Crockpot Cheeseburgers With Herb Cream Cheese Swirl

Craving a juicy, flavorful cheeseburger but don’t want to fire up the grill? Look no further! These Crockpot Cheeseburgers with Herb Cream Cheese Swirl are the answer to your comfort food dreams. This recipe takes the classic cheeseburger and elevates it with a luscious herb-infused cream cheese center, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The result is incredibly tender, flavorful burgers with a delightful surprise inside. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these cheeseburgers are guaranteed to be a hit!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• 1 kg (2.2 lb) Ground Beef (80% Lean): The foundation of our burgers! Using 80% lean ground beef provides a good balance of flavor and moisture, ensuring juicy burgers. You can adjust the lean-to-fat ratio to your preference, but be mindful that leaner beef may result in a drier burger.
• 200g (7 oz) Cheddar Cheese, Sliced: Classic cheddar provides that melty, gooey goodness we all love on a cheeseburger. Sliced cheddar melts evenly and covers the patties beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
• 100g (3.5 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: This is where the magic happens! Softened cream cheese is essential for creating a smooth, spreadable base for our herb swirl. Make sure it’s truly softened to avoid lumps.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the cream cheese swirl. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is preferred for its robust flavor, but curly parsley can be used in a pinch.
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Chives, Minced: Chives contribute a delicate oniony flavor that complements the parsley beautifully. Ensure they are finely minced for even distribution within the cream cheese.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Garlic Powder: A staple seasoning that adds a savory depth to the burgers. Garlic powder is convenient and provides consistent flavor.
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) Smoked Paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor profile. Smoked paprika isn’t spicy, but it does impart a wonderful smoky aroma.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to Taste: Essential for seasoning! Don’t be shy with the pepper – it adds a nice bite.
• 1 Large Onion, Thinly Sliced: The caramelized onions form a flavorful base in the crockpot, adding sweetness and depth to the burgers. Thinly slicing ensures they cook down nicely.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions, olive oil provides a healthy fat and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) Low-Sodium Halal Beef Broth: This provides moisture during the slow cooking process, preventing the burgers from drying out. Using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. Halal beef broth is used to cater to dietary preferences.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang to the cooking liquid.
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Mustard (Yellow or Dijon): Provides a bright, tangy bite that balances the sweetness of the ketchup. Dijon mustard will offer a more complex flavor.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Soy Sauce (Tamari): A secret ingredient for adding umami depth and richness. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Chipotle Paste: This adds a smoky heat and a beautiful color to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• 4 Hamburger Buns, Toasted (Optional): For serving! Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Loosely Packed: A vibrant garnish that adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.

Crafting the Perfect Crockpot Cheeseburger: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Herb Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped parsley, minced chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, consistent texture. This swirl isn’t just about flavor; the cream cheese helps keep the burgers incredibly moist during the slow cooking process. Set aside for later use.
2. Form the Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into eight equal portions, aiming for approximately 125g (4.5oz) per patty. Gently flatten each portion into a thin patty, about 1cm (½ inch) thick. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can result in tough burgers.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Burgers: This is where the magic happens! Place a 2cm (¾ inch) round of the prepared herb cream cheese mixture in the center of four of the patties. Carefully top each with another patty, pressing the edges firmly together to completely seal in the creamy center. Ensuring a tight seal prevents the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
4. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until they become soft, translucent, and lightly caramelized – this should take about 6-8 minutes. The caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, adding a depth of flavor to the overall dish. Transfer the caramelized onions to the bottom of your crockpot, spreading them in an even layer. This creates a flavorful base for the burgers.
5. Layer the Burgers in the Crockpot: Arrange the stuffed burger patties on top of the caramelized onions in a single layer. If your crockpot is on the smaller side, you can gently stack the burgers, but be sure to keep the cream cheese centers facing upward to prevent them from pressing against the side of the crockpot.
6. Add the Cheddar and Sauce: Lay a slice of cheddar cheese over each patty. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and chipotle paste until well combined. This sauce provides moisture, flavor, and a beautiful glaze as the burgers cook. Pour the sauce evenly over the burgers, ensuring they are all coated.
7. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. The low and slow cooking method ensures the beef is cooked through, incredibly tender, and infused with all the delicious flavors. The interior cheese swirl will become molten and slightly browned at the edges.
8. Toast the Buns (Optional) & Serve: While the burgers are finishing cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired. To serve, place a burger on the bottom half of a bun (or directly on a plate), drizzle with a spoonful of the remaining pan sauce from the crockpot, scatter with fresh cilantro leaves, and top with the other half of the bun.

Why This Crockpot Method Works Wonders

Slow cooking is a game-changer for burgers. The extended, gentle heat breaks down the muscle fibers in the beef, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy patties. The crockpot environment also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with traditional grilling or pan-frying. The addition of the herb cream cheese swirl adds a luxurious richness and keeps the burgers moist, while the chipotle paste provides a subtle smoky heat that complements the beef perfectly.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor

Don’t skimp on the caramelizing of the onions! This step is crucial for building a flavorful base. Also, using a good quality beef broth and soy sauce (or tamari) will significantly enhance the umami depth of the sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture.

Customizing Your Crockpot Cheeseburgers

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would all work well. You can also adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chipotle paste. Other additions, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of bacon bits, can also elevate the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

Crockpot cheeseburgers are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Classic options include french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a simple coleslaw. For a healthier option, consider a side salad or steamed vegetables. A creamy potato salad or baked beans also complement the burgers nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of ground beef? Yes, you can. However, using an 80% lean ground beef will result in the juiciest burgers.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the burgers and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• What if I don’t have chipotle paste? You can substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

These Crockpot Cheeseburgers with Herb Cream Cheese Swirl are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of tender beef, creamy cheese, and smoky flavors is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

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• Author: Alyssa Bennett
• Total Time: 3-6 hours
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

Enjoy a juicy, flavorful cheeseburger without the grill! These Crockpot Cheeseburgers feature a luscious herb-infused cream cheese center, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker for incredibly tender results.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) Ground Beef (80% Lean), foundation of the burgers
• 200g (7 oz) Cheddar Cheese, Sliced, for melty goodness
• 100g (3.5 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened, for a smooth swirl
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped, adds herbaceous flavor
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Chives, Minced, contributes oniony flavor
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Garlic Powder, for savory depth
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) Smoked Paprika, adds smokiness
• Salt and Pepper, to Taste, essential seasoning
• 1 Large Onion, Thinly Sliced, for caramelized sweetness
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil, for sautéing onions
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) Low-Sodium Halal Beef Broth, provides moisture
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Ketchup, adds sweetness and tang
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Mustard, provides tang
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Soy Sauce (Tamari), adds umami
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Chipotle Paste, adds smoky heat
• 4 Hamburger Buns, Toasted (Optional), for serving
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Make Cream Cheese Swirl: Combine cream cheese, parsley, chives, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
2. Form Burger Patties: Divide beef into 8 portions and flatten into thin patties.
3. Stuff Burgers: Place cream cheese in center of 4 patties, top with remaining patties, and seal edges.
4. Caramelize Onions: Sauté onions in olive oil until softened and caramelized.
5. Layer in Crockpot: Place onions at the bottom, then add stuffed burgers.
6. Add Cheddar & Sauce: Top patties with cheddar, then pour over broth, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and chipotle paste.
7. Slow Cook: Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
8. Serve: Toast buns (optional) and serve with sauce and cilantro.

Notes

For best results, don’t overwork the beef when forming patties. Caramelizing the onions is key to building flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg