Cafeteria-Style Pizza Burgers
Take a nostalgic trip back to your school cafeteria with these delightful Pizza Burgers! Packed with a savory blend of flavorful meats, aromatic herbs, and ooey-gooey cheese, this recipe captures the essence of that beloved childhood favorite. Whether you're making lunch for the family or throwing a casual snack party, these Pizza Burgers are sure to please kids and adults alike. Serve them with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal that brings joy and fun to the table!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1/2 lb (raw)
Ground Sausage
1/2 lb (raw)
Spam
12 ounces (grated)
Sage
1 teaspoon (dried)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Parsley
1 teaspoon (dried)
Spaghetti Sauce
2-3 cups (prepared)
Cheddar Cheese
1/2 lb (grated)
American Cheese
1/2 lb (grated)
Buns
8-10 (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven's broiler or to 350°F if baking.
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and ground sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and allow to cool slightly.
3
Grate the Spam and add it to a large mixing bowl.
4
Add the cooked meat mixture, sage, oregano, parsley, and 2 cups of spaghetti sauce to the bowl with Spam. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
5
If the mixture seems too dry, add more spaghetti sauce until you reach your desired consistency.
6
Spread a generous amount of the meat mixture on each bun, covering them evenly.
7
Top each burger with grated cheddar and American cheese.
8
Place the assembled burgers on a baking sheet and broil for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you prefer baking, bake for 20-30 minutes.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy your Cafeteria-Style Pizza Burgers!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cafeteria-Style Pizza Burgers?
Cafeteria-Style Pizza Burgers are a nostalgic school-lunch inspired dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef, ground sausage, and grated Spam mixed with spaghetti sauce and topped with melted cheese.
What types of meat are in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground sausage, and a 12-ounce can of grated Spam.
How do I prepare the Spam for the burgers?
The Spam should be grated using a box grater before being added to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
What spices are used to season the meat mixture?
The meat mixture is seasoned with one teaspoon each of dried sage, dried oregano, and dried parsley.
How much spaghetti sauce do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cups of spaghetti sauce, depending on how moist you want the meat mixture to be.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
A combination of 1/2 lb grated cheddar cheese and 1/2 lb grated American cheese is used to top the burgers.
What is the best way to cook the pizza burgers?
You can either broil them for 15-20 minutes or bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make approximately 10 servings.
Can I make these pizza burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and sauce mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and cook.
What should I do if the meat mixture is too dry?
If the mixture seems too dry, simply add more spaghetti sauce until you reach your desired consistency before spreading it on the buns.
Do I need to cook the ground beef and sausage before mixing?
Yes, you must brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet and drain the excess grease before adding them to the Spam and sauce.
What type of buns should I use?
The recipe works best with standard hamburger buns, but you can also use slider buns for smaller portions.
How long do I broil the burgers?
Broil the assembled burgers on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Can I substitute the spaghetti sauce with pizza sauce?
Yes, pizza sauce is an excellent substitute if you prefer a more concentrated tomato and herb flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can these pizza burgers be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the meat mixture separately or freeze the assembled burgers before baking for a quick future meal.
Are these pizza burgers kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is a classic kid-friendly meal that captures the fun of school cafeteria lunches.
What sides go well with pizza burgers?
They are great served with crispy french fries, tater tots, or a fresh side salad.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner meat option.
Is it necessary to use American cheese?
While American cheese provides a classic melt, you can substitute it with more cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone if you prefer.
What temperature should I bake them at if I don't use the broiler?
If you prefer baking over broiling, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do I need to toast the buns before adding the meat?
No, the buns will naturally toast and become crisp while they are in the oven or under the broiler.
How do I reheat leftover pizza burgers?
To keep the bun from getting soggy, it is best to reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Yes, finely chopped onions or green peppers can be sautéed with the meat for added flavor and nutrition.
Is there a spicy version of this recipe?
You can make a spicier version by using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, if using fresh sage, oregano, or parsley, use about one tablespoon of each since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
Should I drain the grease from the meat?
Yes, draining the excess grease after browning the beef and sausage ensures the mixture isn't too oily.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can keep the meat and sauce mixture warm in a slow cooker for a party, then assemble and broil the buns just before serving.
What makes this 'Cafeteria-Style'?
The combination of multiple meats like Spam and sausage mixed into a saucy base on a bun is a hallmark of classic American school lunch recipes.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can use mild, sweet, or hot breakfast sausage depending on your taste preferences.