If you’re hunting for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like comfort wrapped in nostalgia, let me introduce you to Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe. Imagine everything you love about a cheesy, saucy pizza, transformed into a juicy, irresistible sandwich that practically cooks itself in your slow cooker. This recipe brings together savory ground beef, gooey mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and classic pizza toppings, all nestled between warm buns for a meal that satisfies every pizza craving—without ordering out. Trust me, it’s been a dinner hero for my family, and I can’t wait for it to become a staple at your table too!

Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Effortless to gather, yet so important, each ingredient for Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe is handpicked to maximize flavor, texture, and that unmistakable “pizza night” vibe. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you don’t want to skip a single thing:

Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds): The hearty, savory base for our pizza burgers. Choose lean beef for less grease without sacrificing flavor.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth that melts right into the sauce, giving every bite a little extra oomph.
Green Bell Pepper (diced): For classic pizza flavor, a pop of color, and a bit of subtle crunch.
Pizza Sauce (1 jar, 15 ounces): The star of the show! Go with your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade sauce for a more personalized touch.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuses the mixture with that signature pizzeria aroma.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to round out the flavor and bring warmth to every bite.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick—add or skip depending on your spice preference.
Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Melty, stretchy, and absolutely necessary for that authentic pizza finish.
Hamburger Buns or Sandwich Rolls (6): The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that saucy, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and those veggies are tender and fragrant. Drain any excess fat before moving on—this keeps your filling flavorful, not greasy.

Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot

Transfer the browned beef mixture to your crockpot. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re adding them. Give it all a good stir, making sure everything is well combined and coated with that saucy goodness.

Step 3: Slow Cook for Flavor

Cover the crockpot, set it to low, and let the magic happen for 2 to 3 hours. This slow simmer allows all those Italian flavors to meld beautifully, infusing every spoonful with cozy, pizza-like nostalgia. Give it a stir now and then if you’re nearby.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until it’s melted into the mixture. You’ll see the filling become gloriously creamy and cheesy—the best part!

Step 5: Serve on Toasted Buns

Spoon the hot, cheesy pizza burger filling onto your favorite hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. For bonus points, quickly toast the buns; it adds just the right amount of crunch and stands up perfectly to the saucy filling.

How to Serve Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe

Garnishes

Take your Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe to the next level with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella, a scattering of sliced pepperoni, or a handful of chopped fresh basil. A little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic butter never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

These hearty sandwiches pair beautifully with simple sides like crispy oven fries, a crunchy green salad, or roasted vegetables. For movie night, try chips and a creamy dip to keep things casual and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making mini sliders for parties, or serve the filling over pasta or even stuffed in hollowed-out bell peppers for a lower-carb twist. Kids love customizing with their own toppers—think crushed tortilla chips or pickles for a unique crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe filling will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen a little overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked filling cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps well for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge whenever you’re ready for a super quick meal.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or zap them in the microwave for a minute or two. If the filling seems dry, add a splash more pizza sauce to revive that gooey perfection.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and ground chicken work beautifully and make these Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe a bit lighter while still delivering on taste. Adjust seasoning as needed since poultry is milder than beef.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Yes, feel free to stir in mushrooms, spinach, or even olives for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté any added veggies with the onion and bell pepper at the start to keep everything tender.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

Brush the cut sides of your buns with butter, then toast them on a skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two until golden. This simple step really elevates every bite of Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe!

Can I prep this ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! Brown the beef and veggies in advance, then stash the mixture in the fridge overnight. In the morning, transfer to the crockpot and proceed as directed—easy, low-stress entertaining.

How do I make this kid-friendly for picky eaters?

Omit the red pepper flakes if your crew is spice-sensitive, and let kids top their own burgers with cheese or favorite pizza toppings. It’s a guaranteed way to make Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe a hit at any table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dinner that’s all joy, zero fuss, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, let Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe be your next kitchen adventure. I can’t wait to hear how your family loves them—these sandwiches are sure to become an instant classic in your home too!

Crockpot Pizza Burgers: A Family Favorite Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Crockpot Pizza Burgers are a beloved choice for family meals. Combining the flavors of pizza in a hearty sandwich, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced

Sauce and Cheese:

1 jar (15 ounces) pizza sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and bell pepper until browned and vegetables are tender. Drain fat.
Transfer to Crockpot: Place the cooked mixture in the crockpot. Add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in mozzarella until melted and combined.
Serve: Serve warm on hamburger buns or rolls.