Description

These Slow-Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers combine the rich flavors of pizza with the juicy goodness of burgers. Ground beef is cooked with savory Italian spices and simmered in pizza sauce in a slow cooker for a tender, flavorful filling. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on toasted hamburger buns, these burgers are a delicious and easy weeknight meal that brings the best of both worlds together.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14 oz) can pizza sauce
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Burger Toppings

4 hamburger buns
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Slow cook the beef: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add pizza sauce, oregano, basil, optional red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld.
Assemble the burgers: Preheat the oven broiler. Place hamburger buns on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
Top the burgers: Spoon the slow-cooked beef mixture onto each toasted bun. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy your cheesy, pizza-inspired beef burgers!

Notes

For a little kick, include the crushed red pepper flakes in the slow cooker mixture.
Make sure to drain the cooked ground beef well to prevent greasy burgers.
You can use a toaster oven if you don’t have a broiler.
Fresh basil leaves add a nice fresh flavor, but are optional.
These burgers pair well with a side salad or crispy oven fries.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American