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If you have ever wished for pizza night and burger night to join forces, these Crockpot Pizza Burgers answer the call. Savory ground beef is simmered in rich pizza sauce with pepperoni until every bit soaks up that classic pizzeria flavor. A melty crown of mozzarella finishes things off, transforming a simple sandwich into a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration. My whole family lights up when these are in the slow cooker, especially when everyone builds their own with gooey cheese and their favorite rolls.
I first whipped these up on a Friday when everyone could not decide between burgers or pizza. They vanished before I could snap a photo and now they are in our regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: about two pounds for rich burger flavor opt for fresh never frozen if possible for juiciness
- Pizza sauce: about thirty ounces two standard jars your favorite brand really shines here look for one with a tangy tomato base and herbs
- Pepperoni: half a cup sliced in half provides little bursts of spicy savory pizza flavor check deli counters for better-quality pepperoni sticks
- Shredded mozzarella: one cup gives the classic stretch and melt factor grate your own if you want next-level meltiness
- Mozzarella cheese slices: eight thick slices give each burger a decadent cheesy finish fresh mozzarella slices boost indulgence
- Soft rolls: eight sturdy enough to hold the saucy filling choose bakery fresh if you can for the best texture
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Set a large skillet over medium heat and crumble in the ground beef. Let it cook slowly and stir often breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Wait until every bit is browned and no pink remains. This builds deep flavor and helps the beef stay nice and juicy in the finished burgers. Drain off any extra fat so the filling is rich but not greasy.
- Mix in Pizza Sauce and Pepperoni:
- Transfer your browned beef to the crockpot. Pour in those jars of pizza sauce making sure to scrape every last drop out with a spatula. Add the sliced pepperoni and stir it all together so the pepperoni is evenly dispersed among the beef. The slow cooking will make the flavors mingle like no stove-top simmer can.
- Slow Cook to Meld Flavors:
- Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Let everything bubble away for three hours. The mixture should be saucy and rich with the pepperoni softening and mingling its spice through every bite.
- Add Shredded Mozzarella:
- Once three hours have passed lift the lid and scatter over the shredded mozzarella. Spread it out so every bit has a cheesy blanket. Put the cover back on and let it cook another half hour so the cheese fully melts into the sauce and starts to bubble at the edges.
- Build the Burgers:
- Take your soft rolls and split them open. Spoon a heaping scoop of the pizza burger mixture over the bottom half of each roll. Immediately add a slice of mozzarella cheese to let it melt just slightly. Cap each with the top roll.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy:
- Bring the burgers to the table while everything is piping hot. The savory mixture and stretchy cheese create a mess in the best possible way. Everyone can dig in and savor the ultimate combo of pizza and burger.
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I always look forward to the mozzarella moment when I lift the crockpot lid and see the golden melty cheese on top. It takes me right back to childhood pizza parties when the first slice disappeared too quickly and everyone wanted more cheese.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well for up to three days in the fridge. Scoop burger mixture into an airtight container. To reheat gently microwave or warm on the stove over low. If you want to freeze it portion the saucy beef mixture alone leaving off the rolls and mozzarella slices. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add cheese fresh when serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. Swap in provolone or cheddar if mozzarella is not on hand. To make it vegetarian try your favorite plant-based ground and use vegetarian pepperoni or skip it for a milder flavor. Gluten-free or grain-free rolls also work beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these burgers alongside tater tots or a crisp green salad to balance the hearty flavors. Let everyone top their burger with extra pickled peppers or fresh basil for a pizza-night upgrade. If your crowd likes spice add red pepper flakes at the table.
Cultural History
The marriage of burgers and pizza is modern American comfort food at its finest. Both classics have roots as easy affordable meals designed to please a crowd. By merging them in the crockpot you get all the nostalgia of pizza night with the hands-off ease of slow cooking. It is a perfect way to celebrate two favorites in one fun bite.
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These Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a guaranteed hit every time — quick to make, crowd pleasing, and pure comfort. Let everyone build their own for a fun and delicious dinner night.