Introduction
Looking for a comfort food dinner that’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor? These Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Cheddar Beef Patties combine juicy ground beef patties, tangy ranch seasoning, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce — all cooked low and slow for maximum tenderness.
It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 large egg
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 small onion, finely minced (optional)
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Beef Patties
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, and half the cheddar cheese.
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Shape into 6–8 patties.
2. Brown the Patties (Optional but Recommended)
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for 2 minutes per side until golden (they don’t need to be cooked through).
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This step locks in flavor and prevents patties from falling apart.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker
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Place patties into the slow cooker.
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Pour in beef broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
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In the last 30 minutes, whisk together cream and cornstarch slurry; stir into slow cooker.
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Add remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover and cook until sauce thickens and cheese melts.
5. Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Tips for Best Results
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Use lean beef if you prefer less grease in the slow cooker.
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Browning the patties adds flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
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Adjust thickness of sauce by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
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Mushroom Ranch Patties: Stir in sliced mushrooms for extra richness.
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Cheddar Bacon Patties: Add crumbled cooked bacon to beef mixture for smoky flavor.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze patties with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in slow cooker or stovetop.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Cheddar Beef Patties are the ultimate comfort food dinner — cheesy, creamy, and effortlessly delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, your slow cooker does all the work, making this a family favorite you’ll make again and again.