If you are craving all the juicy, cheesy, smoky goodness of a backyard burger party without the hassle of flipping patties and firing up the grill, this Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe is absolutely the answer. It’s an irresistible blend of browned ground beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and tangy BBQ sauce slow-cooked to melty perfection. This dip delivers every bit of that classic cheeseburger flavor you love, in a warm, ooey-gooey form that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe, it will become your go-to crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one is essential, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color that transform simple components into a show-stopping dip. From smoky bacon to melty cheeses and zesty BBQ sauce, these ingredients will have your taste buds dancing.
- Bacon (8 slices, chopped): Adds smoky crunch and savory depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base of the dip, delivering that classic burger flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Brings a smooth and creamy texture that ties all the flavors together.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 1/2 cups): Provides melty stretch and subtle milky flavor.
- Shredded cheddar (1 cup): Adds a sharp, tangy kick and vibrant color.
- Diced tomatoes (1 14.5-ounce can): Introduces freshness and a slight acidity to balance richness.
- BBQ sauce (1 cup): The soul of the dish, offering sweet, smoky, and tangy notes (low carb or keto options work great too!).
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that lifts the savory profile.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Bacon and Beef
Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully crisp and mouthwatering. Remove it with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Next, add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up gently with a spatula. This step ensures you capture all those bacon grease bits to flavor the beef, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In the skillet with the browned beef, stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, cheddar, diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, Italian seasoning, and the cooked bacon (reserve some crispy bacon for garnish if you like). Mix everything thoroughly while the mixture is still warm, which helps the cream cheese melt and the flavors marry beautifully before transferring to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Hot and Bubbly
Transfer your cheesy meat mixture into a 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker. Set it on low heat and let it work its magic for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooker will gently heat everything until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is wonderfully melted, creating that irresistible dip-ready texture. Give it a good stir before serving so every spoonful hits just right.
How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon on top adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip underneath. You can also add finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley to brighten the presentation and add a hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
This dip shines brightest when paired with sturdy dippers like kettle-cooked potato chips, buttery crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers. They add balance and texture, perfect for scooping up all that cheesy, meaty goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transfer the dip into individual mini cast iron skillets or cute ramekins to serve guests their personal helping. You can also scoop it into a hollowed-out loaf of crusty bread or fill small toasted bread cups for a delightful finger food variation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the party, simply transfer any leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dip freezes really well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy this dip again warm and melty, reheat it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to make sure it reheats evenly and maintains that creamy cheeseburger goodness you loved the first time.
FAQs
Can I make this dip without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can simmer the mixture on the stove in a heavy pan over low heat, stirring often, until everything is hot and bubbly. Just keep an eye on it to prevent sticking or burning.
What types of BBQ sauce work best?
For this dip, thick and tangy BBQ sauces balance beautifully with the richness of the cheese and meat. If you want a low carb or keto-friendly dip, look for sugar-free BBQ sauces to keep it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a way to add more veggies?
You can easily boost the veggie content by stirring in finely diced onions, bell peppers, or even some corn kernels with the other ingredients before slow cooking. They add sweetness and extra texture without overpowering the cheeseburger vibe.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted to lighten up the dip. Just be sure to brown the meat thoroughly to develop flavor, and remember that the cooking time in the slow cooker might be slightly less.
How spicy is this dip, and can I make it hotter?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly by default. If you like a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a swirl of hot sauce to the mix before cooking. It’s a delicious way to jazz it up without losing that classic barbecue cheeseburger flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyous about gathering around a warm pot of this Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe—whether it’s game night, a casual get-together, or just because. The combination of smoky bacon, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce elevated by slow cooking makes for a dip that satisfies every craving and leaves everyone asking for more. So grab your slow cooker, stock your ingredients, and get ready to swoon over this new favorite that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.
Print
Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dip is a warm, savory appetizer combining crispy bacon, ground beef, cream cheese, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses with BBQ sauce and diced tomatoes. Perfect for parties or game day, it’s easy to prepare and slow cook until hot and bubbly, served best with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Ingredients
Meats
- 8 slices bacon, chopped (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
- 1 pound ground beef
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use low-carb or keto BBQ sauce if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Brown Bacon and Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving some for garnish if desired. Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. If you prefer, you can cook the bacon and beef together without setting any bacon aside for garnish.
- Finish Prep: Stir the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes (with juices), BBQ sauce, and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the cooked ground beef and bacon. Mix everything together until well combined and the cream cheese begins to soften.
- Slow Cook: Transfer the entire mixture to a 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheeses are fully melted. Stir well before serving to evenly distribute ingredients and flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the dip into a serving bowl or keep warm in the slow cooker. Garnish with any reserved crispy bacon if desired. Serve with your choice of chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the BBQ sauce with a low-sugar or keto-friendly version to reduce carbs.
- To make cleanup easier, spray the slow cooker insert with a non-stick cooking spray before adding the mixture.
- This dip can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting for up to an hour before serving.
- If you don’t have mozzarella cheese, feel free to use all cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
