Slow-cooked Beef Pizza Burgers

This hearty pizza-flavored beef burger has become our family's go-to dinner option when we're craving something that combines the best of two comfort foods in one delicious package.

I first made these burgers during a busy sports season when we needed something ready when we walked in the door. They've since become our Friday night tradition, with everyone customizing their toppings just like they would a pizza.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: use 80/20 for the best flavor balance and juiciness
• Pizza sauce: choose a thick variety for less mess when eating
• Pepperoni slices: these add that distinctive pizza flavor throughout the meat
• Shredded mozzarella: this melts beautifully into the mixture
• Mozzarella slices: adds that final pizza like cheese pull when you take a bite
• Soft rolls: brioche or potato rolls work beautifully with these saucy burgers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and cook the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This typically takes about 7 to 8 minutes for 2 pounds.

Drain the Fat:

Transfer the cooked beef to a colander over a bowl or use a slotted spoon to move it to the slow cooker while leaving the excess fat behind. Removing excess fat prevents your burgers from becoming greasy.

Layer in Slow Cooker:

Spread the beef in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker to ensure everything cooks evenly and absorbs flavors uniformly.

Add Pizza Elements:

Stir in the pizza sauce and pepperoni pieces, making sure everything is well combined. The sauce should coat all the meat evenly for that consistent pizza flavor throughout.

Slow Cook:

Set your slow cooker to low and let the mixture cook for 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the pepperoni flavor to infuse into the meat and sauce.

Add Cheese:

After the initial cooking time, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the beef mixture. It will begin to melt and incorporate into the sauce.

Final Cooking:

Return the lid and continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the mixture.

Assemble Burgers:

Split and lightly toast your rolls if desired, then generously spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom half, top with a slice of mozzarella and the top bun.

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My absolute favorite thing about these burgers is how the pepperoni infuses the entire mixture with that distinctive pizza flavor. My son who normally picks pepperoni off his pizza actually loves these burgers because the flavor is distributed throughout without the texture he dislikes.

Make Ahead Options

These pizza burgers actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when planning ahead saves precious time.

Serving Suggestions

While these burgers are delicious on their own, creating a build your own burger bar elevates the experience. Set out additional pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, sliced black olives, and fresh basil leaves. Provide different cheese options beyond mozzarella such as provolone or parmesan. Offer both marinara and pesto sauces for variety. Complete the meal with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate pizza burger experience.

Dietary Adaptations

These versatile pizza burgers can be easily modified to suit various dietary needs. For a lower carb option, serve the meat mixture in lettuce cups or over roasted vegetables instead of buns. Those avoiding red meat can substitute ground turkey or chicken, though cooking time may need to be reduced to prevent dryness. Plant based ground meat alternatives work well too just be sure to brown them according to package directions before adding to the slow cooker. For dairy free needs, numerous plant based cheese options melt beautifully for that classic pizza experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheese varieties like provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it before serving with fresh rolls and cheese.

→ What type of rolls work best?

Soft sandwich rolls or brioche buns work great, but ciabatta or pretzel buns can also add unique texture and flavor.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Yes! Add onions, mushrooms, pickles, or even jalapeños to suit your taste preferences.

→ What can I serve with these burgers?

Pair them with a fresh salad, French fries, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.