Introduction
Crockpot Cheeseburgers are my go-to meal for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. I love how these Crockpot Cheeseburgers transform simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with rich flavors, resulting in tender, juicy beef that's perfectly complemented by gooey melted cheese. What I adore most about this recipe is how it captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger while offering a unique twist that's both convenient and delicious. The aroma that fills my kitchen as these simmer is simply irresistible!
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 4-6 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 8 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, additional ketchup and mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, allowing it to develop a nice crust for extra flavor. The sizzling sound and beefy aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step 2
Once the beef is browned (about 5-7 minutes), drain excess fat if desired. I usually leave a little for flavor, but it's up to you. Transfer the beef to your crockpot.
Step 3
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should look saucy and smell amazing!
Step 4
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the meat becomes. I often start this before work and come home to a mouthwatering meal.
Step 5
About 10 minutes before serving, place the cheese slices on top of the meat mixture. Cover and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6
While the cheese is melting, lightly toast your hamburger buns. I like to brush them with a little butter and pop them under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 7
Use a slotted spoon to scoop the cheesy meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. The slotted spoon helps drain excess liquid, ensuring your buns don't get soggy. Add your favorite toppings - I love the crunch of fresh lettuce and the tang of dill pickles.
Step 8
Serve your Crockpot Cheeseburgers immediately while they're hot and the cheese is still gooey. I like to wrap them in foil if I'm taking them to a potluck or tailgate party to keep them warm and delicious.
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter version, try using lean ground turkey instead of beef. You can also swap the buns for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. For dairy-free or vegan diets, use plant-based cheese alternatives and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly. Gluten-free buns or portobello mushroom caps make great gluten-free alternatives to traditional hamburger buns.
Storing Tips
Leftover meat mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion the cooled meat into freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, I like to add a splash of beef broth to keep the meat moist. Pro tip: make extra and freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals!
