Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe

Easy Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe That Kids Adore

Hearty crockpot pizza burgers blend comfort food magic with minimal kitchen effort.

Melted cheese and zesty marinara create an irresistible flavor combination.

Forget complicated cooking techniques that drain your energy after a long day.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Busy families will appreciate how quickly this meal satisfies everyone’s hunger.

Layers of classic pizza toppings nestled between juicy burger patties make dinner feel like a celebration.

You can practically smell the delicious aroma already!

Grab a plate and savor every mouthwatering bite.

Why Crockpot Pizza Burgers Are a Game Changer

  • Craft Unique Flavor Fusion: Combine the best of pizza and burgers in one mouthwatering dish that surprises taste buds with unexpected deliciousness.
  • Simplify Meal Preparation: Create a hands-off cooking method using a crockpot that transforms ground meat into a gourmet-style meal with minimal active cooking time.
  • Pack Maximum Flavor: Layer pepperoni, mozzarella, and pizza sauce to infuse classic Italian-inspired tastes into every single bite of these incredible meat patties.
  • Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Gatherings: Deliver a crowd-favorite recipe that works wonderfully for casual family dinners, game day parties, or relaxed weekend get-togethers where everyone craves something special.

Crockpot Pizza Burgers Shopping List

For the Meats:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich, savory flavor and substantial texture to the pizza burgers.
  • Sausage: Adds extra depth and spiciness to complement the ground beef.
For the Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A classic blend of herbs and spices that enhances the meat's natural flavors and creates a robust seasoning profile.
For the Toppings and Cheese:
  • Pizza Sauce: Delivers classic pizza taste and moisture to the burger.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty goodness that brings a traditional pizza element to the burger.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Adds a spicy and traditional pizza topping flavor.
  • Black Olives: Introduces a salty and tangy dimension to the overall taste.
For the Cooking and Serving:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden-brown sear on the meat patties.
  • Hamburger Buns: Serves as the perfect vessel for serving the pizza-inspired burger.

Simple Prep for Crockpot Pizza Burgers

Step 1: Prepare Meat Mixture

Combine ground beef and sausage in a large mixing bowl. Add italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shape Meat Patties

Form the seasoned meat mixture into compact, uniform patties that will easily fit inside the crockpot. Press the patties firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking.

Step 3: Sear Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear each meat patty for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors.

Step 4: Layer Patties in Crockpot

Carefully transfer the seared patties into the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer across the bottom of the cooking vessel.

Step 5: Add Pizza Sauce

Pour pizza sauce generously over the meat patties, making sure each patty is completely and evenly covered with the tangy sauce.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese

Spread shredded mozzarella cheese across the sauce-covered patties, creating a gooey and delicious base for additional toppings.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Arrange pepperoni slices and black olives on top of the cheese layer. Distribute the toppings evenly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a perfectly melted, bubbly cheese topping.

Step 9: Serve on Buns

Carefully remove the pizza burgers from the crockpot and place them onto toasted hamburger buns.

Step 10: Enjoy Immediately

Serve the pizza burgers hot, allowing everyone to savor the delicious combination of pizza and burger flavors.

Quick Tips for Crockpot Pizza Burgers

  • Meat Mixing Magic: Combine ground beef and sausage thoroughly to ensure balanced flavor and consistent texture throughout the patties.
  • Searing Success: Brown patties quickly in hot olive oil to create a flavorful crust that seals in juices and adds depth to the overall taste.
  • Layer Like a Pro: Arrange patties in a single layer to guarantee even cooking and prevent stacking, which can lead to uneven heat distribution.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle mozzarella generously to create a gooey, stretchy layer that complements the savory meat and adds richness to the dish.
  • Topping Tip: Distribute pepperoni and olives strategically for maximum flavor impact and visually appealing presentation that mimics a classic pizza style.

Crockpot Pizza Burgers with a Creative Twist

  • Vegetarian Pizza Burger: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or black bean patties for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Pizza Burger: Swap hamburger buns with large lettuce leaves or portobello mushroom caps to reduce carbohydrate intake and create a keto-friendly option.
  • Mediterranean-Style Pizza Burger: Substitute pepperoni and black olives with feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Pizza Burger: Replace pizza sauce with salsa, add jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and include diced green chiles for a zesty southwestern kick.

Tasty Pairings for Crockpot Pizza Burgers

  • Flavor Fusion Pairings
  • Crush Italian Craft Beer Pairing: Select a crisp, hoppy Italian pilsner or amber ale that complements the rich, meaty pizza burger's robust flavors and cuts through the cheese's richness.
  • Elevate Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the burger's heavy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Zesty Dipping Companion: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or spicy marinara sauce for an extra layer of tangy, herbal excitement that enhances the pizza burger's italian-inspired profile.

How to Store Crockpot Pizza Burgers the Right Way

  • Store leftover pizza burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual pizza burgers in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place pizza burger on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming. Add extra cheese if desired for moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap burger in aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Crockpot Pizza Burgers FAQs Answered

  • What meats work best for this recipe?

Ground beef and Italian sausage create the perfect flavor combination, providing rich taste and optimal texture for these pizza burgers.

  • Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps enhance the seasoning’s flavor.

  • Is searing the patties really necessary?

Absolutely. Searing develops a delicious golden-brown crust, locks in moisture, and adds deep, caramelized flavor to the meat before slow cooking.

  • How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?

Mix the meats thoroughly, use a gentle touch when forming patties, and ensure they are compact and evenly shaped to maintain structural integrity during cooking.

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Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe

Crockpot Pizza Burgers Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot pizza burgers deliver classic comfort with an effortless twist. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and juicy ground beef combine in this simple one-pot meal that guarantees smiles around your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 8 hamburger buns
  • 1 cup pizza sauce

Pizza Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tbsp italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Blend ground beef and sausage in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combining the meats with italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well incorporated.
  2. Form the seasoned meat mixture into uniform patties, ensuring they are compact and will fit comfortably inside the crockpot.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly searing each meat patty for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a rich golden-brown exterior and lock in flavors.
  4. Transfer the seared patties into the crockpot, creating a single layer across the bottom.
  5. Generously spread pizza sauce over the meat patties, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the sauce-covered patties, creating a melty foundation.
  7. Strategically distribute pepperoni slices and black olives on top of the cheese layer for additional flavor and visual appeal.
  8. Cover the crockpot and cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to become perfectly melted and bubbly.
  9. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pizza burgers and place them onto toasted hamburger buns.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, allowing guests to enjoy the rich, pizza-inspired burger experience.

Notes

  • Double-check meat mixture consistency by gently pressing patties together to prevent crumbling during cooking.
  • Blot seared patties with paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring a cleaner final dish and preventing greasiness.
  • Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version that reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Experiment with alternative cheese options like provolone or pepper jack to create unique flavor variations that keep the recipe exciting and personalized.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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