These slow cooker 5-ingredient pizza burgers are the kind of easy, cozy dinner that saves the day when everyone is hungry and you need something filling without much fuss. Using frozen beef patties, jarred pizza sauce, and a few classic pizza toppings gives you all those familiar family-favorite flavors in a warm, saucy sandwich that feels fun for kids and comforting for adults too.
Serve these pizza burgers on soft buns with a side of oven fries, a crisp green salad, carrot sticks, or fruit for an easy family meal. They also pair nicely with kettle chips, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta salad if you want to round things out for game day, casual get-togethers, or a busy weeknight supper.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pizza Burgers
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 frozen beef patties
1 jar (24 ounces) pizza sauce
1 package (6 ounces) sliced pepperoni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 hamburger buns
Directions
1. Place the frozen beef patties in the bottom of the slow cooker, overlapping slightly if needed.
2. Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the patties, then scatter the pepperoni over the top. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the patties are fully cooked and tender.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the patties during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking. Cover again and let the cheese melt.
4. Spoon each saucy patty onto a hamburger bun, adding extra sauce from the slow cooker if you like, and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Kid-Friendly Version: Leave off the pepperoni for little ones who prefer a simple cheesy pizza flavor. You can also cut the burgers in half before serving to make them easier for small hands to manage.
Extra Pizza Flavor: Add a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder over the sauce before cooking if you want a little more pizzeria-style taste without adding much work.
Toast the Buns: For a less soggy sandwich, lightly toast the hamburger buns before adding the saucy patties. This small step gives the burgers a nicer texture and helps them hold together better.
Cheese Swap: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or an Italian cheese blend melts beautifully too. If your family loves extra cheese, add a little more on top right before serving.
Make Cleanup Easier: If you like, use a slow cooker liner for simpler cleanup. Since the burgers cook in sauce, the crock can get a little messy, and this helps on busy nights.