These Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Cheddar Beef Patties transform simple frozen beef patties into a luxurious, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The beef slowly simmers in a rich ranch-infused sauce, absorbing all the savory flavors while becoming tender enough to cut with just a fork. This comfort food classic is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set it and forget it – just a few minutes of prep time and your slow cooker does all the work
• Budget-friendly – uses affordable frozen beef patties that become tender and flavorful
• Kid-approved – the creamy ranch and cheddar combination is a hit with the whole family
• Versatile – serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal
• Perfect for meal prep – makes excellent leftovers and can be frozen for future meals

Ingredients

• Beef Patties: Use frozen beef patties for convenience – no need to thaw them first. You can substitute with fresh patties if preferred.
• Ranch Seasoning: The star flavor-maker in this recipe. For a homemade alternative, combine dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Beef Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake, or substitute with chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, rich texture of the sauce. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but medium or mild works well too. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated melts more smoothly.
• Cornstarch: The thickening agent for the sauce. Arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative for those avoiding corn products.
• Salt and Pepper: For final seasoning adjustments – add to taste after cooking, as the ranch seasoning already contains salt.

Variations

Mushroom Onion Ranch Patties

Add sliced mushrooms and diced onions to the slow cooker at the beginning of cooking. They’ll soften and release delicious flavors into the sauce while adding extra texture and nutrients to the dish.

Spicy Ranch Patties

Kick up the heat by adding 1-2 diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. For extra spice, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of or in addition to the cheddar.

Italian Ranch Fusion

Add Italian seasoning and substitute half of the cheddar with mozzarella or provolone cheese. Serve with a side of garlic bread for an Italian-American fusion meal that combines the best of both cuisine styles.

Bacon Ranch Patties

Crumble cooked bacon into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or use it as a garnish when serving. The smoky flavor of bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy ranch sauce and adds a delightful crispy texture contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Arrange Patties

Place the frozen beef patties in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they aren’t overlapping too much for even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ranch Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, beef broth, and heavy cream until smooth and well combined. Take your time with this step to ensure the ranch powder fully dissolves for a smooth, flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Pour the ranch sauce mixture over the beef patties, making sure they’re completely covered. Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat yields the most tender results.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, mixing gently around the patties to incorporate it throughout the sauce without breaking them apart.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the patties and sauce. Cover again and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t open the lid during cooking unless necessary – each peek releases heat and adds 15-20 minutes to the cooking time
• For extra flavor, sear the frozen patties in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker
• If your sauce is too thin after adding the cornstarch, leave the lid off for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to help reduce the sauce
• Want more sauce? Double the broth and cream quantities (keeping the same ratio) if you plan to serve over pasta or rice
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor
• For a deeper flavor, replace part of the beef broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine

How to Serve

These Creamy Ranch Cheddar Beef Patties are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. The most popular way is to place them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich sauce to mingle with the potatoes. They’re also delicious served over buttered egg noodles, rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

For a complete meal, pair with simple steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots. The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over the vegetables too. A side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the main dish.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese for an appealing presentation. A piece of crusty bread or dinner roll on the side is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and planning ahead. You can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the insert into your slow cooker and turn it on.

The finished dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, or warm gently on the stovetop in a covered pan.

For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add a splash of cream or beef broth when reheating if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beef patties instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh beef patties work perfectly in this recipe. You’ll likely need to reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours, as frozen patties take longer to cook through and become tender.

How can I make this recipe lower in fat?

To reduce the fat content, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Another option is to use lean ground beef patties or even ground turkey patties as alternatives.

My sauce is too thin. How can I fix it?

If your sauce is still too thin after adding the cornstarch slurry, you can make another slurry with 1-2 additional teaspoons of cornstarch and a little cold water. Alternatively, remove the lid and cook on high for 20-30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the patties first (optional), then add all ingredients except cheese and cornstarch. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Then add the cornstarch slurry and cheese, using the sauté function to thicken the sauce.

What can I do if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

You can make your own ranch seasoning with a mixture of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, Italian seasoning or onion soup mix can provide different but equally delicious flavor profiles.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Cheddar Beef Patties are the definition of effortless comfort food. With just minutes of prep time, your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender beef, creamy ranch sauce, and melted cheddar creates a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite in your regular meal rotation. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without the fuss – your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

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