Crockpot Cheeseburgers 
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
Buns, for serving
Cheese slices, for serving
Pickles, for serving
Directions:
Prep the Beef Mixture: Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onions turn translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once the beef mixture is cooked, transfer it to your slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, ketchup, and mustard until everything is well combined.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Remember to stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking and to distribute the flavors evenly.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheeseburger mixture is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve! Scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto buns and top with additional cheese slices and pickles for that classic cheeseburger experience.
Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Crockpot Cheeseburgers:
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta? Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with your favorite cheese. Cheddar, American, or Swiss cheese are popular choices. Just make sure to cube or shred the cheese before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later? Absolutely! You can prepare the cheeseburger mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat until warmed through.
- Can I add other toppings to my Crockpot Cheeseburgers? Definitely! Feel free to customize your cheeseburgers with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onions, bacon, or avocado. Get creative and make it your own!
- How can I prevent the cheese from becoming too thick or clumpy in the slow cooker? To prevent the cheese from becoming too thick or clumpy, stir the mixture occasionally while it’s cooking in the slow cooker. If the cheese sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- What type of buns are best for serving Crockpot Cheeseburgers? You can use any type of buns you prefer for serving Crockpot Cheeseburgers. Classic hamburger buns work well, but you can also use brioche buns, pretzel buns, or whole wheat buns for a healthier option.
- Can I double the recipe if I’m serving a large crowd? Absolutely! You can easily double or even triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker to accommodate the increased quantity.
- Can I freeze leftovers of Crockpot Cheeseburgers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Crockpot Cheeseburgers for future meals. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Crockpot Cheeseburgers by using plant-based ground beef substitute and omitting the meat. You can also add additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
Here are some tips and secrets to achieve the perfect Crockpot Cheeseburgers:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess grease and ensure a juicy, flavorful result.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Cooking the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor and reduces any raw taste.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.
- Cut Velveeta Cheese into Small Cubes: Cutting the Velveeta cheese into small cubes ensures it melts evenly and creates a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir the cheeseburger mixture occasionally while it cooks in the slow cooker to distribute the flavors evenly and prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency: If the cheese sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or beef broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking on low heat for 3 to 4 hours allows the flavors to meld together and ensures tender, juicy meat without overcooking.
- Choose the Right Bun: Select sturdy buns that can hold up to the juicy cheeseburger mixture without becoming soggy. Toasting the buns lightly before serving can also add a nice crunch.
- Customize Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and bacon so everyone can customize their cheeseburgers to their liking.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finishing the cheeseburgers with fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Reheat with Care: If reheating leftovers, do so gently to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. Use a low heat setting on the stove or microwave, and add a splash of water or milk if needed to maintain moisture.
- Double the Recipe for Crowds: If serving a crowd, feel free to double or triple the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased quantity.
- Freeze for Future Meals: Crockpot Cheeseburger mixture freezes well for future meals. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Experiment with Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations of the recipe. You can add ingredients like bacon, jalapeños, mushrooms, or different types of cheese to customize the flavor to your preferences.
- Enjoy with Sides: Serve Crockpot Cheeseburgers with classic sides like French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.