If you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal that combines all the best bits of a pizza and a burger without the hassle, you absolutely need to try this Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe. It’s a hands-off, flavor-packed dish where savory Italian sausage and ground beef mingle with tender veggies and rich pizza sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. Finished off with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, these burgers bring that comforting pizza vibe straight to your dinner table, fuss-free and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple but brilliantly flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building that classic pizza burger taste, balancing the richness, freshness, and meltiness expected from this unique dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, juicy texture and a meaty base flavor perfect for any burger.
- ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings a savory, slightly spiced kick that elevates the dish.
- 1 small onion (diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast and vibrant color.
- 1 jar (14–16 oz) pizza sauce: The heart of the pizza flavor, rich with tomato and herbs.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Blends oregano, basil, and thyme for that unmistakable Italian aroma.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory elements with a gentle garlic punch.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls: Soft yet sturdy, perfect for holding all the tasty filling.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing gooey, cheesy goodness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that complements the mozzarella.
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook everything together until the meat is thoroughly browned and the vegetables have softened up nicely. This step builds the essential flavor base, so don’t rush it. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too heavy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the browned meat and veggies into your slow cooker. Pour in the jar of pizza sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give everything a good stir to make sure all those beautiful flavors meld together evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Deep Flavor
Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 3 to 4 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, high for 1 to 2 hours. The slow cooking process allows the spices and sauce to infuse into the meat, making each bite incredibly juicy and full of rich, comforting flavor. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally to help everything cook evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Melt
Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. They’ll melt into the mixture, creating that classic pizza burger gooeyness that everyone loves. This cheesy finish pulls the entire dish together perfectly, making every spoonful pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Want to dial up the flavor and presentation? Add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top right before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a little extra zing. These simple touches give your Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe that wow factor you’ll be proud to serve.
Side Dishes
These pizza burgers pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy French fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or garlic roasted potatoes. For something lighter, some baby carrots or cucumber slices with ranch dip work perfectly. The idea is to balance the richness of the dish with fresh or crispy textures to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pizza burger mixture over a bed of cooked pasta or inside a warm pita bread for a fun twist. You can also load it onto toasted garlic bread for a pizza sub-inspired treat. For parties, serve the mixture in small bowls with mini slider buns on the side for a casual build-your-own burger bar that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner option later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Just let the cooked mixture cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the dish heats through without drying out. Serve on fresh buns to recreate that just-made experience.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef instead of mixing with Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still yield delicious results, though the sausage adds an extra layer of flavor and spice that really enhances the pizza vibe. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Is it okay to add extra vegetables?
Yes, definitely. Mushrooms, black olives, or chopped pepperoni make fantastic additions that bring even more pizzazz to your Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe. Just dice them finely so they cook evenly with the meat.
Can I prepare this recipe without a crockpot?
You can! Simply cook the meat mixture as directed in a skillet, then simmer it on low heat for about 20-30 minutes with the sauce and seasonings, stirring occasionally to marry the flavors.
What type of buns work best for these pizza burgers?
Soft sandwich rolls or hamburger buns are ideal because they soak up the juicy mixture well without falling apart. Toasting them lightly before serving adds an excellent texture contrast.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
For sure! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture before slow cooking to turn up the heat just how you like it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that marries two all-time favorites into one easy, soul-satisfying meal—and this Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe does exactly that with style and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to. So dig out your crockpot and give it a try—you might just find your newest beloved dinner tradition.
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Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crockpot Pizza Burgers combine the savory goodness of classic pizza flavors with juicy, tender meat, all slow-cooked to perfection. Featuring a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pizza sauce, this hearty recipe is an easy and delicious family-friendly meal that melts mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into every flavorful bite. Perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, these burgers are served warm on toasted buns for a satisfying comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 jar (14–16 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Bread
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
Instructions
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned completely and the vegetables become tender. Drain off any excess grease to keep the mixture from being too oily.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into the crockpot. This helps in slow cooking and infusing all flavors together over time.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the jar of pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and if desired, crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly to combine evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heating and flavor distribution.
- Melt Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smoothly blended with the meat mixture.
- Serve: Toast the hamburger buns or sandwich rolls lightly, then spoon the hot pizza burger mixture onto the buns. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a melty, crispy finish, top the filled buns with extra cheese and place them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
- Add chopped pepperoni, mushrooms, or black olives into the crockpot to give the burgers a more authentic loaded pizza flavor.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead; simply refrigerate and reheat gently in the crockpot or on the stovetop.
