Crockpot Cheeseburgers Recipe

The Juiciest Crockpot Cheeseburgers Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting delectable crockpot cheeseburgers can turn an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering experience.

Slow-cooking transforms ground beef into tender, juicy perfection.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious coating that makes every bite irresistible.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without complicated kitchen maneuvers.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in your trusty appliance.

Comfort food meets convenience with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Anticipate smiles and satisfied appetites when you serve these hearty sandwiches.

Reasons to Love Crockpot Cheeseburgers

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, perfect for busy families and home cooks wanting delicious meals with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic cheeseburger flavors transformed into a hearty, crowd-friendly dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its familiar and nostalgic taste profile.
  • Quick Ingredient Fusion: Blend ground beef, cheese, and classic condiments in one pot, creating a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor satisfaction.
  • Budget-Friendly Option: Use affordable ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and basic condiments to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Cheeseburgers

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides the hearty foundation for the cheeseburger mixture.
  • Onion: Adds sweet and savory flavor to enhance the meat's taste.
Sauce Components:
  • Ketchup, Mustard: Create a tangy and classic burger-style flavor profile.
Cheese and Serving:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts and binds the meat mixture with rich, creamy goodness.
  • Hamburger Buns: Serves as the traditional vehicle for serving the cheeseburger mixture.

How to Prepare Crockpot Cheeseburgers

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Onions

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onions, cooking until the meat is completely browned and the onions become soft and translucent. Make sure to break up the beef into small crumbles while cooking. Once done, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Stir ketchup and mustard into the cooked beef and onion mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the tangy, savory sauce. The combination will create a delicious base that mimics classic cheeseburger flavors.

Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot

Pour the seasoned beef mixture into the crockpot. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, gently stirring to distribute the cheese throughout the meat. This will help the cheese melt and create a creamy, rich texture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 3-4 hours, which will help the flavors meld together and create a tender, juicy filling. The slow cooking process ensures the meat remains moist and the cheese becomes wonderfully melted.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the hot, cheesy beef mixture onto fresh hamburger buns. The result is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that captures all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a convenient slow-cooker format. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Crockpot Cheeseburgers

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish.
  • Add extra cheese for a more indulgent, gooey texture that melts perfectly.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious taste.
  • Toast hamburger buns lightly before serving to add a crisp, golden crunch that complements the soft, cheesy beef mixture.

Variations for Crockpot Cheeseburgers

  • Spicy Southwest Crockpot Cheeseburgers: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Crockpot Cheeseburgers: Mix in crumbled feta, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  • BBQ Ranch Crockpot Cheeseburgers: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce, add ranch seasoning, and use cheddar cheese for a tangy, smoky profile.
  • Bacon Chive Crockpot Cheeseburgers: Fold in crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, and Swiss cheese for a rich, savory combination.

Pairing Ideas for Crockpot Cheeseburgers

  • Elevate Burger Flavor: Pair these crockpot cheeseburgers with crisp dill pickles and tangy coleslaw for a classic burger experience that adds crunch and freshness.
  • Perfect Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or light lager to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the cheeseburger, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall taste.
  • Bright Side Salad: Serve a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the hearty burger, providing a refreshing contrast and adding nutritional value to the meal.
  • Cool Beverage Match: Grab an ice-cold root beer or craft cola to create a nostalgic diner-style meal that brings out the comfort food essence of these slow-cooked cheeseburgers.

Proper Storage for Crockpot Cheeseburgers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly and cheese melts smoothly.

FAQs About Crockpot Cheeseburgers

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for beef in this recipe.

  • How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild flavors and cheesy texture make it a hit with children.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can brown the beef and mix ingredients the night before, then refrigerate and start the crockpot in the morning.

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Crockpot Cheeseburgers Recipe

Crockpot Cheeseburgers Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot cheeseburgers deliver comfort wrapped in savory layers of melted cheese and seasoned ground beef. Slow-cooked simplicity brings classic diner flavors home, ensuring satisfying bites that invite warm memories of backyard barbecues.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Condiments and Sauces:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons mustard

Bread:

  • 8 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture using a colander, then return to skillet.
  3. Incorporate ketchup and mustard into the beef, stirring thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  4. Transfer seasoned meat mixture into the crockpot, gently folding in shredded cheese until well distributed.
  5. Cover crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing contents to meld and warm for 2-3 hours, ensuring cheese melts completely and flavors intensify.
  6. Once heated through and cheese is fully melted, carefully spoon the cheeseburger mixture onto soft hamburger buns.
  7. Serve immediately while warm, offering additional condiments like pickles or extra cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the dish soggy and unappetizing.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version that reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss to customize the taste profile and add exciting complexity.
  • Consider using low-sodium ketchup and mustard for individuals watching their salt intake, maintaining the delicious burger essence while being diet-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 617
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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