These slow cooker 5-ingredient chili cheese burgers are the kind of practical, comforting dinner that earns a permanent place in a busy household. Using frozen beef patties and jarred hot dog chili keeps the prep especially simple, while the slow cooker turns everything tender, savory, and melty by dinnertime. It is a smart shortcut recipe with classic diner-style flavors: beef, chili, cheese, onion, and soft buns.
Serve these burgers with kettle chips, oven fries, pickle spears, or a crisp slaw to balance the richness. If you want to lean into the comfort-food angle, baked beans or macaroni salad work nicely too. For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or a cold sparkling water are easy matches for the saucy, cheesy filling.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chili Cheese Burgers
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 frozen raw beef patties
1 jar hot dog chili, about 10 to 15 ounces
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely diced onion
4 hamburger buns
Directions
1. Lightly coat the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray if desired. Arrange the frozen beef patties in the bottom of the slow cooker, overlapping slightly if needed.
2. Spoon the jarred hot dog chili evenly over the patties, making sure the tops are well covered. Scatter the diced onion over the chili.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the burgers are fully cooked through and tender. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover again until melted.
4. Spoon each burger onto a bun, top with extra chili from the slow cooker, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make it spicier: Stir a few spoonfuls of diced pickled jalapenos into the chili before cooking, or add pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a sharper heat.
Use the right bun: Soft hamburger buns are easiest here because the burgers are saucy. If you like, toast the buns lightly so they hold up a little better under the chili.
Add toppings at the end: A little yellow mustard, sliced pickles, or extra raw onion can brighten the richness. Set them out at the table so everyone can build their own burger.
Check doneness carefully: Because slow cookers vary, use an instant-read thermometer if you have one. The center of each burger should reach 160°F before serving.
Keep cleanup simple: A slow cooker liner can make this recipe even easier on a weeknight, especially since melted cheese and chili tend to cling to the insert.