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This robust burger combines pizza and beef flavors, becoming our family's favorite dinner choice when we want two comfort foods rolled into one tasty meal.
I originally whipped these up during a hectic sports week when we needed food ready as soon as we got home. They've now become our end-of-week tradition, and everyone gets to pick their own toppings just like a regular pizza night.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: go for 80/20 for optimal taste and moisture
- Pizza sauce: pick a thicker one to keep your burger from dripping
- Pepperoni slices: they spread that classic pizza taste throughout
- Shredded mozzarella: it blends perfectly into the mix
- Mozzarella slices: gives you that stretchy cheese pull with every bite
- Soft rolls: try brioche or potato buns with these juicy burgers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Put a big skillet on medium high and cook your ground beef until it's fully browned, breaking it into small bits as you go. This usually takes around 7 to 8 minutes for 2 pounds.
- Drain the Fat:
- Put the cooked meat in a colander over a bowl or use a slotted spoon to move it to your slow cooker without the extra grease. Getting rid of extra fat keeps your burgers from getting too oily.
- Layer in Slow Cooker:
- Put the beef flat across the bottom of your slow cooker so everything cooks evenly and soaks up all the flavors.
- Add Pizza Elements:
- Mix in the pizza sauce and pepperoni bits, making sure everything gets well blended. The sauce should coat all the meat for that pizza taste in every bite.
- Slow Cook:
- Turn your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 3 hours. This long cooking time lets the pepperoni flavor soak through the meat and sauce.
- Add Cheese:
- When the time's up, sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over the beef mixture. It'll start melting into the sauce right away.
- Final Cooking:
- Put the lid back on and keep cooking for another 30 minutes until the cheese completely melts into the mix.
- Assemble Burgers:
- Cut and lightly toast your rolls if you want, then scoop plenty of the beef mixture onto the bottom half, add a slice of mozzarella and top with the other half of the bun.
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What I love most about these burgers is how the pepperoni flavors the whole mixture. My son who usually picks pepperoni off his pizza actually enjoys these burgers because the taste is mixed throughout without the chewy bits he doesn't like.
Make Ahead Options
These pizza burgers actually taste better the day after cooking when all the flavors have mixed together properly. You can make the full recipe up to 3 days early and keep it in the fridge. Just warm it up in a pan over medium heat, or microwave single portions for 1 to 2 minutes. They're perfect for busy nights when planning ahead saves you lots of time.
Serving Suggestions
While these burgers taste great on their own, setting up a DIY burger station makes it more fun. Put out extra pizza toppings like cooked mushrooms, sweet onions, black olives, and fresh basil. Give folks cheese choices beyond mozzarella such as provolone or parmesan. Offer both red sauce and pesto for different flavors. Round out your meal with a basic green salad and some garlic bread for the full pizza burger experience.
Dietary Adaptations
You can easily change these pizza burgers to fit different diets. For fewer carbs, wrap the meat mix in lettuce leaves or put it on roasted veggies instead of buns. If you don't eat beef, try ground turkey or chicken, but cook it less time so it won't dry out. Meat substitutes work great too—just brown them as the package says before adding to your slow cooker. If you can't have dairy, there are many plant-based cheeses that melt well for that real pizza feel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I try a different cheese?
Of course! Provolone, cheddar, or gouda can be swapped in to change up the flavors.
- → Can I prep these in advance?
Sure! Make the beef mix earlier, store it chilled, and reheat before you assemble your burgers.
- → What kind of bread works best?
Brioche or soft sandwich buns are perfect, but ciabatta or pretzel rolls also add great texture.
- → Can I throw on extra toppings?
Definitely! Customize with mushrooms, onions, jalapeños, or pickles to suit your style.
- → What pairs well with these burgers?
Go with a fresh salad, roast veggies, or classic fries to round out the meal.