Slow-Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers Recipe

Are you ready to dive into the world of flavor-packed, cheesy goodness? Slow-Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers are a game-changer! Think of all the savory, rich flavors of pizza, but on a juicy beef patty, all served up in a delicious burger form. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef is tender and full of flavor, and topped with melted cheese, marinara sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings. If you’re craving a satisfying, hearty meal that’s easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser, look no further—these burgers are where it’s at!

Why You’ll Love Slow-Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers

Ultimate Comfort Food in Burger Form

Imagine the best pizza you’ve ever had, combined with a perfectly cooked beef patty. That’s what you get with these Slow-Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers—the perfect comfort food mash-up. They’re cheesy, saucy, and downright delicious, plus they’re surprisingly simple to make!

Easy to Make with the Slow Cooker

No need to babysit this meal! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Just throw your ingredients in and let it work its magic. The result? Tender, juicy beef patties that taste like they’ve been cooked for hours (even though they were!).

Customize to Your Taste

Pizza burgers are all about customization. Add any toppings you love, like mushrooms, onions, or even pepperoni—anything that makes your heart (and taste buds) sing! You can also choose your favorite type of cheese for extra richness and flavor.

Family-Friendly & Fun to Serve

Kids and adults alike will love the combination of a burger and pizza, which makes this dish a surefire hit at any dinner table or gathering. It’s fun to eat, and everyone can pick their toppings to create their ideal burger.

Ingredients

For the Beef Patties:

• Ground Beef: The base of the burger. Choose a good quality ground beef for maximum flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory base to the patties.
• Onion Powder: A must-have to bring depth to the flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: This adds that pizza vibe right into the beef patty, with oregano, basil, and other classic herbs.

For the Toppings:

• Marinara Sauce: The star of the pizza flavor! This will be the “sauce” for your burger.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella is a must for that authentic pizza feel.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a tangy, nutty flavor on top of the mozzarella.
• Pepperoni (optional): For a true pizza-inspired experience, add a few slices of pepperoni to the top of your burger.
• Fresh Basil: Optional, but fresh basil adds a lovely pop of flavor and color to your finished burger.
• Burger Buns: Choose sturdy, toasted buns that can handle all the pizza goodness!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these delicious burgers? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into 4-6 beef patties, depending on how big you want them.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Patties

Place the beef patties in the slow cooker. Pour a little marinara sauce over each patty to keep them moist and infuse flavor as they cook. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

About 10 minutes before the patties are done cooking, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over each patty. You can also add some grated parmesan at this point. Let the cheese melt while the patties finish cooking.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

While the patties are finishing up, lightly toast your burger buns in the oven or on a skillet. This gives them a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy when you load up your toppings.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

Once the beef patties are ready and the cheese is melted, remove them from the slow cooker. Place the beef patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon some marinara sauce over the patty, top with a few slices of pepperoni (if desired), and sprinkle with fresh basil for a final touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Place the top bun on each burger and serve immediately. These burgers are perfect served with a side of crispy fries, a simple salad, or even some roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 470
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 860mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 20%
Potassium: 480mg

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (Slow Cooker)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers

These pizza burgers are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking for ways to make the meal even more amazing, here are a few ideas for sides:

• Crispy Fries: Serve alongside some crispy French fries or sweet potato fries to add a salty crunch.
• Side Salad: A simple, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the burger.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would complement the flavors in the burger beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: A little extra pizza-inspired goodness never hurt anyone. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are the perfect pairing.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Want a little heat? Top your burger with some red pepper flakes or add spicy Italian sausage to the patties.
• Customize Your Toppings: You can add whatever pizza toppings you like! Mushrooms, olives, or even green peppers work great.
• Add Extra Cheese: Don’t hold back on the cheese! For even more gooeyness, add extra mozzarella or provolone on top of the patty before serving.
• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge, ready to pop into the slow cooker when you’re ready.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of meat for the patties?
A1: Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q2: Can I cook these burgers in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
A2: Absolutely! You can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, then top with cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Q3: Can I prepare these burgers in advance?
A3: Yes! You can form the patties and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just add them to the slow cooker when you’re ready to go.

Q4: Can I make the beef patties larger?
A4: Of course! Just be aware that larger patties will take a bit longer to cook through in the slow cooker.

Q5: What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
A5: Use your favorite marinara sauce! Homemade or store-bought, either works. You can even spice it up with some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Q6: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A6: Yes! The burgers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to the burger?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add any sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms directly onto the burger for extra flavor.

Q8: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A8: Definitely! You could use provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.

Q9: How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The patties and toppings can also be reheated separately.

Q10: How can I make these burgers healthier?
A10: Use lean ground turkey or chicken for the patties, and opt for whole wheat or lettuce buns to cut down on carbs.

Conclusion

These Slow-Cooked Beef Pizza Burgers are a delicious, cheesy, and savory twist on the classic burger that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re feeding your family or serving up a fun dish at your next gathering, these burgers will definitely be the star of the show. So fire up that slow cooker and get ready to indulge in the ultimate pizza-burger fusion!

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