If you’re torn between craving a cheesy slice of pizza or a juicy burger, this recipe is your answer! These Crock Pot Pizza Burgers combine the best of both worlds—savory ground beef, rich pizza sauce, and gooey mozzarella, all slow-cooked to perfection and served on a soft bun. The result? A saucy, cheesy, and utterly delicious sandwich that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings, this slow cooker pizza burger recipe is as effortless as it is tasty. Simply brown the beef, toss it into the crock pot with classic pizza ingredients, and let the magic happen. Serve it on a bun with a melty mozzarella slice, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort!
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef, seasoned to taste
- 1 (15.5 oz) jar pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 oz pepperoni slices, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 buns
- 6 slices thin mozzarella
- Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, black olives, green peppers
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning to taste. Drain excess grease.
- Transfer the cooked beef to a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Add pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, 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 on buns with a slice of thin mozzarella on top.
- Add any extra toppings of your choice before serving. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6
Crock Pot Pizza Burgers: The Perfect Blend of Pizza and Burgers
When it comes to comfort food, pizza and burgers often top the list. Both are incredibly satisfying, rich in flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. But what if you could combine the two into one incredible dish? That’s where Crock Pot Pizza Burgers come in. This slow-cooked recipe delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza combined with the heartiness of a burger. The best part? It’s made in a slow cooker, which means minimal effort and maximum flavor.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or when you’re in the mood for something different. It’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings, making it a fun and versatile meal. Whether you’re cooking for kids, hosting a party, or just looking for an easy dinner idea, Crock Pot Pizza Burgers are a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crock Pot Pizza Burgers bring together the best aspects of two classic dishes, creating a meal that’s both familiar and exciting. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have everything cooking in the slow cooker while you go about your day.
- Deliciously Cheesy: If you love gooey, melted cheese on your pizza, you’ll love how this recipe incorporates mozzarella into every bite.
- Customizable: Like a traditional pizza, you can add different toppings and flavors to make it your own.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is perfect for serving multiple people with minimal effort.
- Kid-Friendly: Children love both pizza and burgers, making this a meal the whole family will enjoy.
The Convenience of Slow Cooking
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it’s made in a crock pot. Slow cookers are an excellent way to prepare meals because they allow the ingredients to cook slowly, letting the flavors develop over time. This method results in a rich and hearty dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—because it has!
With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. Unlike traditional burgers, which require grilling or frying, this recipe allows you to toss everything in the crock pot and let it cook on its own. This makes it a great option for busy schedules, as you can prep everything in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
How to Customize Your Crock Pot Pizza Burgers
Like any good pizza, these pizza burgers can be tailored to fit your taste. Here are a few ways you can personalize this recipe to make it even better:
- Cheese Lovers: Add extra mozzarella or a mix of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for an extra cheesy bite.
- Meat Lovers: Incorporate extra pepperoni, cooked sausage, or crispy bacon for a more filling meal.
- Veggie Lovers: Mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, black olives, or even spinach for a healthy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the dish a little heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the buns and serve the mixture over zucchini noodles or in lettuce wraps.
Serving Suggestions
While these Crock Pot Pizza Burgers are typically served on soft sandwich buns with melted mozzarella on top, there are many ways to get creative with your presentation:
- Garlic Bread Buns: Use toasted garlic bread instead of regular burger buns for extra flavor.
- Open-Faced Sandwiches: Serve the pizza mixture on toasted bread and eat it with a fork.
- Over Pasta: Spoon the mixture over cooked spaghetti or penne for a deconstructed pizza burger pasta dish.
- Stuffed Peppers: Instead of serving it on a bun, stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until tender.
- Pizza Sliders: Serve the mixture on small slider buns for an appetizer or party snack.
These different serving ideas make it easy to enjoy this recipe in a variety of ways, depending on your mood and occasion.
Perfect for Game Day and Parties
Crock Pot Pizza Burgers are an excellent choice for gatherings because they are easy to prepare in bulk and keep warm in the slow cooker for hours. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a birthday celebration, or a family get-together, this dish is sure to be a crowd favorite.
To make it even more interactive, set up a DIY Pizza Burger Bar, where guests can customize their own sandwiches with different toppings like extra cheese, fresh basil, or crispy bacon. This way, everyone can enjoy their pizza burgers just the way they like them.
Storage and Leftover Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is that it stores and reheats beautifully. If you have leftovers, simply place the pizza burger filling in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can:
- Microwave: Heat a portion in a microwave-safe dish for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed.
- Slow Cooker: If you’re serving leftovers for a second meal, place the filling back in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze the pizza burger filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it a great meal prep option, as you can cook a big batch and have easy dinners ready whenever needed.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
If you love comfort food but want something new and exciting, Crock Pot Pizza Burgers are the perfect dish. Here’s a quick recap of why this recipe is worth making:
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor: Let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Perfect for families: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of pizza and burgers.
- Highly customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
- Great for gatherings: A simple dish that’s easy to scale up for parties.
- Stores well: Leftovers taste just as good, making meal prep a breeze.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Pizza Burgers are a fun, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that brings together the best of two beloved dishes. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, a party, or meal prep, this recipe delivers big on taste and convenience. The rich, cheesy, and saucy flavors will satisfy any pizza or burger craving, while the slow cooker method ensures an effortless cooking experience.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and versatile, give Crock Pot Pizza Burgers a try. You won’t be disappointed!