Crockpot Pizza Burgers

Crockpot Pizza Burgers bring together the delicious flavors of pizza with the convenience of a slow cooker, making them the perfect weeknight dinner. With savory beef patties, pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella, these burgers offer a fun twist on classic pizza that the whole family will love. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these are the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Hamburger buns

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Form the mixture into patties and place them in the crockpot.
3. Pour the pizza sauce over the patties.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
5. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the patties.
6. Serve the patties on hamburger buns.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours
• Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Toppings: Top the burgers with your favorite pizza toppings such as sliced pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, or olives during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pizza sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variety: Substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to make a lighter version of these pizza burgers.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pizza burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the patties in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ground beef?
   Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but it’s best to thaw it first before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure even cooking.
2. Can I make these burgers in the oven?
   Yes, you can bake the patties in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Add the pizza sauce and mozzarella during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
3. How do I know when the burgers are done?
   The burgers should be fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
4. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the patties the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just place them in the crockpot in the morning and let them cook.
5. Can I use a different sauce?
   You can use marinara sauce or even a creamy white sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.
6. What can I serve these burgers with?
   Serve them with a side of French fries, a salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
7. Can I freeze leftover patties?
   Yes, you can freeze leftover patties. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
8. Can I make mini sliders?
   Yes, you can make mini patties for sliders. Adjust the cooking time accordingly (they’ll cook faster than full-sized patties).
9. Can I add vegetables to the patties?
   Yes, you can mix in finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the patty mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
10. Can I use a slow cooker liner?
    Yes, using a slow cooker liner can make clean-up easier, as the sauce can sometimes make the crockpot a little messy.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pizza Burgers are an easy, flavorful dinner that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and burgers. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef patties are tender and full of flavor, while the gooey mozzarella and pizza sauce bring it all together. With minimal prep time and lots of customization options, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal.

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