Crock Pot Hamburger Dip

Crock Pot Hamburger Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dip loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty spices. Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering, this easy slow cooker dip stays warm and gooey for effortless snacking!

I first made this when I needed a no-fuss appetizer for a family get-together. The slow cooker did all the work, blending the rich flavors of beef, cheese, and spices into a smooth, irresistible dip. Served with tortilla chips, it disappeared in no time!

What’s great about this dip is how customizable it is. You can add jalapeños for heat, mix in salsa for extra flavor, or use a combination of cheeses for a deeper, more indulgent taste. Whether served with chips, crackers, or veggies, this crowd-pleaser is always a winner!

Perfect for:

Game day parties
Potlucks and gatherings
Holiday appetizers
Family movie nights
Quick and easy entertaining

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Crock Pot Hamburger Dip will become your go-to appetizer:

Rich and Cheesy: A blend of melted cheese and seasoned beef creates the ultimate creamy dip.
Effortless Preparation: Just brown the beef, mix ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work.
Perfect for Large Groups: This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Customizable Flavors: Add jalapeños, taco seasoning, or beans for a unique twist.
Great for Dipping: Pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and kept warm in the slow cooker.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple, budget-friendly pantry staples.
No-Fuss Cooking: A hands-off recipe that allows you to enjoy your event while it simmers.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a dip, over nachos, or in a bread bowl.
Irresistible Comfort Food: A warm, cheesy dip that satisfies every craving.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including slow cooker time)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (stovetop) + 2 hours (slow cooker)
Servings: 12 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Dip:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (16 oz) block processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings and Dippers:

Sliced jalapeños
Chopped green onions
Crumbled bacon
Tortilla chips
Crackers
Sliced bell peppers

Ingredient Highlights

Processed Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy texture.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and acidity.
Cream Cheese: Contributes extra creaminess and tang.
Seasoned Ground Beef: Provides a savory and hearty base.
Sour Cream: Balances the richness with a slight tang.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef Mixture:

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Drain Excess Grease: If necessary, drain the beef mixture to remove excess grease.
Season the Beef: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Slow Cook the Dip:

Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker.
Add Cheeses and Tomatoes: Stir in the cubed processed cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Set the Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to combine as the cheese melts.
Stir in Sour Cream: Once melted and smooth, add sour cream and stir well.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spice levels if needed.

Serve:

Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with green onions, jalapeños, or bacon crumbles before serving. Keep warm in the slow cooker while serving with chips or veggies.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crock Pot Hamburger Dip:

Classic with Tortilla Chips: The go-to pairing for a crunchy contrast.
Over Nachos: Drizzle over nachos for an easy snack.
In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a loaf of bread and serve inside.
With Crackers: A great choice for a crisp, salty complement.
As a Topping for Baked Potatoes: Adds a cheesy, meaty kick.
With Fresh Veggies: Serve with bell peppers, celery, or carrots for a low-carb option.
Alongside Soft Pretzels: The cheese dip pairs beautifully with soft, salted pretzels.
Over Fries: Turn regular fries into cheesy chili fries.
With Pita Chips: A sturdy alternative to tortilla chips.
For Stuffed Peppers: Spoon into mini bell peppers for a bite-sized treat.

Additional Tips

Use Lean Ground Beef – Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dip.
Brown the Meat First – Sauté the ground beef with onions and garlic before adding it to the crock pot for extra flavor.
Drain Excess Grease – After browning the beef, drain any excess grease to prevent an oily dip.
Add a Kick of Spice – Stir in a can of diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Mix in More Cheese – For an extra cheesy dip, add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
Keep it Smooth – Stir occasionally while cooking to keep the dip creamy and well-blended.
Use a Liner for Easy Cleanup – A slow cooker liner makes cleaning up effortless.
Make it Heartier – Add cooked sausage, black beans, or Rotel tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Keep it Warm for Serving – Set the crock pot to “warm” after cooking to keep the dip at the perfect temperature for dipping.
Serve with Variety – Offer tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, or even sliced veggies for dipping.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Tex-Mex Dip – Add a can of diced jalapeños, a packet of taco seasoning, and a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Philly Cheesesteak Dip – Swap ground beef for chopped steak and mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, and provolone cheese.
Chili Cheese Dip – Add a can of chili (with or without beans) for a heartier, chili-infused version.
Buffalo Cheeseburger Dip – Mix in ½ cup of buffalo sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese for a spicy, tangy flavor.
Pizza-Inspired Dip – Stir in mini pepperoni slices, a little pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning for a cheesy pizza twist.
Queso Blanco Dip – Swap out traditional Velveeta for white queso cheese and add chopped green chilies for a smooth, mild heat.
Southwest Black Bean Dip – Add a can of drained black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin for a smoky, Southwestern twist.
Mushroom Swiss Dip – Mix in sautéed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese for a rich, gourmet taste.

Special Equipment

Slow Cooker: Essential for melting and keeping the dip warm.
Large Skillet: For browning ground beef evenly.
Cheese Grater: If shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
Wooden Spoon: For stirring while cooking.
Serving Bowl: If transferring from the slow cooker for presentation.

FAQ Section

Can I make Crock Pot Hamburger Dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the slow cooker on low or use a microwave for quicker warming.
How long does Crock Pot Hamburger Dip last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Hamburger Dip?
Yes, but cheese-based dips may change texture when thawed. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat slowly in the crock pot.
What’s the best cheese to use for this dip?
Velveeta is a popular choice because it melts smoothly, but you can also use cream cheese, shredded cheddar, or a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even turkey sausage can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
How do I keep my dip from getting too thick?
Stir in small amounts of milk, broth, or salsa while heating to maintain a creamy consistency.
Can I add extra ingredients for more flavor?
Yes! Try adding jalapeños, diced tomatoes, green chilies, onions, or taco seasoning for extra spice and depth.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Hamburger Dip?
Tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, bread cubes, or fresh veggies like celery and bell peppers work great as dippers.
Can I cook this dip on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Brown the meat, add the ingredients, and stir over low heat until melted and combined.
How do I keep the dip warm for a party?
Keep your slow cooker on the “warm” setting and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Hamburger Dip is a rich, cheesy, and flavor-packed dip that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering. Made with seasoned ground beef, creamy melted cheese, and a hint of spice, this slow-cooked dip is irresistibly smooth and perfect for scooping with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.

This recipe is easy to customize—add jalapeños for extra heat, mix in diced tomatoes for freshness, or swap ground beef for beef sausage for a bolder flavor. Whether served straight from the slow cooker or transferred to a serving dish, this dip is sure to be a hit!

I can’t wait to see how your Crock Pot Hamburger Dip turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!