Slow-cooked these Crockpot Pizza Burgers, and they were a hit! Juicy ground beef is infused with pizza flavors, topped with melty mozzarella cheese, and served on a soft bun. This recipe is the perfect combination of two comfort food favorites—burgers and pizza—making it a fun and tasty twist on dinner that the whole family will love.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs ground beef: Provides a hearty, flavorful base for the burgers.
- 30 oz pizza sauce (two 15 oz jars): Adds rich, tomatoey pizza flavor to the beef.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, sliced in half: Infuses the beef with classic pizza flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts into the beef mixture for extra cheesy goodness.
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese: Topped on each burger for that perfect melted cheese finish.
- 8 rolls: Soft and perfect for holding the flavorful beef mixture.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 2:
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned ground beef to the bottom of a slow cooker. Stir in the pizza sauce and sliced pepperoni until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Step 4:
- Add Cheese: After 3 hours, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5:
- Assemble the Burgers: Spoon the pizza-flavored beef mixture onto the rolls. Top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Step 6:
- Serve: Serve the Crockpot Pizza Burgers hot, and enjoy the delicious combination of burger and pizza flavors!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these Crockpot Pizza Burgers hot and fresh, straight from the slow cooker, for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair them with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or some crispy onion rings for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the rolls before assembling the burgers for a slight crunch and added texture.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture before slow cooking.
- You can easily customize these burgers by adding your favorite pizza toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken while still keeping the delicious pizza flavor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay: "When making burgers, don’t forget to season your meat well—it makes all the difference in bringing out the flavors."
- Chef Rachael Ray: "To elevate the taste, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the pizza sauce before mixing it with the ground beef."
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "A touch of garlic in the beef mixture can add an extra layer of flavor that complements the pizza theme beautifully."