Pin it
Delicious Crockpot Pizza Burgers are what I make when pizza night sounds good but I need dinner to stay warm for people eating at different times. The filling is saucy, beefy, and full of little pepperoni bites.
This is more like a pizza sloppy joe than a grilled burger. Browning the beef keeps the texture hearty, then the slow cooker lets the sauce thicken around the meat while the cheese melts into every scoop.
Pizza-Shop Flavors
The ingredient list is short, so each item should taste good on its own. Use a thicker pizza sauce, low-moisture mozzarella, and pepperoni that smells fresh and lightly smoky.
Delicious Crockpot Pizza Burgers need enough sauce to coat the beef, but not so much that the buns collapse. Toasted rolls make a big difference.
- Ground beef. Gives the filling its burger-style base and holds up well during slow cooking.
- Yellow onion. Adds sweetness and keeps the beef from tasting flat.
- Garlic. Wakes up the sauce and makes the slow cooker smell like a pizza shop.
- Pizza sauce. Brings tomato, herbs, and enough body to cling to the beef.
- Pepperoni. Adds salty, savory pizza flavor in every bite.
- Italian seasoning. Rounds out the tomato sauce with dried herbs.
- Mozzarella. Melts through the filling and gives the sandwich its cheesy pull.
- Hamburger buns. Hold the saucy filling. Toast them so they stay sturdy.
Slow Cooker Pizza Burgers
- Brown the beef. Cook the ground beef with onion in a skillet until no pink remains. Drain the fat so the slow cooker filling tastes saucy, not greasy.
- Add the pizza base. Stir the beef with garlic, pizza sauce, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. This lets the meat soak up the sauce while it warms through.
- Cook until thick. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir once if you are nearby, especially around the edges where sauce can get thicker.
- Melt in cheese. Stir in shredded mozzarella, then cover for 10-15 minutes until melted. Keep the heat low so the cheese stays creamy.
- Toast and fill. Toast the buns, spoon on the hot pizza beef, and add a slice of mozzarella if you want a meltier top.
- Serve hot. Keep the slow cooker on warm for serving. Give the filling a quick stir before each round of sandwiches.
Brown The Beef First
The slow cooker is great at holding warmth and blending flavors, but it will not brown meat. That skillet step gives the beef better texture and keeps the final filling from tasting boiled. Cook the onion with the beef so it softens before it goes into the sauce.
Drain off visible fat before adding the meat to the crockpot. A little fat tastes good, but too much makes the sauce separate and leaves an oily ring around the edges. If you like a thicker sandwich filling, use 85 to 90 percent lean beef and a sturdy pizza sauce.
Make The Sauce Spoonable
The best texture is thick enough to mound on a bun but still glossy. If your sauce is thin after slow cooking, take the lid off for 10-15 minutes on high and stir once or twice. Steam will escape and the filling will tighten up.
If it gets too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of water or extra pizza sauce. Do this before adding cheese, since melted mozzarella firms up as it sits. For a similar cozy slow cooker dinner, try crockpot ravioli lasagna on a night when you want pasta instead of sandwiches.
Pepperoni And Topping Ideas
Cut the pepperoni into halves or quarters so it spreads through the meat instead of landing in big clumps. Mini pepperoni works too. For more pizza-shop flavor, add sauteed mushrooms, diced bell pepper, black olives, or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
Cook vegetables before they go in the slow cooker. Mushrooms and peppers release a lot of water, and that water can make the filling loose. If your family loves pizza-style sandwiches, the same flavors show up in pizza burgers with pepperoni and mozzarella and juicy pizza burgers.
Holding For A Crowd
This recipe is handy for game day, sleepovers, and busy family dinners because the filling can sit on warm after it cooks. Stir it every so often and keep the lid slightly askew if condensation starts dripping back into the sauce.
The USDA notes that slow cookers work best when food is cut evenly and the cooker is not overfilled. Their slow cooker food safety guide is helpful if you are scaling up for a party.
Leftovers That Reheat Well
Store leftover pizza burger filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a saucepan or in the slow cooker with a splash of water or sauce. Stir gently once the cheese loosens.
I do not recommend freezing it after the cheese is mixed in because the texture can turn grainy. If you want to freeze a batch, freeze the beef, sauce, and pepperoni before adding mozzarella. Thaw overnight, reheat until hot, then stir in fresh cheese before serving.
Summary
Serve these hot from the slow cooker with toasted buns, extra mozzarella, and a crisp salad or chips on the side.
FAQs
- Are crockpot pizza burgers the same as regular pizza burgers?
They have the same pizza flavor, but the texture is different. This version is a saucy loose-meat sandwich, so it eats more like a pizza sloppy joe than a grilled patty.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, but choose 93 percent lean or darker meat if you can. Very lean turkey can taste dry, so add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning it.
- Can I make Delicious Crockpot Pizza Burgers ahead?
Yes. Cook the beef mixture up to two days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Reheat it in the slow cooker on low until hot, then stir in the cheese close to serving time.
- How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns before filling them and use a slotted spoon if the sauce looks loose. You can also let the filling sit uncovered on warm for 10 minutes so extra steam escapes.
- What cheese melts best in pizza burgers?
Low-moisture mozzarella gives you the classic pizza pull without making the filling watery. Provolone also works, especially if you want a little more flavor.
- Can I add vegetables?
Yes, but cook watery vegetables first. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions are great after a quick saute because they bring flavor without thinning the sauce.
- What should I serve with crockpot pizza burgers?
Serve them with chips, fries, roasted broccoli, or a crunchy green salad. For a pizza-night spread, add pizza roll poppers or a simple tray of raw vegetables.
References
Sources cited in this recipe.
- https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/1267/Pizza-Burgers124356.shtml
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/appliances-and-thermometers/slow-cookers-and-food-safety
