If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender ground beef and potatoes, this soup brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger to life with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, feeding a crowd, or just want a stress-free dinner, this recipe blends simplicity and comforting tastes effortlessly for a cozy meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe lies in the straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own delicious touch to the pot. Every component enhances the flavor or texture, coming together for a full-bodied, crowd-pleasing dish.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor without too much fat, perfect for browning and slow cooking.
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): These potatoes break down slightly, adding heartiness and a silky texture.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, softening beautifully as it cooks.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: A subtle sweetness and vibrant color that balances the savoriness.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together with savory richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup at the end, delivering creamy, tangy cheeseburger vibes.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite and bring out the best flavors.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning your lean ground beef. This step is key because it’s where the foundation of flavor is built—rendering out some fat and caramelizing the beef for that classic taste. Once browned, be sure to drain any excess grease so your soup doesn’t get too oily.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in the slow cooker
Next, add the browned beef along with the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth directly into your slow cooker. This all-in-one approach makes the cooking process so simple and hands-off. The beef broth acts as the flavorful liquid base that will slowly infuse all the ingredients.
Step 3: Season the soup
Sprinkle in your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These seasonings may seem basic, but they bring a lovely balance and depth that bring out the cheeseburger appeal. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the flavors before cooking.
Step 4: Slow cook to perfection
Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer lets the potatoes soften, the veggies cook down, and all those flavors meld into a rich, delicious soup. By the end, you’ll have tender, flavorful ingredients ready to be transformed into a cheesy delight.
Step 5: Add the cheese and serve
Right before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This final touch is what turns your soup from tasty to irresistibly creamy and cheesy, just like biting into a classic cheeseburger in soup form. Serve hot and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe with simple garnishes like freshly chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits. These add a punch of flavor and texture that make eating your soup even more enjoyable. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese also never disappoints.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with classic sides that complement its cozy, hearty nature. Think warm crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even a crisp green salad for freshness. For a playful twist, serve with some crispy French fries to really capture that cheeseburger vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch. You can also top the soup with mini slider buns on the side or create a “cheeseburger bar” with toppings like pickles, tomato slices, and lettuce for a fun DIY experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great dish to prepare ahead and enjoy as easy leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to save this delicious soup for later, it freezes well. Just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the cheese may change texture a bit, but the soup will still be delicious when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. For individual servings, microwaving in short intervals works great too.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can cook everything in a large pot on the stove. Brown your beef, add the veggies and broth, then simmer on low heat for about an hour or until the potatoes are tender. Add cheese at the end just as you would with the slow cooker version.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly while providing that classic cheeseburger flavor. However, feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a slightly different taste and texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! Substitute the beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth and add the same seasoning. The cheese can stay or be swapped with vegan cheese to suit your preference.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Definitely! Frozen diced potatoes, onions, and carrots can be a convenient swap, especially when you’re short on time. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, since frozen veggies may cook faster in the slow cooker.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water near the end of cooking can help. Let it simmer for 10-15 more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Alternatively, mashing some of the potatoes before serving also naturally thickens the broth.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is more than just a delicious dish; it’s a simple, warm-hearted way to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try and watch how this humble soup becomes a new favorite in your family’s rotation!
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Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy days. Ground beef, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables simmer slowly in beef broth, then blended with creamy cheddar cheese for a deliciously rich and satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the lean ground beef until fully browned, making sure to break it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup light.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker, then add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth.
- Season the soup: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the slow cooker. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the mixture.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender and flavors are well developed.
- Add cheddar cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding cheese.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use fresh vegetables if possible for better texture and taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
