Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pizza burgers combine the saucy goodness of pizza with the heartiness of a burger, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. The flavor is kid-friendly, budget-conscious, and can be easily doubled or customized. Whether you’re cooking for a party, potluck, or weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold, comforting flavors with almost no hands-on time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or half ground beef and half Italian sausage)
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Green bell pepper (optional, finely chopped)
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Tomato paste (for richness)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Olive oil or butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (and sausage if using) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and green pepper (if using) and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in pizza sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours. Stir occasionally.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded mozzarella and a handful of Parmesan (if using). Let it melt into the mixture.
- Toast hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the cheesy pizza burger mixture onto the buns and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 16 pizza burgers.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 3–4 hours (low) or 1.5–2 hours (high)
Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes (low) or 1 hour 40 minutes (high)
Variations
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
- Veggie boost: Mix in chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Meat lovers: Stir in chopped pepperoni or cooked bacon before serving.
- Different cheeses: Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza cheese blend.
- Low-carb: Serve over zucchini boats or in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot throughout.
Freeze the filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Avoid freezing assembled burgers to prevent soggy buns.
FAQs
Can I cook the ground beef directly in the crockpot?
It’s best to brown the beef first for flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if using extra lean meat and are short on time.
Can I use jarred pizza sauce?
Yes, jarred pizza sauce works great and adds classic pizza flavor with minimal prep.
What kind of buns are best?
Sturdy hamburger buns, brioche buns, or hoagie rolls hold up well to the saucy filling.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance and reheat in the crockpot or stovetop when ready to serve.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze the filling (not the assembled burgers) for up to 2 months for a make-ahead meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a large (6+ quart) slow cooker. Increase cook time slightly if needed.
What side dishes go well with pizza burgers?
Fries, salad, coleslaw, roasted veggies, or chips pair perfectly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based ground meat and ensure your sauce and cheese are vegetarian-friendly.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns and serve immediately after assembling, or serve the filling on the side for DIY assembly.
Can I serve this buffet-style?
Absolutely! Keep the filling warm in the crockpot on “warm” and let guests build their own burgers.
Conclusion
16 Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a fun and flavorful meal that brings the joy of pizza into a hearty, handheld sandwich. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a hungry family. Whether you’re planning a party or just looking for a new twist on burgers, this easy slow cooker recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Print16 Crockpot Pizza Burgers
Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a cheesy, saucy twist on sloppy joes, slow-cooked with ground beef, pizza-style sauce, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for feeding a crowd, game night, or easy family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (low) or 1.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (low) or 1 hour 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 16 burgers
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (or half ground beef and half Italian sausage)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 16 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (and sausage if using) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and green pepper (if using) and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in pizza sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan (if using). Let it melt into the mixture.
- Toast hamburger buns with olive oil or butter if desired. Spoon the cheesy pizza burger mixture onto the buns and serve hot.
Notes
- Toast buns before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Double the recipe for parties using a 6+ quart slow cooker.
- Store filling in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Use plant-based meat and cheese for a vegetarian version.
- For a low-carb option, serve in lettuce wraps or zucchini boats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (with bun)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
