Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Slow-Cooked Crockpot Cheeseburgers. This dish combines savory ground beef, melted Velveeta cheese, and tangy ketchup and mustard for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these cheeseburgers offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Serve them on soft buns with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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1½ pounds lean ground beef
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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2 tablespoons mustard
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Buns, for serving
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Cheese slices (optional)
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Pickles (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink, and onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cubed Velveeta cheese, ketchup, and mustard until well combined.
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Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
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Serve the cheesy beef mixture on buns. Top with additional cheese slices and pickles for a classic cheeseburger experience.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Slow-Cooked Crockpot Cheeseburgers
Slow-Cooked Crockpot Cheeseburgers are the answer to every comfort food lover’s dream. Imagine biting into a soft burger bun overflowing with rich, cheesy beef that has been simmered to perfection for hours. Unlike the traditional grilled or pan-fried version, these cheeseburgers are made right in the slow cooker, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully and creating a creamy, crave-worthy filling that brings the essence of a cheeseburger in a completely new way. Perfect for families, game-day feasts, or weeknight meals, this recipe transforms a fast-food favorite into a slow-cooked sensation.
Why Make Cheeseburgers in a Crockpot?
The first question most people ask is, “Why a crockpot?” The beauty of using a slow cooker lies in its hands-off cooking method. While typical cheeseburgers require constant attention on the grill or stovetop, this crockpot version allows you to simply prepare the meat mixture, add the ingredients, and let the appliance do all the work. The slow-cooking process breaks down the beef gently, infuses it with flavor, and melts the cheese to a rich, creamy consistency that is difficult to achieve on a grill. Plus, there’s no need to worry about flipping patties or managing multiple burger orders — you serve the beef mixture straight from the pot, making it a fantastic low-effort, high-reward recipe.
Flavor Profile and Texture
What makes these cheeseburgers truly special is the flavor and texture. The ground beef is seasoned and browned beforehand, ensuring a deep umami base. As it simmers slowly in the crockpot with Velveeta cheese, ketchup, and mustard, the flavors develop a well-rounded, tangy, and creamy profile. The texture becomes rich and almost dip-like — spoonable rather than sliceable — which is why many fans of this recipe refer to it as a “cheeseburger sloppy joe.” It’s a saucy, cheesy, meaty mix that clings perfectly to the bun, creating a hearty bite each time.
Serving Suggestions
These crockpot cheeseburgers are incredibly versatile in how they can be served. The classic way is to ladle the meat mixture onto hamburger buns and add optional toppings such as pickles, sliced cheese, shredded lettuce, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also serve it on toasted brioche or pretzel buns for a gourmet twist. For a low-carb option, scoop the mixture into lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens.
You might also get creative with how this mixture is used. Think cheeseburger sliders on mini buns for party appetizers, or serve it as a cheesy beef dip with tortilla chips at game nights. Kids love it, adults crave it, and the leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day.
Pairing and Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider pairing these crockpot cheeseburgers with classic side dishes. Crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges are always a winning choice. Coleslaw provides a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich meat, while a simple green salad adds freshness and balances the meal. Onion rings, tater tots, and baked beans also pair beautifully.
For drinks, go with a chilled soda, iced tea, or even a cold beer for adults. The flavor profile of these cheeseburgers leans hearty and savory, so refreshing, acidic drinks help cut through the richness.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Another major advantage of this recipe is its convenience when it comes to storage and meal prep. You can easily double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd or want to save some for later. The beef mixture stores well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, and it’s ready to serve again.
If you’re prepping this for a party or potluck, you can even keep the crockpot on warm during the event and allow guests to serve themselves. It’s a hassle-free solution that keeps everyone satisfied and the host stress-free.
Perfect for Entertaining
Crockpot cheeseburgers shine at casual gatherings. Whether it’s a family movie night, a tailgate party, or a summer cookout where the grill’s already full, this dish offers an easy, crowd-pleasing alternative. It travels well and stays warm for hours, making it a potluck favorite. You can even set up a DIY burger bar with different buns, toppings, and sauces so guests can customize their creations.
Kid-Friendly and Budget-Friendly
Families with kids will especially appreciate how accessible this recipe is. It’s not only quick to prepare but also kid-approved. The creamy texture and mild flavor make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet. With simple ingredients like ground beef, processed cheese, and basic condiments, this meal delivers on flavor without breaking the bank.
Compared to dining out or ordering burgers from a restaurant, you can feed a whole family with just a few dollars per serving. The leftovers also make for great packed lunches, and the recipe can be adjusted for smaller or larger quantities depending on your needs.
Variations to Try
The beauty of this dish lies in how easy it is to customize. Want a little heat? Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Prefer a smokier flavor? Use smoked cheddar instead of Velveeta or add a touch of liquid smoke. You can also mix in crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra gourmet touch.
Vegetarians in the house? Try substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and follow the same instructions — you’ll be amazed at how similar the results can be.
You can also experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even cream cheese can work beautifully, depending on your taste preferences.
Nutritional Considerations
While this isn’t exactly a “light” dish, it can be modified to fit various dietary needs. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version. Opt for low-fat cheese and whole-grain buns to boost nutrition. Serving it in lettuce wraps cuts out the carbs entirely, which is great for keto or low-carb diets.
What’s great is that you control every ingredient, which makes this recipe far healthier than fast food or frozen alternatives. You can skip added sugars, reduce sodium, and use organic or grass-fed beef if desired.
Conclusion
Slow-Cooked Crockpot Cheeseburgers are an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and crave-worthiness. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, hosting a casual get-together, or just want to prep a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe checks all the boxes. It delivers all the nostalgic flavors of a classic cheeseburger but with the creamy, melty texture that only a crockpot can deliver.
It’s endlessly adaptable, budget-conscious, and loved by all ages. Once you try it, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. From weeknight dinners to weekend parties, this slow-cooked cheeseburger recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone coming back for more.