Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again with this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe! Imagine all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger transformed into a creamy, cozy bowl of soup that practically cooks itself. It’s rich, hearty, and loaded with beef, tender veggies, and plenty of melty cheddar, making it a weeknight dinner hero or a crowd-pleasing dish for any casual gathering. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work, so you can focus on gathering everyone around the table for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup proves that simple, everyday ingredients can create something absolutely crave-worthy. Each component plays a starring role, from the savory beef to the creamy cheese, bringing authentic cheeseburger flavor and irresistible texture to every spoonful.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The foundation of that classic cheeseburger flavor—opt for lean if you prefer, or try ground turkey for a lighter twist.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and depth, rounding out the savory notes of the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just two cloves bring a lovely aromatic kick you’ll notice in every bite.
- Peeled & Diced Potatoes (2 cups): These make the soup hearty and give it that perfect, scoopable texture.
- Shredded Carrots (1 cup): For a hint of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Diced Celery (1/2 cup): Offers a subtle crunch and savory undertone that balances the richness.
- Chicken or Beef Broth (3 cups): The flavorful base that ties everything together—both work beautifully, so use your favorite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for highlighting all those robust flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle herby lift that pairs so well with the cheese.
- Dried Parsley (1/2 teaspoon): For a touch of freshness and color.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the soup to that dreamy, spoon-coating consistency.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup): Helps make the roux and adds a hint of richness—don’t skip it!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): The star of the show—choose sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Whole Milk (1 1/2 cups): Makes the soup ultra-creamy and luscious.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Stirred in at the end for a tangy, velvety finish.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything softens and your kitchen smells amazing. This step builds the base of umami flavor your Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is famous for.
Step 2: Layer in the Veggies and Broth
Transfer your beef mixture to the slow cooker. Now, pile in the diced potatoes, shredded carrots, and celery. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, sprinkle in the salt, pepper, dried basil, and parsley, then give everything a good stir. This step sets the stage for a soup that’s both hearty and full of vibrant, comforting flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic: cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are fork-tender and the aroma has everyone circling the kitchen. The Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe really shines here, as patience transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Make the Roux and Add Creaminess
About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux—this is what thickens the soup and gives it that luxurious consistency. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and creamy, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker and stir until melted and incorporated, transforming the soup into a cheesy, silky dream. Right before serving, swirl in the sour cream for a tangy finish that makes every bite irresistible. Your Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Take your bowl over the top with classic cheeseburger fixings! Sprinkle on crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar, or even a few diced pickles for a fun and flavorful twist. These garnishes not only bring color and crunch but also let everyone customize their own bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with some toasty breadsticks, a simple green salad, or even a platter of oven-baked fries really completes the experience. The soup’s rich, cheesy base is made for dunking, so don’t forget something crusty on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful touch, serve your Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls or small mason jars for parties. Add little skewers of mini pickles or cherry tomatoes as edible “burger” toppers for a whimsical presentation that’s sure to spark conversation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup only gets better as it sits! Allow leftovers to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld and deepen, making your next bowl even more satisfying.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It keeps well for up to three months. Just note that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy, but a good stir after reheating will bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. Microwave reheating works too—just use a lower power setting and stir every minute to keep it creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this cozy bowl with peace of mind.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, both ground turkey and chicken make excellent, lighter alternatives. They’ll still soak up the cheesy goodness and create a soup that feels just as hearty as the classic version.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe. They cook down to a soft, creamy texture that thickens the soup beautifully, but any potato you have on hand will work in a pinch.
How can I make the soup even thicker?
If you love a super thick soup, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot before adding the cheese. This will give the soup extra body and make it even more satisfying.
Is it okay to prepare the soup a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, the Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that tastes even better after a night in the fridge. Just reheat gently and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for just one more bowl. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a new family favorite!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, hearty soup. Made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for an effortless weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and rich in taste. The slow cooker method allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully while giving you the convenience of hands-off cooking.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Thickening & Dairy
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, shredded carrots, diced celery, broth, salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir well to combine.
- Cook soup: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
- Prepare roux and milk mixture: About 30 minutes before serving, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Finish the soup: Stir the milk and roux mixture into the slow cooker. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Add sour cream and serve: Just before serving, stir in the sour cream until combined. Serve hot with optional toppings like crumbled bacon, green onions, or extra cheese.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot before adding the cheese.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein variation.
- Leftovers store well and the flavors intensify, making it taste even better the next day.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
