As the temperatures dip and chilly days set in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade soup, and this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe delivers just that—comfort in every spoonful. Slow cooker recipes are a favorite during the colder months, allowing flavors to meld together over hours and creating rich, delicious meals with minimal hands-on time. The crockpot not only makes the process simple but also fills the house with the cozy aroma of a hearty, simmering meal.
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup takes all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger—savory beef, melty cheese, and a touch of garlic—and transforms them into a creamy, warming soup. Every bowl has a rich, smooth texture that satisfies like a traditional burger but is made extra soothing with the addition of heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and flavorful vegetables. The soup also offers endless opportunities for customization; top it off with crispy bacon bits, extra cheese, fresh green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to make each bowl a unique experience. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping, this easy crockpot recipe is bound to become a new cold-weather favorite, bringing the deliciousness of a cheeseburger to every cozy meal.
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup combines a mix of simple ingredients that together create a satisfying, flavorful dish. Ground beef is the star of the recipe, bringing a hearty, savory richness and a dose of protein that’s key to the cheeseburger experience. Meanwhile, shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream add the creamy, comforting texture and tangy cheesiness that make this soup feel indulgent, giving it the signature cheeseburger essence.
The soup also includes a hearty blend of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery, which provide texture, nutrients, and a subtle sweetness that balances the dish. A can of diced tomatoes contributes acidity and brightness, enhancing the depth of flavor without overpowering the cheeseburger profile. To elevate these ingredients, a mix of spices and seasonings—including Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, and oregano—brings an extra savory note, giving each bite a satisfying complexity.
For those who love to customize, there are plenty of optional toppings that take this dish to the next level. Try adding extra shredded cheese for more richness, crispy bacon bits for crunch, chopped green onions for freshness, or a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and tang. Each topping allows you to make your bowl of cheeseburger soup uniquely yours.
Creating the perfect Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup involves a few easy steps, each designed to build layers of flavor and achieve a creamy, hearty consistency.
Step 1: Cooking the Ground Beef
Start by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cooking the beef until it’s well-browned adds depth to the flavor of the soup. As the beef browns, use a spatula to break it into small pieces. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy soup base and transfer the beef directly to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sautéing Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sautéing these aromatics for a few minutes until they’re soft and fragrant is crucial for building a rich flavor base. Once the onion becomes translucent, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Adding the Vegetables and Broth
Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and a can of diced tomatoes (with juices) to the slow cooker, along with low-sodium beef broth. Layering these ingredients ensures that each component has a chance to contribute to the overall taste. You can substitute vegetable broth if desired or adjust the vegetables according to personal preference (try bell peppers or corn for a twist).
Step 4: Slow Cooking
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, creating a depth of taste that brings out the cheeseburger essence in every bite.
Step 5: Adding Cheese and Cream
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Adding dairy toward the end prevents it from curdling, ensuring a creamy texture that blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
Step 6: Seasoning and Adjusting
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed with salt and pepper. This step allows you to balance the flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Serving Suggestions
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Consider extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add texture, richness, and a personalized touch to each bowl. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is best served hot and ready to warm you up!
The Crockpot is an ideal tool for making Cheeseburger Soup because of its unique slow-cooking abilities, which allow flavors to develop deeply over time. By cooking the ingredients at a low, steady temperature, the crockpot draws out the best qualities in each component—letting the flavors meld together, enhancing the beef’s savoriness, and softening the vegetables to a perfect, tender texture. This method is especially useful for soups like Cheeseburger Soup, where achieving a rich, creamy consistency is key.
One of the greatest advantages of slow cooking is that it frees up kitchen time. Once the ingredients are combined, you can let the crockpot handle the rest, giving you the flexibility to go about your day without needing to monitor the stove. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a hearty, warming meal ready to serve without any last-minute work.
The crockpot method not only creates a comforting, creamy soup but also gives you control over the final texture and taste. Stirring the soup occasionally (if convenient) can help evenly distribute ingredients and prevent sticking, while using the right crockpot size (a 4- to 6-quart model works well for this recipe) helps everything cook evenly. Additionally, avoid overcooking by following the recommended times (6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high). By using the Crockpot’s gradual cooking process, you’ll enjoy a Cheeseburger Soup with a balance of flavors and a rich, smooth texture that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.
