This Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Dip is the ultimate creamy, cheesy party appetizer—loaded with savory beef, crisp bacon, and all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger without the bun. You won’t believe how easy this slow cooker recipe is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed—just set it and forget it in your slow cooker.
- Crazy creamy texture thanks to room-temperature cream cheese.
- Hands-off cooking—perfect for busy days or game-day prep.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: bacon, beef, cheese, ketchup, and mustard in every bite.
- Prepares in under 15 minutes of active time—great for last-minute parties.
- Keeps warm for hours—ideal for buffet tables and potlucks.
- Easily customizable: swap cheeses or toss in diced pickles for tang.
- Kid-approved, adult-celebrated—everyone reaches for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7; turkey or plant-based beef substitute works)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (hickory-smoked recommended)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (full fat for best creaminess)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (mix half pepper jack for a kick)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
- 2 tbsp ketchup (heirloom tomato variety if you like richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard (Dijon works too)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup white or sweet onion, finely diced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions or dill pickle slices, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until golden and crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble once cool. (Tip: Reserve 1 tsp bacon fat for extra flavor in your beef.)
- Brown the beef: Drain excess fat, then add ground beef to the same skillet with reserved bacon fat. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, cook until no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes, breaking meat into bite-size pieces with a spatula.
- Prep the slow cooker: Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or lightly coat with olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Combine base ingredients: In the slow cooker, add softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, diced onion, and garlic powder. Stir gently to combine.
- Add proteins: Fold in the cooked ground beef and crumbled bacon, stirring until everything is evenly distributed through the creamy mixture.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring once halfway through. You’re looking for a silky-smooth dip—if it’s still chunky, give it another 15–20 minutes.
- Final stir & taste test: Give the dip a final stir, taste, and adjust salt or pepper if needed. The texture should be smooth and the cheese fully melted.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a warmed serving bowl or keep on the slow cooker’s WARM setting. Top with chopped green onions or diced pickles. Serve with sturdy dippers like kettle chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggie sticks.
Servings & Timing
Makes 12 servings as an appetizer
Prep Time: 15 minutes active (chopping, crumbling bacon, softening cream cheese)
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes on LOW (including a mid-cook stir)
Total Time: 2 hours (set-and-forget convenience!)
Variations
- Bacon-Jalapeño: Stir in ¼ cup pickled jalapeños before cooking for a spicy twist.
- Cheeseburger Club: Add diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce right before serving.
- Clean-Eating Swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and lean ground turkey.
- Vegan Friendly: Replace beef with plant-based crumbles, cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and vegan cheddar.
- Extra Cheesy: Toss in ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup pepper jack for triple cheese bliss.
- Dipper Duo: Mix in crushed tortilla chips, then scoop back onto chips for crunchy cheeseburger nachos.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 60–90 seconds, stirring halfway. Or warm in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe on HIGH instead of LOW?
A: Yes—cook on HIGH for 1 hour, stirring at 30 minutes, but LOW gives cream cheese more time to melt smoothly.
Q: Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese first?
A: Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a lump-free, silky dip—skip it, and you’ll chase chunks.
Q: My dip is too thick—how do I loosen it?
A: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk or sour cream during the final stir to achieve your desired creaminess.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—assemble in the slow cooker base, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add the slow cooker insert just before cooking.
Q: What are the best dippers for this dip?
A: Kettle chips, pretzel crisps, toasted sourdough, or crisp vegetable sticks all pair beautifully with this hearty, cheesy dip.
Q: How do I adjust the recipe for higher altitude or drier climates?
A: Add a touch more moisture—1–2 tablespoons of milk or ketchup—to compensate for drier air.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes—combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat, stirring constantly until cheese melts, about 10–12 minutes.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: The dip itself is gluten-free; just serve with GF crackers or chips.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Dip is your new go-to for effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer magic—creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon and beef. Give it a try at your next gathering, then come back to let me know how many seconds your guests went for! Don’t forget to explore my other easy slow cooker appetizers for more party-winning ideas.
Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7)
- 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup white onion finely diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- green onions or dill pickles chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
- Using reserved bacon fat, brown ground beef in the same skillet until no pink remains; season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spray a 4-quart slow cooker insert with nonstick spray or brush lightly with oil.
- Add softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and garlic powder to the slow cooker; stir gently.
- Stir cooked ground beef and crumbled bacon into the creamy base until evenly distributed.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1¾ hours, stirring halfway, until the dip is smooth and fully melted.
- Stir again, taste, and add salt or pepper if needed; thin with a tablespoon of milk if too thick.
- Switch to WARM setting, top with chopped green onions or pickles, and serve with chips or veggies.
Notes
Nutrition
