Irresistible Crock Pot BBQ Burger
If you love a juicy barbecue burger but don’t want to stand over a hot grill, these Crock Pot Barbecue Burgers are the perfect solution.
GLUTEN FREE LUNCH RECIPESGLUTEN FREE DINNER RECIPE
Lauren Vasnelis
7/21/20264 min read
Crock Pot Barbecue Burgers
If you love a juicy barbecue burger but don’t want to stand over a hot grill, these Crock Pot Barbecue Burgers are the perfect solution. Slowly cooked in rich barbecue sauce, they’re incredibly tender, flavorful, and practically foolproof. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers delicious burgers with very little hands-on work.
These burgers are naturally gluten-free when served on your favorite gluten-free bun, and they’re easy to keep dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using your favorite dairy-free alternative. Top them with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, bacon, extra barbecue sauce, or cheese to make them your own.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–3½ hours
Ingredients
Burgers
1½ pounds ground beef (or substitute a meatloaf blend—typically a combination of beef, pork, and veal—for an even juicier, more tender burger)
1 tablespoon oregano
1½ tablespoons onion powder
1½ tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon Tabitha Brown Like Sweet Like Smoky Seasoning
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
1½ cups barbecue sauce
For Serving
Schar Gluten-Free Ciabatta Rolls
Lettuce
Tomato
Extra barbecue sauce
Cheese (regular or dairy-free)
Bacon
Instructions
Place the ground beef into a large mixing bowl.
Add the oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, Tabitha Brown Like Sweet Like Smoky Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix until the seasonings are evenly incorporated throughout the beef. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal burger patties. If you’d prefer smaller burgers and have a larger crock pot, you can certainly make more patties, but remember that the cook time may vary.
Place the burgers in a single layer in the bottom of your crock pot.
Pour the barbecue sauce over the burgers, making sure they’re completely covered. I like to gently flip each burger once after adding the sauce so both sides are coated. This also helps prevent the burgers from sticking to the bottom of the crock pot.
Cover and cook for 3 to 3½ hours. Three hours will give you a slightly juicier burger, while 3½ hours will result in a more well-done burger.
Carefully remove the burgers from the crock pot.
Serve immediately on your favorite gluten-free bun—or any bun if gluten isn’t a concern. They’re also delicious served over a fresh salad.
Top with lettuce, tomato, bacon, extra barbecue sauce, cheese, or your favorite burger toppings, and enjoy!
Lauren’s Tips 💛
Don’t Overmix the Beef
Mix the seasonings into the beef only until everything is evenly combined. Overworking the meat can make the burgers denser and less tender.
Coat Both Sides in Barbecue Sauce
After pouring the barbecue sauce over the burgers, gently flip each one once so both sides are coated. This helps keep the burgers moist and prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the crock pot.
Cook to Your Preferred Doneness
I recommend checking the burgers around the 3-hour mark. Three hours produces a slightly juicier burger, while 3½ hours gives you a more well-done burger. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so use these times as a guide.
Try a Meatloaf Blend
If you really want to take these burgers to the next level, try using a meatloaf blend instead of plain ground beef. Most grocery stores sell it already prepared, and it’s typically a combination of beef, pork, and veal. The pork adds richness, the veal makes the burgers extra tender, and the beef still provides that classic burger flavor. It’s one of my favorite substitutions because the burgers stay incredibly juicy while soaking up all of that delicious barbecue sauce.
Notes
The burgers will shrink slightly while cooking. This is completely normal with ground beef, so don’t be surprised if they’re a little smaller once they’re finished.
I love using Schar Gluten-Free Ciabatta Rolls because they’re sturdy enough to hold these juicy burgers without falling apart.
Cheese is completely optional. I made these dairy-free, but regular cheese or your favorite dairy-free cheese are both delicious additions.
These burgers are incredibly versatile. Serve them on a bun, over a salad, or even chopped over roasted potatoes for an easy meal.
Please check ingredient labels carefully. While all of my recipes are designed to be gluten-free, not every product I use is certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a meatloaf blend instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! A meatloaf blend—typically made with beef, pork, and veal—creates an even juicier, more tender burger. It’s one of my favorite substitutions for this recipe.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes! Ground turkey works well, although it’s leaner than beef. Be careful not to overcook it so it stays juicy.
Do I have to use the Tabitha Brown seasoning?
Not at all. I love the smoky sweetness it adds, but you can substitute your favorite smoky seasoning blend if you’d like.
Can I make smaller burgers?
Absolutely. Just remember that smaller patties will cook a little faster, so begin checking them before the 3-hour mark.
What are your favorite toppings?
I love serving these with lettuce, tomato, bacon, extra barbecue sauce, and occasionally cheese. Pick your favorites and make them your own!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These burgers reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
Can I freeze these burgers?
Absolutely. Let the burgers cool completely, then freeze them in their barbecue sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.