Italian Pizza Burgers

Jazz up burger night with these loaded Italian Pizza Burgers! They're a big hit with both kids and adults alike!

I've been grilling up a storm this summer, and one of our family favorites are burgers. Both of my boys adore burgers, and since they got me a new grill for Mother's Day, they love them even more! I've learned to cook a burger to perfection, with beautiful grill marks on the outside, crispy edges and ooey gooey cheese, and the perfect tender pink center. After all these years, I finally did it!

I probably make burgers once a week now, so it's nice to changes things up a bit and not always eat them the same way. I came up with the idea to make Italian pizza burgers, and they have been a huge hit ever since we had them for the first time. A juicy burger patty topped with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. What could be better? If you love your veggies, some grilled mushrooms or peppers would be a fantastic addition, too.

Slow Cooker Italian Meat Sauce

As the school year winds down I find us even busier than usual. Field trips, award ceremonies, graduations, etc...it's all so much on top of an already crazy schedule. 

I find these are the best times to use my slow cooker. It's so easy to get things started first thing in the morning, then when dinnertime rolls around it's ready for us. And if it happens to be hot outside, you haven't steamed up your kitchen by using your oven! Another reason to love the old slow cooker.

This Italian meat sauce has been cooked many times before in my kitchen, but I'm finally getting around to sharing the recipe with you all. It's super delicious and makes a HUGE batch, so you have enough for dinner tonight and enough to freeze for another meal later. Score!

Slow Cooker Italian Meat Sauce
Recipe written by The Chef Next Door
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Ingredients: 
1 lb. Italian sausage
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 cup pre-chopped onion
8 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. can organic diced tomatoes, undrained 
(2) 15 oz. cans organic tomato sauce
6 oz. can organic tomato paste
1 Tbsp dried sweet basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 to 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, depending on how much heat you like

In a large skillet cook sausage, ground beef, onions, mushrooms and garlic over medium heat about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is no longer pink; drain.

Spoon the sausage and beef mixture into the slow cooker and stir in the remaining ingredients.

Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8 hours or high heat setting for 4 hours.

Cook up your favorite pasta and serve this tasty sauce on top.

Bon Appetit!