Crock Pot Cheeseburgers Recipe

Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero: Crock Pot Cheeseburgers! This comforting slow-cooker recipe takes all the juicy, cheesy goodness of your favorite cheeseburger and transforms it into a creamy, crowd-pleasing sandwich filling that’s perfect for family dinners, backyard parties, or meal-prep lunches. The slow cooker does all the magic in melding savory beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and classic burger sauce flavors until they’re irresistibly scoopable. Whether you serve it on pillowy burger buns or stuff it into wraps, Crock Pot Cheeseburgers deliver pure comfort in every bite—and minimal cleanup to boot!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crock Pot Cheeseburgers lies in its short list of kitchen staples that come together for maximum flavor. Each ingredient adds its own personality—think savoriness, creaminess, a pop of tang, and that nostalgic cheeseburger color—making every mouthful special. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

• Lean ground beef (about 1½–2 lb): Go for lean to keep the mixture hearty but not greasy; it’s the savory foundation.
• Diced onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions work best.
• Minced garlic (optional): For extra flavor—skip or add more, depending on your garlic fandom.
• Yellow mustard and ketchup (or tomato sauce): Classic burger flavor in a bottle—don’t skimp, both are essential for that cheeseburger “zing.”
• Cubed Velveeta cheese (or shredded cheddar + splash of milk): This is where the magic happens; it melts into a glorious, creamy blanket around every bite of beef.
• Chopped dill pickles or relish: For tang and a punch of brightness—totally reminiscent of your favorite burger toppings.
• Salt and pepper: The unsung heroes that sharpen every flavor.
• Burger buns or wraps for serving: Soft buns are classic, but tortillas or lettuce wraps make a great alternative!

How to Make Crock Pot Cheeseburgers

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

Start with a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onions (toss in the garlic now if you’re using it). Cook, stirring and breaking the meat apart, until no pink remains and the onions turn soft and fragrant. This step unites the flavors and ensures your filling isn’t greasy—be sure to drain off the fat well!

Step 2: Transfer to the Crock Pot

Scoop the drained beef-onion mixture into your slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens! The even heat of the Crock Pot lets everything meld together into one glorious, spoonable cheeseburger filling.

Step 3: Add Flavorings and Cheese

Now it’s time to infuse those signature cheeseburger flavors. Stir in the mustard, ketchup (or tomato sauce), dill pickles or relish, salt, and pepper. If you love a slightly smoky or spicy kick, this is the time to add a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes. Top it off with the cubed Velveeta (or shredded cheddar and a splash of milk for a more natural cheese pull).

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the Crock Pot and let it do its thing on low for 2 to 6 hours. Stir every hour or two (if you’re home), making sure the cheese melts evenly and everything becomes that luscious, scoopable consistency. The mixture is ready when it’s creamy, hot, and your entire kitchen smells like cheeseburger paradise.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Give everything one final stir, then pile the cheesy beef mixture onto soft burger buns or sturdy wraps. Set out your favorite toppings (extra pickles, shredded lettuce, fresh tomato, more ketchup and mustard) and dig in! Crock Pot Cheeseburgers are seriously irresistible whether hot from the pot or piled high as leftovers.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cheeseburgers

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with the toppings! A classic cheeseburger is all about customization. Set out bowls of crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, punchy red onions, extra pickles, or sliced jalapeños. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or some crispy fried onions also adds a fun, gourmet touch. That little bit of extra freshness on top really makes Crock Pot Cheeseburgers sing.

Side Dishes

Every great burger needs an equally craveable sidekick. Serve these with crispy potato chips, classic french fries, sweet potato wedges, or a big bowl of coleslaw. For something lighter, a crunchy green salad or tangy pickled veggies are perfect for balance. These sides make each serving feel like a full-on diner experience, right at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bun! Try spooning your Crock Pot Cheeseburgers into hollowed-out baked potatoes for a cheesy, hearty lunch. Spoon the mixture onto mini slider buns for easy party bites, or tuck it into tortillas for a mashup of cheeseburger wraps. For a low-carb version, serve it over roasted veggies or inside lettuce cups. However you present it, the flavor always takes center stage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crock Pot Cheeseburgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as good (if not better) for lunches or quick dinners!

Freezing

To freeze, let the cheesy beef mixture cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as possible for best results. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Crock Pot Cheeseburgers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if the mixture looks a bit thick. Stir a few times while reheating for the creamiest texture. If you’re feeding a crowd, pop it back in the slow cooker on low until heated through.

FAQs

What’s the best cheese for Crock Pot Cheeseburgers?

Velveeta melts flawlessly and gives a silky, classic cheeseburger feel, but shredded cheddar with a little splash of milk works great for a more natural, sharp cheese flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or Swiss for fun twists!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative for dairy-free cheeseburgers, and simply pair the filling with gluten-free buns or wraps. The main mixture itself contains no gluten if you use a gluten-free ketchup and mustard.

How spicy is this filling?

Crock Pot Cheeseburgers are typically mild, but it’s easy to add a little kick by stirring in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne to taste. Guests can customize their own heat level with spicy toppings.

What kind of ground meat can I use?

Lean ground beef is classic, but ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully. Each brings its own personality—just keep an eye on seasoning, since leaner meats may need extra moisture or spices.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily—just use a larger slow cooker and give an occasional stir to make sure everything mixes smoothly. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd at potlucks, game days, or family reunions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so fun and cozy about tucking into Crock Pot Cheeseburgers, especially when you know the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. Trust me, once you share these with your crew, they’ll be asking for them again and again. Give this recipe a try and see just how deliciously easy cheeseburgers can be!

Print