Simple Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe: Zesty Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand something special that keeps everyone happy and satisfied.

These crockpot pizza burgers blend two beloved comfort foods into one mouthwatering meal.

Melted cheese and zesty marinara sauce create an irresistible combination that screams pure deliciousness.

Ground beef simmers slowly, absorbing rich pizza-inspired seasonings throughout the cooking process.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory burger and classic pizza flavors.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish.

You won’t believe how easy it is to make these incredibly tasty burgers that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fun Pizza Burger Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Pizza Burgers: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the same savory pizza flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free burger rolls and ensure pizza sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Variation: Add diced green chilies, swap pepperoni for chorizo, and mix in taco seasoning to create a zesty southwestern-inspired pizza burger.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the pizza beef mixture over cauliflower rice or wrapped in large lettuce leaves instead of traditional burger rolls for a carbohydrate-reduced meal.

Pizza Burger Serving Suggestions for Parties

• Pizza Party Platter: Create a fun spread with additional pizza toppings like sliced olives, chopped bell peppers, and extra pepperoni for guests to customize their burgers.
• Crispy Sidekick Delight: Serve alongside golden french fries, crispy potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad to balance the rich, cheesy burger flavors.
• Dipping Sauce Extravaganza: Offer marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli in small bowls for an extra flavor boost and interactive dining experience.
• Beverage Pairing Magic: Complement the burgers with cold craft beer, sparkling soda, or a refreshing iced tea to enhance the meal's overall enjoyment.

How to Store Crockpot Pizza Burgers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Pack the pizza burger mixture in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing assembled burgers with rolls to prevent soggy bread.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture after cooking.

• How spicy will these pizza burgers be?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or choose a spicier pizza sauce if you want more heat. The pepperoni also adds a slight kick.

• Do I need to brown the ground beef before putting it in the crockpot?

Absolutely! Browning the beef first helps develop deeper flavor and removes excess fat, which improves the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Crockpot Pizza Burgers Are Pizza Night Magic

• Enjoy a mouthwatering blend of pizza and burger in one incredible dish that transforms traditional meal expectations.
• This slow cooker recipe requires simple browning and mixing, letting the crockpot do most of the cooking work with zero complicated techniques.
• Kids and adults will love the familiar pepperoni and cheese flavors combined with hearty ground beef, making it a guaranteed hit for any gathering.
• Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game day parties, or unexpected hunger moments when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Crockpot Pizza Burgers

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this delicious burger recipe.
• Pepperoni: Adds a classic pizza flavor and extra savory texture to the meat mixture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty element that connects the burger and pizza flavors.

• Pizza Sauce: Delivers the signature pizza taste and moisture to the meat mixture.
• Rolls: Soft bread that serves as the perfect vessel for the flavorful meat and cheese combination.

Tools for Pizza Burger Cooking

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef evenly and draining excess grease.
• Crockpot/slow cooker: Key tool for simmering and blending flavors without constant monitoring.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing beef with pizza sauce.
• Cheese grater: Helpful if using block mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese.
• Serving spoon: Needed for transferring beef mixture onto burger rolls.
• Cutting board: Useful for any preliminary ingredient preparation.

Crockpot Pizza Burger Cooking Steps

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat it up over medium flame.

Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Make sure to break up the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks.

Once fully cooked, carefully drain away any extra grease.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

Transfer the perfectly browned beef into your trusty slow cooker.

Pour in the zesty pizza sauce and scatter sliced pepperoni across the top.

Gently mix everything together so each bite will be packed with amazing pizza-burger goodness.

Step 3: Slow Simmer

Place the lid on your crockpot and let the magic happen.

Set the temperature to low and let the ingredients mingle and develop deep, rich flavors for 3 full hours.

Your kitchen will start smelling incredible!

Step 4: Cheese Transformation

After the initial cooking time, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture.

Cover again and let the cheese melt into creamy, gooey perfection for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 5: Build Your Burger

Grab some soft rolls and start assembling your pizza burgers.

Spoon the super flavorful beef mixture onto each roll.

For extra cheese love, add another slice of mozzarella on top.

Step 6: Dig In

Serve these mouthwatering Crockpot Pizza Burgers immediately while they’re hot and bubbly.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines the best of burgers and pizza in one epic meal!

Tips for the Best Pizza Burger Night

• Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove excess moisture, ensuring a rich and concentrated flavor in the burger mixture.
• Enhance flavor by adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the ground beef for an extra pizza-inspired kick.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles.
• Lightly toast burger rolls before serving to maintain a crisp texture and prevent soaking from the meat mixture.
• Distribute pepperoni evenly throughout the meat mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.

Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot pizza burgers blend classic Italian and American comfort food flavors. Melted cheese, zesty sauce, and juicy beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Other Ingredients:

• 30 ounces (850 grams) pizza sauce (two 15 ounce jars)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pepperoni slices, sliced in half
• 8 rolls

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely cooked through, carefully draining any accumulated fat to ensure a lean mixture.
2. Transfer the seasoned beef into the crockpot, mixing thoroughly with pizza sauce and pepperoni slices to distribute flavors evenly.
3. Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing the ingredients to simmer and develop rich, robust flavors for approximately 3 hours.
4. After 3 hours, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the meat mixture, ensuring even coverage.
5. Replace the lid and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, letting the cheese melt completely and create a creamy, bubbling texture.
6. Prepare rolls by splitting them open, creating a perfect base for the pizza burger filling.
7. Carefully spoon the hot, cheesy meat mixture onto each prepared roll, ensuring an abundant portion in each serving.
8. Top each burger with an extra slice of mozzarella cheese for enhanced creaminess and visual appeal.
9. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and the meat mixture remains hot, capturing the perfect blend of pizza and burger flavors.

Notes

• Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier alternatives.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a cleaner, more concentrated pizza flavor profile.
• Control spice levels by selecting mild or hot pizza sauce based on personal preference and family taste.
• Enhance cheese melting by leaving crockpot lid slightly ajar during final 30 minutes to prevent condensation dripping onto cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg