Crockpot Pizza Burgers: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Meal

If you love both hearty burgers and cheesy pizza, this recipe for Crockpot Pizza Burgers is about to become your new favorite comfort food. It combines the bold, saucy flavors of pizza with the satisfying heartiness of a burger — all simmered together in your slow cooker for an easy, hands-off meal that the whole family will devour.

Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or casual family dinners, these pizza-inspired sloppy joe–style sandwiches are packed with melty cheese, rich tomato flavor, and all your favorite pizza toppings. Best of all, your crockpot does all the work — giving you a kitchen that smells like a pizzeria without any effort!

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Why You’ll Love Crockpot Pizza Burgers

There are so many reasons this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

🍕 Pizza + Burger = Ultimate Flavor Combo – You get the best of both worlds in every bite.
⏱️ Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the cooking, so you can focus on your day.
🧀 Cheesy, Saucy, and Irresistible – Melty mozzarella and savory sauce coat every bite of beef.
🍞 Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Perfect for family meals, parties, or even tailgates.
🥘 Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Everything is simple, affordable, and easy to find.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is made with pantry staples and classic pizza toppings you probably already have on hand.

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage for more flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can pizza sauce (or substitute marinara sauce)
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesy flavor)
• 8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, toasted

Optional Toppings

• Sliced pepperoni
• Black olives
• Mushrooms, sautéed
• Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (and sausage, if using) until browned.
Drain any excess grease, then add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until softened.

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Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot

Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add in the pizza sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

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Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours.
The sauce will thicken, and all those delicious flavors will meld together into a rich, pizza-inspired filling.

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Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar. Cover again and let the cheese melt into the mixture, creating a gooey, cheesy consistency.

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Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Burgers

Spoon the hot pizza meat mixture onto toasted hamburger buns or sandwich rolls.
Top with your favorite pizza-style toppings like pepperoni, olives, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy!

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Tips for the Best Crockpot Pizza Burgers

1. Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease from pooling in the sauce.
2. Toast your buns — it keeps them from getting soggy and adds a nice crunch.
3. Customize your toppings — add pepperoni, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for extra flavor.
4. Add more cheese — stir some inside and sprinkle more on top before serving for ultimate cheesiness.
5. Make it spicy — add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.

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Variations to Try

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few fun ways to mix it up:

🍕 Pepperoni Pizza Burgers

Stir in sliced pepperoni during the last 30 minutes of cooking for that classic pizza flavor.

🧄 Garlic Bread Pizza Burgers

Use garlic buttered rolls instead of plain buns for a garlicky twist that tastes like garlic bread meets pizza.

🥓 Meat Lover’s Version

Add cooked bacon or Italian sausage crumbles for an ultra-hearty version of this dish.

🥦 Veggie Pizza Burgers

Load up the crockpot with diced mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, and spinach for a veggie-packed meal.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Style

Layer a slice of mozzarella or provolone on top of each sandwich and let it melt before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Pizza Burgers are hearty enough to stand alone, but they’re even better with the right sides. Try pairing them with:

• 🍟 Crispy French Fries or Potato Wedges
• 🥗 Simple Garden Salad with Italian dressing
• 🍝 Garlic Butter Pasta or Macaroni Salad
• 🧄 Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
• 🥒 Pickles or Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch

For a complete game-day spread, serve these alongside chips, wings, and a big pitcher of lemonade or soda.

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate:

Let leftovers cool completely, then store the meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freeze:

Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat:

Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a little extra sauce or cheese if needed to freshen it up.

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Make-Ahead Tip

You can cook the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it.
When you’re ready to serve, transfer it to your crockpot, heat on LOW for about an hour, stir in the cheese, and serve. Perfect for entertaining or meal prepping!

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg

(Nutritional values may vary depending on toppings and portion size.)

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Why Crockpot Pizza Burgers Are a Must-Try

This recipe takes the best parts of two comfort food classics — burgers and pizza — and merges them into a delicious, saucy, cheesy masterpiece. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop and meld, giving you an irresistible filling that’s both rich and hearty.

It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fun and flavorful enough for a party. Kids love the pizza flavor, adults love the simplicity, and everyone loves that melty cheese and savory sauce combo.

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Final Thoughts

Crockpot Pizza Burgers are everything you crave in comfort food — rich, cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you still want a meal that feels homemade and indulgent.

Serve them up with crispy fries or salad for a complete meal, and watch as these sandwiches disappear in no time. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular part of your meal rotation — because who can resist pizza-flavored burgers? 🍕🍔❤️

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