Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, a savory, creamy, and hearty dish that captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger in a bowl. Imagine the rich, meaty goodness of a cheeseburger, blended with the creamy texture of a smooth soup, all slow-cooked to perfection. This easy slow cooker recipe is designed to give you that satisfying cheeseburger flavor with minimal effort.
What makes it even better is that it’s the kind of dish you can throw together in the morning and let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ll be welcomed by the irresistible aroma of melted cheese, tender beef, and perfectly seasoned vegetables. You can even customize it to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, a quick dinner to feed a crowd, or a comforting dish to serve at a gathering, this Cheeseburger Soup hits all the marks. Ready to dive into this deliciously creamy world of cheesy, meaty goodness? Let’s get started!
Cheeseburger Soup Slow Cooker Recipe
This slow cooker cheeseburger soup recipe is not only super easy to make, but it also delivers a rich, hearty, and satisfying flavor. The slow cooker is your best friend here, allowing you to set it, forget it, and come back to a bowl of pure comfort. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make the perfect Cheeseburger Soup!
Ingredients Needed
For the base of the soup, you’ll need the following ingredients that come together to give it a cheeseburger-inspired flavor with a creamy twist:
- Ground Beef – The heart of this soup, giving it that meaty cheeseburger taste. Opt for lean beef to avoid excess fat, but a little fat will help give the soup that juicy richness.
- Potatoes – These provide a starchy element that thickens the soup and makes it extra comforting. They’re like the burger bun in this soup!
- Yellow Onion – For that sweet and savory undertone. You could also use a red onion for a sharper flavor, but yellow onions work best for this dish.
- Carrots – A pop of color and natural sweetness. You don’t need to overdo it, but a couple of chopped carrots balance the savory meatiness.
- Celery – Adds crunch and freshness to the soup, giving it more texture and depth.
- Beef Broth – The savory, flavorful liquid base that ties everything together. You can use low-sodium beef broth if you prefer to control the salt content.
- Cheddar Cheese – A cheesy soup is nothing without it! Sharp cheddar works best for a strong, bold flavor, but you can mix in other types like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique twist.
- Milk or Heavy Cream – This helps give the soup its creamy consistency. Milk will give a lighter texture, while heavy cream will make it indulgently rich.
- Garlic – A few cloves of garlic, minced, to add that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Seasonings – A combination of salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika or mustard powder. These seasonings will enhance the depth of flavor and give it that slight ’burger’ essence.
- Optional Garnishes – Fresh parsley, crumbled bacon, or extra shredded cheese for topping.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make the slow cooker magic happen:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, break it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Dice the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces, making sure everything is uniform for even cooking.
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Layer Everything In The Slow Cooker
- Once the beef is browned and drained, add it to your slow cooker.
- Toss in the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. Sprinkle in the minced garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the ingredients are just covered.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika (or mustard powder), and any other preferred seasonings.
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Set And Forget
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The key here is to let the ingredients slowly meld together, with the potatoes becoming tender and the flavors fully developing.
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Add Creaminess
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk or heavy cream to give it that velvety texture.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted into the soup. The cheese will make the soup thicker and creamier, so keep stirring until everything is well-combined.
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Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes like extra cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh parsley for a bit of brightness and crunch.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a pivotal role in delivering that comforting, cheeseburger-inspired flavor:
- Ground Beef: The richness of the beef is key. It’s not just a protein; it infuses the soup with the unmistakable heartiness of a cheeseburger.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a natural thickener, absorbing the broth and giving the soup a more substantial feel, much like the texture of a thick burger patty.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese adds both flavor and texture, but using multiple cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile.
- Broth & Dairy: The combination of beef broth and dairy (milk or cream) is what creates that silky texture we crave in creamy soups.
Expert Tips
- Brown the Beef First: Always brown your ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This step helps lock in the flavors and prevents the soup from becoming too greasy.
- Cut Ingredients Evenly: To ensure that your soup cooks evenly, make sure all your vegetables are cut into similar sizes.
- Go Slow with the Dairy: When adding the cream and cheese, be careful not to add them too early, or they could separate. Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add Extra Flavor with Bacon: Want to take your cheeseburger soup to the next level? Crumbled bacon as a garnish adds a smoky, crispy texture that mimics the savory flavor of a bacon cheeseburger.
- Control the Salt: If you’re using pre-packaged broth, taste the soup before adding salt since the broth may already be salty enough.
Recipe Variations
While the original recipe is fantastic on its own, here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or even lentils for a meat-free option. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce. You could even stir in a bit of chili powder or cayenne for more heat.
- Keto-Friendly: If you’re following a keto diet, swap out the potatoes for cauliflower florets. Cauliflower mimics the texture of potatoes without the carbs.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist, or use a mix of cheddar and Gruyère for a more gourmet flavor.
Final Words
Cheeseburger Soup is a meal that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia all in one. It’s a dish that brings people together-whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in. With the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable to fit your tastes.