Customizing your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup allows you to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some easy adjustments to make it just right for everyone:
Adjusting Ingredients
For a lighter or leaner version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef, which still delivers rich flavor while reducing fat. For a lower-carb option, replace potatoes with diced cauliflower, which holds up well in soups and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Additions for Extra Flavor
If you like a bit of heat, add green chilies or diced jalapeños to give the soup a spicy kick. For a smokier depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin. Another option is adding bacon bits or cooking the ground beef with a touch of soy sauce for an umami boost.
Making it Vegetarian
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground alternative, like soy crumbles or lentils for a protein boost. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to keep the base rich and flavorful. You can also increase the vegetables by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or extra tomatoes to create a hearty texture. With these adjustments, you’ll have a plant-based soup that still captures the comforting essence of cheeseburger flavors.
Storing and reheating Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is simple, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeks. Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it to perfection.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. For short-term storage, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate; it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label with the date to help you keep track.
Reheating Tips
To reheat on the stovetop, warm the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dairy from curdling. For microwaving, transfer a serving to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating and prevent the soup from becoming too hot too quickly.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, Cheeseburger Soup keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheating slowly and gently helps maintain the soup’s creamy texture and delicious flavors, making it just as comforting the second time around.
Nutritional Information and Health Tips
Each serving of Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup provides an estimated 350-400 calories, 20-25 grams of protein, and 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients. To make this recipe a bit lighter, consider replacing heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, which reduces fat without sacrificing too much creaminess. Reducing the shredded cheese from 2 cups to 1.5 cups also cuts calories while still maintaining that signature cheeseburger flavor. Additionally, using lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) can lower fat content without compromising on protein, making each bowl just as satisfying but a bit healthier.
FAQs: Answering Common Questions
Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
Yes! To make on the stovetop, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients except for the cream and cheese. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to an hour, until the vegetables are tender. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté setting for the beef, onions, and garlic, then add everything but the cheese and cream. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release and add cheese and cream.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, pre-cooked ground beef works fine in this recipe and can save time. However, freshly cooked beef may add a bit more flavor since it’s directly incorporated. If using pre-cooked, just add it to the crockpot with the other ingredients.
What’s the best cheese for this soup?
Cheddar cheese is ideal for its creamy melt and classic cheeseburger taste. However, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of Parmesan can work well for different flavor profiles.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you’d like a thicker consistency, try adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of water) to the soup. Stir it in toward the end and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, this soup can be made gluten-free. Just ensure that your beef broth and any added seasonings (like Worcestershire sauce) are labeled gluten-free, as some broths and sauces contain gluten.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile but will still keep the soup hearty and delicious.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, replace heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. This will give a similar creamy texture while accommodating dietary needs.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal, as they hold their shape and add a creamy texture. However, if you prefer, you can use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
Can I add pasta to this soup?
Absolutely! Adding small pasta shapes, like macaroni or small shells, during the last 30 minutes of cooking can make the soup even heartier. Just be sure to add extra broth to keep the consistency just right.
How can I prevent the cheese from clumping?
To keep cheese from clumping, add it gradually and stir constantly. Shredding your own cheese (instead of using pre-shredded) helps, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort meal, combining all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl perfect for cozying up on chilly days. Its rich, savory taste, tender vegetables, and melty cheese make each spoonful irresistibly satisfying. Plus, the ease of slow cooking means you get all-day flavor with minimal effort, freeing you up to relax while it simmers. With endless ways to personalize it—whether with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh green onions—this soup invites you to make it uniquely yours. Try it today and create your perfect bowl of cheeseburger bliss!
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Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Description
A warm, creamy soup that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl, perfect for any chilly day. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
2️⃣ Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
3️⃣ Combine ingredients: Add the beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
4️⃣ Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
5️⃣ Add cheese and cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
6️⃣ Taste and season: Adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.
7️⃣ Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6.5 – 8.5 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: ~390 kcal per serving (without toppings)
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half of the beef broth with chicken broth or add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Low-carb option: Swap out potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter version.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.