If you are craving a comforting, saucy, and cheesily irresistible meal, look no further than Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe. This slow cooker delight brings together juicy ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and melty mozzarella in a perfect harmony of classic pizza flavors all nestled inside a warm bun. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with tantalizing aromas and pleases every palate, making family dinners something everyone eagerly anticipates. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, these pizza burgers are your new go-to for easy weeknight cooking and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, making these Crockpot Pizza Burgers comforting and full of flavor without any fuss. From ground beef that brings juicy richness to a jar of zesty pizza sauce that infuses every bite with classic Italian seasoning magic, these ingredients are straightforward but spectacular.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef: Provides the hearty and flavorful base that makes these burgers so satisfying.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and extra depth that balances the savory meat.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Brings a fresh crunch and bright color to the mix.
- 1 jar (15 ounces) pizza sauce: Infuses the recipe with robust tomato flavor and beautiful Italian herbs.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Perfectly blends oregano, basil, and other herbs to elevate the sauce’s taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick for anyone who loves a hint of spice.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, dreamy goodness that ties everything together.
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls: Soft and sturdy, they cradle the delicious filling perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Veggies
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef with the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. This step builds the foundation for your pizza burger, as browning the meat develops rich, savory flavors while softening the vegetables to tender perfection. Once the beef is browned and veggies have softened, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy, ensuring every bite is juicy but clean.
Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot
Transfer the browned beef and veggie mixture into your crockpot. Add the jar of pizza sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and if you like a little pizazz, the crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir so that all those delicious flavors meld together during the slow cooking process. This careful layering is what makes these Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe so incredibly tasty.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. The slow simmer allows the meats and veggies to soak up the pizza sauce, resulting in a luscious, saucy burger mixture. This isn’t just convenience; it’s flavor development at its finest, turning simple ingredients into something magical and comforting.
Step 4: Melt the Mozzarella Cheese
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. It will melt into the hot mixture, adding creamy, cheesy richness that binds all the components together. This gooey goodness is what transforms these burgers into a real family favorite.
Step 5: Serve It Up Warm
Spoon the cheesy, saucy pizza burger filling onto hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, and get ready for smiles all around. The combination of warm bread and the flavorful filling is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crockpot Pizza Burgers just a little more, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or oregano on top. A light drizzle of extra pizza sauce or a few pepperoni slices can also add a fun twist that makes each bite feel extra special. A few red pepper flakes sprinkled on can add a beautiful pop of color and spice for those who love a little heat.
Side Dishes
These pizza burgers pair beautifully with crisp garden salads to balance the richness, or try sweet potato fries for a delightful crunch and hint of sweetness. Garlic breadsticks or a bowl of roasted veggies also complement the Italian flavors in the burgers perfectly, creating a meal that feels well-rounded and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, consider setting up a “burger bar” with all the fixings so everyone can customize their own pizza burger masterpiece. Alternatively, turn the filling into a pasta sauce or stuff it into halved bell peppers for a low-carb option. You can also serve it atop baked potatoes for a comforting twist that combines two favorites into one satisfying dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Crockpot Pizza Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the leftover filling into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick meal with zero fuss.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual servings, adding a sprinkle of extra mozzarella and heating until bubbly and melted again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and makes a leaner version of the dish. Keep in mind it may cook a bit faster and might benefit from some extra seasoning for added flavor.
Can I add other pizza toppings to the crockpot mixture?
Yes! Feel free to mix in sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, or mushrooms for a meat-lover’s or veggie-rich variation. Just add them during the slow cooking process so they meld nicely with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. The familiar flavors of pizza combined with a sloppy joe-style sandwich are usually a hit with kids, and you can easily leave out the crushed red pepper flakes if your children prefer no spice.
Do I need to toast the buns before serving?
Toasting the buns is optional but highly recommended. It adds a nice crunch and helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy from the saucy filling, enhancing the overall texture and eating experience.
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can use an instant pot on the slow cooker setting or switch to pressure cooking with some adjustments to the timing. Just be sure to keep an eye on moisture levels to avoid drying out the filling.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the warm, cheesy, saucy goodness of Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe to bring everyone around the table with smiles and satisfied bellies. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor without any complicated steps. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own new family favorite!
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Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a delicious, family-friendly recipe combining classic burger flavors with the savory taste of pizza. Ground beef, onions, and bell peppers are cooked and slow-simmered with pizza sauce and Italian seasoning, then melted mozzarella cheese is stirred in for a gooey, cheesy finish. Serve on hamburger buns for an easy and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 jar (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese & Bread
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
Instructions
- Brown the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, ensuring the beef is fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the mixture lean.
- Transfer to crockpot and add seasonings: Transfer the browned beef and vegetables into your crockpot. Stir in the jar of pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and if you like a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly so all ingredients are well combined.
- Slow cook the mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor blending.
- Melt the cheese: About 15 minutes before serving time, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese directly into the crockpot. Allow the cheese to melt completely and combine with the beef and sauce, creating a rich and creamy filling.
- Serve warm: Spoon the hot pizza burger mixture onto hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. Serve immediately to enjoy the comforting melty texture, optionally toasting the buns beforehand for added crunch.
Notes
- For a meat-lover’s variation, add sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage to the beef mixture before slow cooking.
- Toast the hamburger buns or rolls before serving for extra texture and flavor contrast.
- This savory filling doubles as a delicious pasta sauce or can be used to stuff halved bell peppers for an alternative serving method.
