Crockpot Pizza Burgers

Introduction

Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a fun and flavorful twist on two all-time favorites—pizza and burgers. This easy recipe combines savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and tangy pizza sauce, all cooked together in the crockpot for a hands-off, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings, these burgers deliver bold pizza flavors in every bite.

With minimal prep and a simple set-it-and-forget-it cooking method, this dish is ideal for busy days. Serve it on toasted buns for a satisfying meal or over pasta for a creative variation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced pepperoni
• Banana peppers
• Black olives
• Extra cheese

Directions

1. Brown the meat:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
2. Prepare the crockpot mixture:
   • Add the cooked meat to the crockpot. Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Add cheese:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture cook until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
5. Assemble the burgers:
   • Toast the hamburger buns or sandwich rolls if desired. Spoon the pizza burger mixture onto the buns and top with additional cheese or toppings of your choice.
6. Serve:
   • Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as fries, a side salad, or chips.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy pizza sauce for extra heat.
• Low-Carb: Serve the mixture over roasted zucchini boats or atop cauliflower rice instead of buns.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pizza burger mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

5 FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version of this recipe.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can brown the meat and mix it with the other ingredients in the crockpot the night before. Simply refrigerate and start the cooking process the next day.

What sides pair well with these burgers?
Serve with garlic bread, fries, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the pizza burger mixture freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I add other pizza toppings to the mixture?
Definitely! Mushrooms, black olives, or diced pepperoni can be stirred into the crockpot mixture for added flavor.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a delicious and creative way to enjoy two favorite comfort foods in one dish. With the convenience of slow cooking and the flexibility to customize toppings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served on buns, over pasta, or with a low-carb twist, these pizza burgers are guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Crockpot Pizza Burgers

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Category Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Description

These Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a fun and delicious twist on classic sloppy joes. Juicy ground beef is simmered in pizza sauce with gooey melted cheese and savory toppings, then served on toasted buns. Perfect for busy weeknights or game days, this easy recipe brings all the flavors of pizza into a hearty sandwich the whole family will love!

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced
• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced pepperoni
• Banana peppers
• Black olives
• Extra cheese

Instructions

 

Brown the meat:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.

Prepare the crockpot mixture:

1. Add the cooked meat to the crockpot. Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook:

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Add cheese:

1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture cook until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

Assemble the burgers:

1. Toast the hamburger buns or sandwich rolls if desired. Spoon the pizza burger mixture onto the buns and top with additional cheese or toppings of your choice.

Notes

• Customize with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, black olives, or jalapeños.
• For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
• These burgers pair perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 28g

Preparation Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

4 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)

Total Time:

4 hours 10 minutes (or 2-3 hours 10 minutes)