Crockpot Pizza Burgers

If you’re a fan of sloppy joes and love the flavors of a cheesy, saucy pizza, then you’re in for a treat! These Crockpot Pizza Burgers are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, beefy, and packed with melty cheese and pepperoni, all tucked into a toasty bun. Whether you need an easy dinner idea, a kid-friendly meal, or something fun for game day, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Let’s dive into this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as tossing a few ingredients into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE CROCKPOT PIZZA BURGERS

• Super Simple: Just brown the beef, toss it in the crockpot with pizza sauce and pepperoni, and let it simmer to perfection.
• Pizza + Burgers = Best of Both Worlds: You get all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of a burger.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or a meal to satisfy picky eaters, this one’s a winner.
• Minimal Cleanup: Using a slow cooker means fewer dishes, and that’s always a plus!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need to make these Crockpot Pizza Burgers:

For the Meat Mixture:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 30 oz pizza sauce (two 15 oz jars)
• ½ cup pepperoni slices, cut in half

For the Cheese & Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices of mozzarella cheese

For Serving:

• 8 rolls (hamburger buns, hoagie rolls, or brioche buns work great)

STEP 1: BROWN THE BEEF

To get started, you’ll need to brown the ground beef. This step is crucial because it helps remove excess grease and ensures the beef is fully cooked before it goes into the crockpot.

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
• Stir occasionally until the beef is browned all the way through (about 7-10 minutes).
• Drain excess grease to prevent the mixture from becoming too oily.
• Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.

Pro Tip: If you like a little extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes while browning the beef.

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STEP 2: ADD THE PIZZA SAUCE & PEPPERONI

Once your beef is browned and transferred to the crockpot, it’s time to add the pizza sauce and pepperoni for that signature pizza flavor.

• Pour both jars of pizza sauce over the beef.
• Add the sliced pepperoni and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

At this point, your kitchen will already start smelling like a pizzeria—trust me, it’s hard not to want to dig in right away!

STEP 3: SLOW COOK TO PERFECTION

Now comes the easiest part—letting the crockpot do the work!

• Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
• This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to blend beautifully and keeps the beef tender and juicy.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can also cook on HIGH for 1½ hours, but the low-and-slow method gives the best results.

Now that your slow cooker has been working its magic, it’s time to move on to the final steps—adding that irresistible layer of gooey cheese and assembling your perfect pizza burger. This is where everything comes together to create a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed sandwich that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

STEP 4: ADD THE CHEESE

At this point, your kitchen smells like a pizzeria, and your slow-cooked beef and pepperoni mixture is thick, saucy, and full of flavor. Now, it’s time to add that classic cheesy goodness.

• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef mixture in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW. This gives the cheese time to melt and blend with the sauce.

Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent touch, you can also stir in a handful of Parmesan cheese or a little extra mozzarella before serving. This enhances the gooey texture and adds even more flavor.

STEP 5: TOAST THE BUNS

A good sandwich deserves a great bun, and toasting your rolls takes these pizza burgers to the next level.

• Preheat your broiler to high or set a skillet on medium heat.
• Slice the hamburger buns, hoagie rolls, or brioche buns in half.
• Place them cut side up on a baking sheet or directly on a skillet.
• Toast for 1-2 minutes under the broiler or until golden brown in the skillet.

Toasting the buns keeps them from getting soggy once you add the hot pizza burger mixture. It also adds a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender beef.

Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, brush the buns with a little garlic butter or olive oil before toasting.

STEP 6: ASSEMBLE THE PIZZA BURGERS

Now comes the fun part—building the ultimate Crockpot Pizza Burger!

• Spoon a generous portion of the slow-cooked pizza beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
• Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the meat.
• If you love extra melted cheese, pop the assembled burgers under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

STEP 7: SERVE AND ENJOY

Your pizza burgers are now ready to be devoured! Serve them with French fries, a side salad, or some crispy garlic bread for a complete meal.

