Juicy Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe: Fuss-Free Family Favorite

My latest crockpot pizza burgers blend two comfort food favorites into one incredible meal.

Melted cheese and zesty marinara sauce create a mouthwatering combination that screams weekend indulgence.

Packed with robust flavors, these simple sandwiches turn an ordinary dinner into something special.

Classic ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a crowd-pleasing experience for anyone who loves hearty dishes.

Juicy ground beef mingles with tangy pizza seasonings, delivering a satisfying twist on traditional burgers.

Minimal prep work means you can assemble everything quickly and let the slow cooker work its magic.

A perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekend gatherings awaits you in this unpretentious recipe.

Why Crockpot Pizza Burgers Are a Flavor Explosion

• Simplify Meal Prep: These pizza burgers combine two favorite comfort foods into one delicious dish, making dinner preparation a breeze with minimal hands-on cooking time.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the familiar pizza flavors packed into a hearty burger, creating a meal that satisfies everyone at the table with its cheesy, saucy goodness.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: The crockpot does all the hard work, slowly cooking the meat to tender perfection while infusing rich flavors, allowing you to relax or tackle other tasks while dinner cooks itself.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or potluck parties, these pizza burgers offer a flexible meal that can adapt to any casual dining occasion.

Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Pizza Burgers

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed foundation that provides rich flavor and texture for the pizza burgers.

• Bread Crumbs: Helps hold the burger patties together and adds a subtle crispy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a sharp, salty flavor that complements the meat.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds depth and classic pizza-like seasonings to the burger.

• Pizza Sauce: Provides a tangy, tomato-based coating that gives the burgers a pizza-inspired taste.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the patties, creating a gooey, traditional pizza-style finish.

• Hamburger Buns: Serves as the perfect base for serving the pizza-inspired burger patties.

Instructions to Prepare Crockpot Pizza Burgers Easily

Step 1: Blend Flavorful Burger Base

• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning

Gently mix the ingredients until well incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Shape Hearty Patties

Carefully craft the meat mixture into robust patties, molding them with tender hands to maintain a consistent thickness. Arrange the formed patties smoothly inside the crockpot.

Step 3: Smother with Zesty Sauce

Generously drench the burger patties with rich pizza sauce, making sure each patty receives a complete and even coating. The sauce will infuse the meat with tangy, robust flavors during slow cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low. Allow the burgers to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for 6-7 hours, transforming the meat into a tender, mouthwatering delight.

Step 5: Crown with Melty Cheese

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle a luxurious layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the patties. Watch as the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the succulent pizza burgers onto soft hamburger buns. The melted cheese, aromatic sauce, and perfectly cooked meat create an irresistible meal that will tantalize taste buds.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Pizza Burgers

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier burger.
• Experiment with different pizza sauce varieties like marinara or spicy arrabbiata for unique flavor profiles.
• Enhance the patties by mixing in finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra Italian touch.
• Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help them retain moisture and make them easier to handle.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Flavor Variations for Crockpot Pizza Burgers to Explore

• Spicy Pepperoni Punch: Add diced pepperoni and red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and dried oregano into the patty blend for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• BBQ Bacon Blast: Replace pizza sauce with tangy BBQ sauce and top patties with crispy bacon bits during the last cooking hour.
• Veggie Lover's Option: Swap ground beef for plant-based meat alternative and mix in finely chopped bell peppers and spinach for extra nutrition.

Great Pairings for Crockpot Pizza Burgers

• Pair Pizza Burgers with Classic Red Wine: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, tomato-based flavors and cuts through the meaty burger's richness.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a fresh arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy burger and provide a zesty, refreshing contrast.
• Select Craft Beer Match: Grab an amber ale or hoppy IPA with malty undertones that stand up to the robust pizza burger and enhance its savory, cheesy profile.
• Serve Garlic Parmesan Fries: Prepare crispy fries dusted with Parmesan and garlic powder to echo the burger's Italian-inspired seasonings and provide a crunchy accompaniment.

Storage Advice to Keep Crockpot Pizza Burgers Fresh

• Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place patties on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place patties on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture.

Common Questions Answered on Crockpot Pizza Burgers

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to adjust seasoning slightly as turkey has a milder flavor.

• How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and don’t overwork the meat mixture. Use fresh breadcrumbs and make sure they’re well incorporated to help bind the patties.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love pizza flavors, and these burgers combine classic burger taste with pizza sauce and cheese. They’re easy to eat and packed with familiar flavors children enjoy.

• Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

While slow cookers are best for tender results, you can adapt this recipe to the oven. Bake patties at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, adding cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes – 7 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty crockpot pizza burgers blend Italian comfort with American classic flavors in one satisfying dish. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and juicy ground beef create a mouthwatering meal perfect for casual dinners where friends and families can enjoy easy, delicious comfort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Cheese and Breadcrumbs:

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup pizza sauce

Serving:

• Hamburger buns

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, aromatic garlic powder, pungent onion powder, and fragrant Italian seasoning until ingredients are uniformly incorporated.
2. Gently shape the seasoned meat mixture into uniform circular patties, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
3. Carefully arrange the prepared patties inside the crockpot, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
4. Generously cascade pizza sauce over the meat patties, guaranteeing complete and even coverage.
5. Secure the crockpot lid and set temperature to low, allowing slow cooking for approximately 6-7 hours until meat reaches optimal tenderness.
6. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, delicately sprinkle shredded mozzarella across each patty, creating a melting cheese blanket.
7. Once cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer and patties are thoroughly cooked, transfer the succulent pizza burgers onto toasted hamburger buns.
8. Serve immediately while cheese remains warm and gooey, providing a delectable fusion of pizza and burger flavors.

Notes

• Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a lighter version with enhanced flavor complexity.
• Reduce bread crumbs for gluten-free diets by substituting with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to maintain burger texture.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium pizza sauce and selecting reduced-fat cheese options without compromising taste.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing patties in advance and freezing them before slow cooking, saving time during busy weekdays.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes – 7 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg