Description
Tender beef patties simmered in a rich, creamy ranch sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This simple slow cooker meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 frozen beef patties
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen beef patties in a single layer on the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure to arrange them evenly to ensure they cook properly and receive equal coverage from the sauce.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, beef broth, and heavy cream until completely combined. The ranch seasoning will add flavor while the liquid will create the base for your creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Add Sauce to Patties: Pour the liquid mixture over the beef patties in the slow cooker, making sure they are fully submerged. This will allow the patties to cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking process will ensure the beef patties become tender while developing a rich flavor profile.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, combining it well with the existing sauce. This will help thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef patties. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Final Seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The ranch seasoning contains salt, so be careful not to over-salt.
Notes
- For best results, use regular (not lean) beef patties as they’ll remain more tender during slow cooking.
- You can substitute frozen patties with fresh ones, but reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes.
- For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 155mg