If you’re making these for a party or game day, keep the meat mixture warm in the slow cooker and let guests assemble their own burgers with toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, banana peppers, or extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: Leftovers? Store the meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and serve over fresh buns for an easy second meal.

VARIATIONS AND ADD-ONS

Want to put your own spin on these Crockpot Pizza Burgers? Here are a few ideas:

• Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a kick.
• Try Different Cheeses: Swap out mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses.
• Add More Pizza Toppings: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or green peppers to customize your pizza burger experience.
• Use Garlic Bread Rolls: Instead of standard buns, try serving these on garlic bread or cheesy ciabatta rolls for an over-the-top flavor boost.

By now, your Crockpot Pizza Burgers are ready to serve, and your kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or just because you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

To wrap things up, let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions, tips for storage, and ideas for the perfect side dishes to serve alongside these delicious pizza burgers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. CAN I MAKE CROCKPOT PIZZA BURGERS AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in the slow cooker on LOW for 1 hour or warm it on the stovetop over medium heat.

2. CAN I FREEZE THE MEAT MIXTURE FOR LATER?

Absolutely. The pizza-flavored beef mixture freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

3. WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF BUN TO USE?

Brioche buns, hoagie rolls, and hamburger buns all work well. For extra flavor, try using garlic bread rolls or cheesy ciabatta bread. Toasting the buns before assembling helps prevent sogginess.

4. CAN I USE GROUND TURKEY OR CHICKEN INSTEAD OF BEEF?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative for a leaner version. Just keep in mind that turkey and chicken tend to be milder in flavor, so you might want to add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and a little Italian seasoning.

5. HOW CAN I MAKE THESE MORE KID-FRIENDLY?

Most kids already love pizza and burgers, but if yours are picky eaters, you can:

• Use smaller slider buns to make mini pizza burgers.
• Leave out the pepperoni if they’re not fans.
• Let them top their own burgers with favorite pizza toppings.

6. CAN I MAKE THIS IN A SKILLET INSTEAD OF A CROCKPOT?

Yes! If you don’t have time to slow cook, you can make this on the stovetop:

• Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Drain the grease, then stir in pizza sauce and pepperoni.
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the shredded mozzarella, cover, and cook for a few more minutes until melted.

7. WHAT SIDES GO WELL WITH CROCKPOT PIZZA BURGERS?

These pizza burgers are hearty on their own, but pairing them with the right sides makes for a perfect meal. Here are a few great options:

• Garlic Parmesan Fries – Crispy, golden fries sprinkled with Parmesan and garlic.
• Side Salad – A simple Italian or Caesar salad balances out the richness.
• Mozzarella Sticks – Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
• Roasted Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms pair well with the pizza flavors.
• Pasta Salad – A light and refreshing option for summer cookouts.

Crockpot Pizza Burgers

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• Author: Andrew Recipes
• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

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Description

A delicious twist on sloppy joes—these Crockpot Pizza Burgers combine the flavors of a cheesy, saucy pizza with the heartiness of a burger. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or game day!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

✅ For the Meat Mixture:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 30 oz pizza sauce (two 15 oz jars)
• ½ cup pepperoni slices, sliced in half

✅ For the Cheese & Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese

✅ For Serving:

• 8 rolls (hamburger buns, hoagie rolls, or brioche buns work well)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned.

Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

2️⃣ Add Sauce & Pepperoni:

Stir in the pizza sauce and sliced pepperoni until evenly combined.

3️⃣ Slow Cook:

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to blend.

4️⃣ Add Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture.

Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

5️⃣ Assemble the Burgers:

Spoon the pizza burger mixture onto toasted rolls.

Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each sandwich.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:

Optionally, toast the assembled burgers under the broiler for 1-2 minutes for a melty, golden cheese topping.

Notes

✅ Roll Choices: Use brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, or hoagie buns for extra flavor.
✅ Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or a mix of both.
✅ Toppings: Add sliced black olives, mushrooms, green peppers, or onions for more pizza flavors.
✅ Make It Crispy: Toast the buns before serving for a sturdier sandwich.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8