 cup pizza sauce** (store-bought or homemade)
– **1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese** (or pizza blend cheese)
– **1/2 cup pepperoni slices** (or other pizza toppings of your choice like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (for grilling the buns)

#### For Assembling:
– **4 hamburger buns** (preferably soft and toasted)
– **Fresh basil leaves** (optional, for garnish)
– **Extra pizza sauce** (for dipping, optional)

### How to Make the Old School Pizza Burger:

#### 1. **Prepare the Burger Patties**:
– In a mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef** with **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **dried oregano**, and **salt and pepper**. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat.
– Divide the meat mixture into **4 equal portions** and form them into patties. Make sure they’re slightly larger than the buns, as they’ll shrink slightly during cooking.

#### 2. **Cook the Burger Patties**:
– Preheat a **grill** or **griddle pan** over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan with some **cooking spray** or **olive oil**.
– Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about **4-5 minutes** per side (or until they reach your desired level of doneness). About 1-2 minutes before the burgers are done, **spoon pizza sauce** over each patty and **sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese** on top. Let the cheese melt and bubble.

#### 3. **Toast the Buns**:
– While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast your **hamburger buns**. Heat a small amount of **olive oil** in a separate skillet over medium heat and place the buns cut-side down. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

#### 4. **Assemble the Pizza Burgers**:
– Place each cooked burger patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
– Top with **pepperoni slices** (or any other pizza toppings of your choice). If you want, you can add a few extra spoonfuls of **pizza sauce** for a saucier, more pizza-like experience.
– Place the top half of the bun on the burger, and optionally garnish with fresh **basil leaves** for an extra pop of flavor.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Serve the **Pizza Burgers** with a side of **crispy fries**, **salad**, or any favorite side dish. You can also provide some extra **pizza sauce** on the side for dipping.
– Dig in and enjoy the best of both worlds in a single bite!

### Tips for the Best Old School Pizza Burger:

– **Use Fresh Pizza Sauce**: While store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly fine, homemade pizza sauce gives the burgers an extra level of authenticity and flavor. You can quickly make your own by combining **tomato sauce**, **oregano**, **garlic**, and a pinch of sugar.

– **Grilled Veggies**: If you want to add extra flavor and texture, try grilling some vegetables like **onions**, **bell peppers**, or **mushrooms** and adding them to your pizza burger for a more robust flavor.

– **Don’t Overcook the Patties**: For a juicy burger, be careful not to overcook the beef patties. Aim for **medium-well** to **medium** for the best flavor and texture.

– **Customize Your Toppings**: The beauty of the **Pizza Burger** is its versatility. Add your favorite pizza toppings like **green olives**, **bacon**, or **sausage** for a unique twist. You can even go for a **vegetarian pizza burger** by adding **grilled veggies** and skipping the meat.

### Why You’ll Love This Old School Pizza Burger:

– **Comforting Flavors**: There’s something so comforting about the combination of a juicy burger and cheesy pizza. This recipe brings together two nostalgic favorites, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone can enjoy.

– **Satisfying**: With its hearty beef patty, melty mozzarella, and flavorful pizza toppings, this burger is truly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a gathering, these pizza burgers are sure to please.

– **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether you’re having a casual dinner at home or hosting a summer barbecue, this pizza burger is the perfect dish to impress your guests. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes.

### Conclusion: A Deliciously Fun Twist on Classic Comfort Food

The **Old School Pizza Burger** is a fun, delicious, and easy-to-make twist on two beloved dishes: pizza and burgers. It combines the best elements of both, from the savory beef patty to the gooey melted mozzarella cheese and flavorful pizza toppings. Perfect for grilling season, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, this pizza burger is sure to become a go-to recipe for anyone looking for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

So next time you find yourself craving a burger but also yearning for pizza, you won’t have to choose—**the Old School Pizza Burger** brings both together in one incredible bite!