Imagine the rich, cheesy flavors of your favorite pizza, combined with the heartiness of a juicy burger, all in one easy-to-make meal. These Crock Pot Pizza Burgers bring together everything you love about comfort food, slow-cooked to perfection for a deeply flavorful, melty, and satisfying bite.
Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or whenever you’re craving something warm and cheesy, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can easily customize it with your favorite pizza toppings, making it a versatile and fun meal that everyone will love!
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef, seasoned to taste
- 15.5 oz jar pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 oz package pepperoni slices, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Additional pizza toppings as desired (mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, etc.)
- 6 hamburger buns
- 6 slices thin mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, seasoning as desired. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked ground beef to a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Add pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, diced pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
- Serve the pizza burger mixture on hamburger buns, topped with a slice of thin mozzarella cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6
Crock Pot Pizza Burgers – A Perfect Fusion of Pizza and Burgers
If you love pizza and burgers, why choose between them? Crock Pot Pizza Burgers combine the best of both worlds into one easy-to-make, family-friendly meal. This slow-cooked dish brings all the flavors of a classic pizza—savory marinara, gooey cheese, and delicious toppings—while serving it up in the form of a satisfying sandwich. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a game day treat, or a meal that the whole family will enjoy, these pizza burgers are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Pizza Burgers
Effortless Slow Cooking
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. Unlike traditional burgers that require grilling or pan-frying, these pizza burgers are cooked low and slow in the crock pot. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while freeing you up to focus on other things.
Customizable to Your Taste
A great feature of Crock Pot Pizza Burgers is their versatility. You can mix and match your favorite pizza toppings to create a unique flavor profile every time. Love pepperoni? Add more! Prefer mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers? Toss them in! The customization possibilities are endless, making this a meal that never gets boring.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who likes to plan meals ahead of time, this recipe is perfect. The slow cooker does all the work, and you can store the mixture in the fridge for a few days or even freeze portions for later use. Simply reheat and serve on fresh buns for a quick and satisfying meal.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
Rich, Bold Flavors
The slow cooking process allows the ground beef, pizza sauce, and seasonings to blend together, creating a deep, rich flavor. Every bite is packed with the classic taste of a pizza but with a meaty, burger-like texture that makes it even more satisfying.
Melty, Gooey Cheese in Every Bite
What’s pizza without cheese? The addition of shredded mozzarella ensures that each serving is packed with the perfect amount of cheesy goodness. For an extra melty touch, placing a thin slice of mozzarella on top of each burger bun just before serving takes the flavor to the next level.
A Fun Twist on a Classic Dish
This recipe reinvents both pizza and burgers, making it a fun and exciting way to enjoy two comfort food favorites in one dish. Kids and adults alike will love the novelty of eating a burger that tastes like their favorite pizza.
Serving Suggestions
Best Breads for Pizza Burgers
While traditional hamburger buns work great, you can experiment with different types of bread to enhance the experience. Try serving the mixture on toasted ciabatta rolls, garlic bread, or even pretzel buns for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re looking to keep things low-carb, you can serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over a bed of roasted vegetables.
Toppings and Garnishes
To give your Crock Pot Pizza Burgers an even more authentic pizza feel, consider adding extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, fresh basil, or grated Parmesan. A drizzle of garlic butter over the top of the bun can also add an irresistible flavor boost.
Side Dishes to Pair With
Pairing the right sides with your pizza burgers can elevate the entire meal. Here are a few great options:
- Garlic Parmesan Fries – A crispy, cheesy side that complements the flavors perfectly.
- Caesar Salad – A refreshing contrast to the richness of the burgers.
- Mozzarella Sticks – For those who can’t get enough cheese!
- Grilled Vegetables – Adds a healthy and colorful touch to the meal.
Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Pizza Burgers
Choose Quality Ingredients
Since this dish is simple, using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Opt for fresh ground beef, flavorful pizza sauce, and high-quality cheese for the best results.
Don’t Overcook the Mixture
While slow cooking enhances the flavors, be careful not to leave the mixture in for too long, as this can cause the cheese to break down and become grainy. Four hours on low is the perfect balance to achieve rich, well-blended flavors.
Toast Your Buns for Extra Flavor
Toasting the buns before serving adds a crispy texture and prevents them from getting soggy. You can toast them in a skillet with a little butter or place them in the oven for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and makes the dish a little lighter. You may need to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor since turkey has a milder taste than beef.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply swap out the mozzarella cheese for a dairy-free alternative, or leave it out altogether. Many plant-based cheeses melt well and can still give you that gooey, cheesy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the pizza burger mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop and serve on fresh buns.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to brown the meat, then switch to the slow cooker setting to let the flavors blend together. If you’re short on time, you can cook everything on high pressure for about 10 minutes instead.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Pizza Burgers are a delicious and creative way to enjoy two comfort food classics in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something fun and different, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings, it’s a meal that brings excitement to the dinner table while keeping prep and cleanup effortless. Try it out today and enjoy a flavorful, slow-cooked twist on traditional pizza and burgers!