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
Scale
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.
