Pizza Burgers (Prior Lake School Lunch Throwback)

The aroma alone is enough to transport me back to the linoleum-tiled hallways of middle school. It wasn’t just “pizza” or “burgers,” but something uniquely, wonderfully in-between – a savory, saucy concoction slathered on a fluffy bun. Each bite was a burst of seasoned meat, tangy tomato, and that vaguely familiar “school lunch cheese” that somehow tasted infinitely better amidst the chaotic symphony of the cafeteria. It was a taste of pure, unadulterated childhood joy – and now, we’re bringing it back.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 pizza burgers
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1 lb Spam, ground
• 2 lbs ground beef
• ¾ lb shredded cheese, whatever the school lunches had (ideally American or a similar melting cheese)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 ½ tablespoons oregano
• Parsley flakes and pepper to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 8 hamburger buns

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. First, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up with a spatula or spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
2. Once the ground beef is fully browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial to prevent the final product from being too oily.
3. Now, add the ground Spam to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Continue to cook and stir until the Spam is heated through and combined with the ground beef.
4. Add the salt, sage, oregano, parsley flakes, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. The aroma at this point should start to bring back those nostalgic memories!
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the meat mixture is fully coated in the tomato sauce.
6. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Once the meat mixture is ready, stir in the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This cheesy goodness is what really makes it a pizza burger!
9. Spread the cheesy meat mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the hamburger buns. You can pile it high for that authentic cafeteria experience!
10. Place the filled buns on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the buns are heated through and the cheese is bubbly (if you added extra on top).
11. Remove from the oven and top with the top halves of the buns. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Enhance the flavor profile: For a deeper, richer flavor, consider adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to the meat mixture.
• Cheese variations: While the original recipe calls for “school lunch cheese” (likely American), feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone. A blend of cheeses can also add complexity.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
• Make it ahead: The meat mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it before adding the cheese and assembling the pizza burgers.
• Bun alternatives: If you don’t have hamburger buns on hand, you can use sliced bread, English muffins, or even toasted bagels.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these pizza burgers hot, right out of the oven, for the best experience. Consider pairing them with a side of tater tots (for the ultimate school lunch nostalgia), french fries, or a simple salad.

Storage: Leftover pizza burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the buns may become a bit soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating and assembling the pizza burgers. It’s best to add the cheese after reheating if freezing the meat mixture.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	585.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	387 g	66%
Total Fat	43 g	66%
Saturated Fat	18.8 g	94%
Cholesterol	144.1 mg	48%
Sodium	1872.3 mg	78%
Total Carbohydrate	11 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.4 g	5%
Sugars	3.8 g	15%
Protein	38.3 g	76%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef and Spam with a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add some finely chopped mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or serve the meat mixture over a bed of rice or quinoa.
• Healthier version: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of ground beef and Spam. Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese. Use whole wheat buns instead of white buns.
• Pizza-fied: Add pizza toppings like sliced pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms to the meat mixture before baking.
• Italian twist: Add Italian seasoning to the meat mixture and use mozzarella cheese. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are great substitutes for ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make these pizza burgers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it before adding the cheese and assembling the pizza burgers.

Q: What kind of cheese is best for pizza burgers?
A: While the recipe calls for “school lunch cheese,” which was likely American, any melting cheese will work. Cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone are all great options.

Q: Can I freeze pizza burgers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating and assembling the pizza burgers. For best results, add the cheese after reheating.

Q: How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
A: To prevent soggy buns, avoid overfilling them with the meat mixture. Also, make sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after browning.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Burger recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic trip back to simpler times. Whether you’re looking to recreate a childhood favorite or just want to try something fun and different, these pizza burgers are sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience a taste of pure, unadulterated school lunch bliss. And don’t forget to share your creations and memories with us – we’d love to hear about your Pizza Burger adventures!