Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe

Quick & Flavorful Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe You’ll Love

Weeknight dinners demand simple, crowd-pleasing meals that pack serious flavor, and these crockpot pizza burgers deliver every single time.

Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and hearty ground beef combine in a slow cooker magic that feels like comfort on a plate.

The aroma fills your kitchen with mouthwatering hints of Italian-inspired goodness.

Each bite blends the best of two beloved classics – pizza and burgers – into one satisfying dish.

Families and friends will devour these tender, saucy burgers faster than you can say “seconds, please!” The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming basic ingredients into a memorable meal.

Prepare to fall in love with this effortless recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

What Makes Crockpot Pizza Burgers a Hit

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves you time and energy in the kitchen.
  • Pizza Meets Burger Fusion: Enjoy a delicious mashup of two favorite comfort foods, combining the classic burger and pizza flavors into one mouthwatering dish that will excite taste buds.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with cheesy, saucy goodness that children and adults alike will love, this recipe turns mealtime into a fun and satisfying experience for the whole family.
  • Minimal Cleanup Hero: With just a slow cooker and a few simple ingredients, this recipe minimizes dish washing and kitchen mess, making it a stress-free meal solution for busy households.

What You’ll Need for Pizza Burgers

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A juicy protein that forms the hearty foundation of the burger.
Sauce and Topping:
  • Pizza Sauce, Pepperoni: A classic combo that brings zesty pizza flavor to the burger.
Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A melty, stretchy cheese that adds creamy goodness.
Bread:
  • Rolls: Soft carriers that hold the delicious burger mixture.

Crockpot Method for Easy Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking.

Once fully cooked, drain excess fat completely.

Step 2: Transfer and Season Meat

Move the browned beef to the crockpot.

Pour pizza sauce over the meat and mix thoroughly.

Add pepperoni pieces and stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Base

Cover the crockpot and set it to low temperature.

Allow the mixture to simmer and blend flavors for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the meat mixture.

Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Prepare and Serve Burgers

Open soft rolls or hamburger buns.

Spoon the hot pizza burger mixture onto each bun.

Top with an extra slice of mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the melty, pizza-inspired goodness.

Pizza Burger Tips from the Crockpot Pros

  • Opt for ground beef with 80/20 fat content to keep the burger mixture moist and flavorful during slow cooking.
  • Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat, tailoring the recipe to your preferred spiciness.
  • Cover the crockpot with a lid during the final 30 minutes to ensure complete and even cheese melting.
  • Use toasted garlic bread or pretzel rolls instead of regular rolls for a gourmet twist on the classic pizza burger.
  • Mix in diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms to add extra nutrition and depth of flavor to the burger mixture.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Pizza Burgers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain moistness.
  • Spread pizza burger mixture in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly warmed, preventing dryness.
  • Package cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Tasty Matches for Pizza Burgers

  • Pair Pizza Punch with Bold Red Wine: A robust Chianti or Sangiovese cuts through the rich, meaty flavors and complements the pepperoni's spiciness, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
  • Create Crisp Salad Side Kick: Prepare a fresh arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy burger filling and add a zesty, green contrast to the meal.
  • Select Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that stands up to the intense pizza burger ingredients, with its malty undertones and carbonation cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Serve Cool Cucumber Drink: Blend cucumber, mint, and sparkling water for a refreshing beverage that provides a light, cooling sensation against the warm, savory burger mixture.

Pizza Burgers with a Twist – Fun Alternatives

  • Vegetarian Pizza Burger: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps instead of traditional burger buns. Ensure all ingredients like pizza sauce are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Include hot sauce or swap pepperoni for spicy salami to increase heat levels.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip the rolls entirely and serve the pizza burger mixture over cauliflower rice or in a bowl. Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs for added texture and taste.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this recipe unique?

The combination of ground beef, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese creates a pizza-inspired burger filling that’s packed with classic Italian-American flavors.

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love these pizza burgers because they combine two favorite foods – pizza and burgers – into one delicious meal that’s easy to eat.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the ingredients before adding them to the crockpot?

Yes, you should brown and drain the ground beef first to remove excess fat and ensure food safety before adding it to the slow cooker.

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Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe

Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot pizza burgers deliver comfort in one delicious dish, merging classic pizza flavors with juicy ground beef. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and pepperoni create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Cheese:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella
  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese

Additional Ingredients:

  • 30 ounces (850 grams) pizza sauce (two 15-ounce jars)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pepperoni slices, sliced in half
  • 8 rolls

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly cook ground beef in a skillet, ensuring no pink remains, then carefully drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer the cooked beef to the crockpot, creating an even base layer at the bottom.
  3. Generously pour pizza sauce over the meat, creating a rich, saucy foundation for the burgers.
  4. Scatter pepperoni pieces throughout the mixture, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor.
  5. Set the crockpot to low temperature and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together for approximately 3 hours.
  6. When the cooking time is almost complete, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella across the top of the mixture.
  7. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to completely melt and become gooey.
  8. Warm the rolls slightly to enhance their texture and prepare for serving.
  9. Carefully spoon the hot, cheesy meat mixture onto each roll, ensuring an even distribution.
  10. Crown each burger with an extra slice of mozzarella cheese for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Beef should be thoroughly browned to enhance flavor and prevent excess grease in the final dish.
  • Pepperoni adds a zesty kick, but can be swapped with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
  • Low and slow cooking helps meld the flavors and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
  • Toasting burger rolls briefly before adding the mixture creates a crispy texture that prevents sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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