If you’ve got a craving for classic hamburger flavors but want to keep things fuss-free, these slow cooker cheeseburger sliders are just the ticket. Think tender ground beef, sweet onions, and creamy cheddar cheese coming together in a toasty, bite-size bun—perfect for a relaxed dinner or entertaining friends.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6–8 slices cheddar cheese, or about 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 12 slider buns
Instructions
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it up into small crumbles. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker and set it to low.
Next, stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This flavorful combination will give your sliders that signature tangy, savory edge. Cover the slow cooker and let the mixture simmer on low for 3–4 hours.
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the cheese (slices or shredded) over the beef mixture. Pop the lid back on and let it melt into a gooey layer of irresistible cheesiness. While you wait, lightly toast the slider buns under the broiler or on a hot skillet for extra crunch.
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, spoon the beef mixture onto the toasted slider buns, assemble, and enjoy. These little burgers are guaranteed to vanish from the plate in no time!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—tender, juicy beef infused with onion and tangy condiments, all bound together by molten cheese. It’s a breeze for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser at game-day parties, and it can be adapted to various dietary needs. Swap in turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option, and feel free to add extra toppings like pickles or bacon bits.
From the versatile ingredient list to its comforting flavors, these slow cooker cheeseburger sliders are a surefire way to bring everyone to the table with a smile. Enjoy!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
