If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts fun, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, look no further than Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe. This dish takes all the best flavors of your favorite pizza, transforms them into a hearty, cheesy sandwich, and lets the slow cooker do most of the work. The result? An irresistible meal that gets everyone around the table, asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want leftovers for easy lunches, you’ll fall in love with how simple, customizable, and downright delicious these pizza burgers turn out every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe truly special is how each simple ingredient contributes something unique—whether it’s bold flavor, melty texture, or a pop of color. Gather these staples from your kitchen, and you’re well on your way to a meal that’s both easy and unforgettable.
- Ground beef: The hearty base for your filling, providing savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds classic pizza spice and richness that elevates every bite.
- Onion (finely chopped): Brings a sweet, aromatic depth that melds beautifully with the meats.
- Green bell pepper (chopped): Offers color and a subtle crunch that brightens the mix.
- Pizza sauce: Infuses the whole dish with that unmistakable, zesty pizza flavor.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato goodness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that brings all the pizza vibes.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle kick of garlicky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Spice lovers, this is your chance to add a gentle heat.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show—melty, stretchy, and oh-so cheesy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls: The vessel for all that saucy, cheesy goodness—toast them for extra flavor!
- Extra toppings (like sliced olives or pepperoni, optional): Let everyone customize their pizza burger, just like a real pizza night.
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Sauté until they’re both nicely browned—this is where you build rich flavor for your Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe. Once the meat is cooked through, be sure to drain off any excess grease so the final filling isn’t too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
To the browned meat, add your chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies turn soft and fragrant. This step adds wonderful sweetness and a bit of crunch, creating the perfect “supreme pizza” flavor profile for your burger filling.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
Transfer the meat and veggie mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the pizza sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and (if you like a little kick) the crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine, so the flavors start mingling right from the start.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 1 to 2 hours. This gentle cooking time lets all the flavors meld together and transforms your ingredients into a saucy, irresistible pizza burger filling that’s just begging to be piled onto a bun.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well, then let everything cook just until the cheese has melted into gooey, stretchy perfection. This is the moment when your Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe truly comes to life!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the hot, cheesy pizza mixture onto toasted hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. Let everyone add their favorite extra toppings, from pepperoni slices to sliced black olives, and watch as these pizza burgers disappear in record time.
How to Serve Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe over the top with a handful of fresh basil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a few red pepper flakes right before serving. These little touches add brightness and visual appeal, making each burger feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza burgers with simple sides like a crisp green salad, classic potato chips, or oven-baked fries. For a fun twist, offer a veggie platter with ranch dip or some roasted broccoli—the flavors all play beautifully together and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party? Lay out the pizza filling in a slow cooker on a buffet, and let guests build their own burgers with an array of toppings like mini pepperoni, pickled jalapeños, or even pineapple. Or, spoon the filling over baked potatoes or pasta for a pizza-inspired dinner that everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the pizza burger filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It keeps beautifully and reheats well, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or speedy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This filling freezes like a dream—just cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months, so you can always have Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe ready to go when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the filling in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese for that just-made magic!
FAQs
Can I make Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe without sausage?
Absolutely! Just use all ground beef, or swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. The sausage does add a classic pizza flavor, but the recipe is super flexible and still delicious without it.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meats with your favorite plant-based ground “meat” alternatives, or try sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian twist on pizza burgers.
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely. While mozzarella and Parmesan create that signature pizza taste, feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a fun flavor variation. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Split your buns and place them cut-side up under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, or toast them in a skillet with a little butter until golden and crisp. This step keeps your buns sturdy and adds extra flavor!
How can I make Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, don’t be shy with the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños to the filling, or top your burgers with spicy pepperoni or hot giardiniera for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to put smiles on faces, you truly can’t go wrong with Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe. This dish is the ultimate blend of convenience, flavor, and pure family fun. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a regular request at your house!
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Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a delicious and easy-to-make family favorite recipe that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef and Italian sausage with classic pizza toppings, all slow-cooked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for casual dinners and can be served on buns or over pasta or baked potatoes for a fun twist.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can pizza sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Extra toppings like sliced olives or pepperoni (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease to keep the mixture from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker. This will be the base for the pizza burger filling.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the pizza sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat. Mix everything well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or alternatively on high for 1–2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken.
- Melt the Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses into the slow cooker. Cover again and let the cheese melt until the mixture is gooey and cheesy.
- Serve: Spoon the heated pizza meat mixture onto toasted hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. Add any extra toppings you like such as sliced olives or pepperoni for an extra pizza touch. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- These pizza burgers are excellent for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- You can serve the filling over pasta, baked potatoes, or even on top of crusty bread for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat thoroughly before serving to ensure food safety and optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
