If you have been searching for a delicious and comforting twist on both pizza and burgers, you’re going to absolutely love this Slow Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers Recipe. Combining juicy, slow-cooked ground beef simmered in flavorful pizza sauce with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish brings together all your favorite pizza flavors packed inside a hearty burger. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to take a bite. Trust me, once you try it, these pizza burgers become a fast favorite for the whole family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the ingredients for this Slow Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers Recipe lies in their simplicity and how each one contributes essential layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic vegetables to the rich cheeses and herbs, every component adds its own magic.
- 1½ pounds ground beef: The hearty base providing juicy richness and protein to the burgers.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped): Offers a gentle, fresh crunch and a pop of green color.
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce: Brings classic tomato flavor infused with herbs, the key to that pizza taste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs speeding up the flavor development in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavors.
- 6 hamburger buns: Soft, sturdy carriers that cradle all the cheesy goodness.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The stretchy, melty layer that makes each bite ooey-gooey.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharper cheese contrast with a delightful kick.
- Optional toppings (sliced olives, pepperoni, or banana peppers): Customize your pizza burger experience with your favorites!
How to Make Slow Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the beef, until it’s completely cooked and the veggies have softened beautifully. This step builds a flavorful, tender base for the slow cooker to work its magic. Be sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the mixture from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your savory beef and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, then stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is where the flavors come together quietly, melding during the long cook time for that unmistakable pizza burger taste you crave. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours to develop rich, deep flavor layers while keeping the beef tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Buns and Cheese Toppings
When your slow cooker timer beeps, your house will be filled with the most incredible aroma. If you like, toast your hamburger buns lightly to add a bit of crunch and prevent sogginess. Then spoon the hot beef mixture on the bottom halves. Sprinkle each burger generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Feel free to add any optional toppings like sliced olives or pepperoni to personalize every bite.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Assemble
Place the assembled burgers under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese bubbles and melts perfectly, giving an irresistibly appetizing finish. You can also choose to serve the burgers as they are without broiling if you’re short on time. Finally, crown each with the top half of the bun and serve immediately while everything is warm and ooey-gooey.
How to Serve Slow Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley can brighten up the rich flavors and add a fresh, herbal note right before serving. For an extra burst, drizzle a little garlic-infused olive oil atop the cheese or add a few chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Complement these pizza burgers with crispy oven-baked fries, a crunchy Caesar salad, or even some roasted vegetables to balance the indulgence. Garlic knots or a light coleslaw also pair beautifully, rounding out the meal with varying textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the beef mixture in lettuce cups for a low-carb alternative that still delivers all the cheesy pizza satisfaction. You can also turn these into sliders by using mini buns for party platters or pile the beef mixture over toasted baguette slices as an appetizer version. The versatility of this Slow Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers Recipe makes every meal a little adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza burger mixture keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great for making quick lunches or reheating a cozy dinner without any extra prep.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Consider holding off on freezing the buns, as they can become soggy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef mixture gently in a skillet or microwave until hot throughout. If you want that freshly melted cheese experience, sprinkle on cheese and broil briefly. Toast the buns separately for the best texture before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan?
Absolutely! Cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a little crumbled feta can add unique flavor twists. Just choose cheeses that melt well to maintain that gooey pizza burger appeal.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can simulate slow cooking by simmering the beef and sauce mixture on very low heat in a covered pot for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally until tender and flavorful. Just keep an eye on moisture levels so it doesn’t dry out.
Are these pizza burgers kid-friendly?
Yes! The familiar flavors of pizza and burgers combined make them very popular with kids. You can adjust the spice level and toppings to fit your child’s taste preferences easily.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap the hamburger buns for gluten-free buns or serve the beef mixture over a bed of roasted vegetables or gluten-free bread for a delicious gluten-free alternative.
What toppings work best for these pizza burgers?
Classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, black olives, banana peppers, or sautéed mushrooms work wonderfully. Feel free to customize based on your favorite pizza combinations or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that combines comfort food vibes with the irresistible flavors of pizza, the Slow Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers Recipe is your new go-to. It is so satisfying, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe invites you to savor every cheesy, meaty bite with a smile. I can’t wait for you to share this one with your friends and family!
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Slow Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Slow Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers combine the rich flavors of a classic pizza with the comfort of a juicy beef burger, all made easy with a slow cooker. Ground beef is sautéed with fresh veggies, simmered in flavorful pizza sauce and Italian herbs, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a tasty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Burger Assembly
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, pepperoni, or banana peppers
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and green bell pepper until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, approximately 7–9 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from becoming greasy.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. This gentle cooking lets all the spices and flavors meld together perfectly.
- Prepare the Buns and Toppings: If desired, lightly toast the hamburger buns for added texture. Place the bottom halves on plates and spoon the hot beef mixture evenly over them.
- Add Cheese and Optional Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the meat. Add any optional toppings such as sliced olives, pepperoni, or banana peppers to customize to your taste.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled burgers under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Alternatively, you can skip this step and serve as is if preferred.
- Assemble and Serve: Top the cheesy beef mixture with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- These pizza burgers can be made ahead and kept warm in the slow cooker for parties or gatherings.
- For a low-carb option, serve the beef mixture in lettuce wraps or over baked zucchini rounds instead of buns.
- Adjust seasoning and optional toppings to cater to your family’s preferences.
