Cheeseburger Soup Crock Pot Recipe

When the weather turns cooler and comfort food cravings hit, few dishes hit the spot like a hearty, satisfying soup. But what if you could have all the goodness of a classic cheeseburger, but in soup form? Enter Cheeseburger Soup, a creamy, savory dish that combines the flavors of a delicious cheeseburger with the warmth and comfort of a bowl of soup.

This recipe uses a Crock Pot (or slow cooker), which means it’s essentially a throw-it-all-in-and-forget-about-it kind of meal. You get the rich, beefy goodness with the melting cheese, savory seasonings, and creamy texture that will make you think you’re biting into your favorite burger, but in a soupier form. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a tailgate party, this soup is sure to please!

Let’s break down the whole process-from the ingredients to expert tips and a few variations to make it your own.

Cheeseburger Soup Crock Pot Recipe

This simple, yet indulgent recipe is everything you want in a soup: easy to make, full of flavor, and oh-so-comforting. It’s the perfect balance of rich beef, creamy broth, and melted cheese. It also involves minimal prep-perfect for busy evenings or when you’re just craving something cozy without a lot of work. So let’s dive into it!

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need to bring this hearty soup to life:

• Ground beef (1 lb.): This is your base protein for the soup. Ground beef is ideal because it mimics the texture and flavor of a cheeseburger. You can go for lean beef, but for a richer flavor, a slightly fattier cut (like 80/20) works best.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Onions add that classic savory depth of flavor. Sauté them before adding to the Crock Pot for a slightly sweeter taste, or add them raw for a sharper bite.
• Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced): Carrots provide a subtle sweetness and crunch, which balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Potatoes (3 medium, peeled and diced): Potatoes give the soup a hearty feel and help thicken the broth. Russets or Yukon Golds are the best choices for this recipe.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic adds a fragrant, savory base that complements the beef and cheese perfectly.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): A flavorful broth is essential to bring all the ingredients together and give the soup that comforting liquid base.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): This is what gives the soup its creamy, velvety texture. If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can swap it with half-and-half or even milk, but the heavy cream adds that luxurious mouthfeel.
• Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): This is the star ingredient that makes the soup taste like a cheeseburger. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives the soup that tangy, creamy finish.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning is key to elevate all the flavors. You can adjust this to your personal taste.
• Bacon (optional, 2 slices, cooked and crumbled): For that true cheeseburger experience, crispy bacon bits add an extra layer of flavor.
• Pickles (optional, sliced, for garnish): If you’re a fan of pickle-topped burgers, a few pickle slices on top can bring that tangy, refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered everything, let’s get into how to put it all together:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring it’s cooked through. Drain off any excess fat, then transfer the beef to the Crock Pot.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, chop the onion, carrots, and potatoes. Once the beef is in the slow cooker, add these vegetables along with the minced garlic.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to mix the ingredients evenly.
4. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender, and the flavors should be well developed by this point.
5. Add Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt, turning the soup wonderfully creamy.
6. Garnish (Optional): If you’re using bacon, sprinkle the crumbled bits over the top of the soup. Add a few pickle slices for a nice burst of tanginess. Serve and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients in this recipe and why they work so well together:

• Ground Beef: The choice of beef is essential because it provides the soup with the rich, savory flavor you’d expect from a cheeseburger. The fat content in the beef gives the soup a fuller, more satisfying taste.
• Potatoes: The potatoes don’t just thicken the soup-they give it that heartiness that makes it filling. Their mild flavor also balances the rich beef and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cheese is what makes this soup “cheeseburger soup”. It adds creaminess and sharpness that replicates the experience of eating a cheeseburger, but in liquid form.
• Pickles: While optional, pickles are a surprisingly perfect addition. Their tangy, crunchy texture contrasts the soup’s richness, just like on a traditional burger.
• Bacon: Adding bacon gives a smoky, crispy element that plays off the creamy base and mimics the toppings you’d find on a cheeseburger.

Expert Tips

• Use lean beef if you prefer a lighter soup: While 80/20 beef gives great flavor, using leaner beef (like 90/10) can reduce the richness a bit. You can always add a dollop of sour cream or extra cheese for a little indulgence without the excess fat.
• Don’t skip the slow cooking time: Slow cooking brings out the best in this soup. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the potatoes cook to the perfect softness. Don’t rush it by cooking on high for too short a time.
• Customize the cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can get creative with different cheese varieties. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses can add a unique twist to the soup.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes as you stir to release their starch. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based protein or lentils for a vegetarian take on this soup. You’ll still get the creamy, cheesy goodness with a more plant-forward approach.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a little heat by mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This adds a spicy kick that complements the creaminess of the soup.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or even corn to make the soup more filling and nutritious.

Final Words

Cheeseburger Soup is an absolute game-changer when it comes to cozy comfort food. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look forward to the colder months, as it brings that warm, hearty feeling with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or sharing it with family at a gathering, this soup will surely be a hit.