Slow Cooker Pizza Turkey Burger Steaks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For added depth, you can lightly brown the turkey patties in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. While not strictly necessary, this step adds a nice caramelized exterior that some cooks prefer.

If you choose to do this, keep the browning time short so the patties do not finish cooking prematurely, then follow the remaining steps as written to ensure they remain succulent and tender throughout the final phase.

If you want to incorporate vegetables, thinly sliced bell peppers or onions can be added to the bottom of the slow cooker before placing the patties on top.

These vegetables will soften beautifully during the cooking process and absorb the savory juices from the meat and marinara. Just be sure to slice them thinly enough so they cook through at the same rate as the turkey, and adjust the total amount of sauce if needed.

Variations

• Spicy Pepperoni: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick that complements the pepperoni well.
• Cheesy Topped: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the patties to create a melted, gooey topping.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through to 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the patties are completely cooled to room temperature, but for no longer than two hours, before placing them in the fridge to maintain safety and quality. When storing, keep the patties submerged in a bit of the cooking sauce to prevent them from drying out during storage and subsequent reheating.

This dish is excellent for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the patties and sauce in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the base and start the slow cooker. This method is perfect for busy mornings when you want a hot dinner waiting for you in the evening without any additional preparation time.

Serving ideas

Serve these pizza-inspired turkey burger steaks directly from the slow cooker for a casual dinner. They pair exceptionally well with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even over a bed of cooked pasta or zucchini noodles to soak up the extra marinara sauce.

The goal is to keep the sides simple so the savory, herb-infused flavors of the turkey and pepperoni remain the star of the plate.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving the burger steaks on toasted buns with a slice of melted mozzarella cheese on top. The combination of the soft, flavorful turkey and the melted cheese creates a delicious experience that mimics a classic pizza sandwich.

Whatever side you choose, ensure everything is served warm to highlight the comforting nature of this slow-cooked dish and to fully appreciate the blend of Italian-inspired seasonings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pizza Turkey Burger Steaks

Prep 5 minCook 3 hRest 5 minTotal 3 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 count ground turkey patties
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw turkey patties into the bowl of your slow cooker in a single layer. Ensure they are arranged in a ring or flat across the bottom to cook evenly throughout the process.
2. Scatter the pepperoni slices over the raw turkey patties. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the top of the pepperoni and patties, then spoon the marinara sauce over everything to ensure each patty is well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or high for 1.5 to 2 hours. Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey patties reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the patties rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.