The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup: Creamy, Hearty, and Easy for Any Night
Imagine your favorite cheeseburger, but transformed into a warm, creamy, and utterly comforting soup. That’s exactly what this **Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup** delivers! It’s a delicious blend of savory lean ground beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, cheesy broth that makes it incredibly hearty and satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this recipe brings all the classic flavors of a beloved cheeseburger straight to your soup bowl, with the added convenience of your slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Effortlessly Delicious Cheeseburger Soup
Is there anyone who doesn’t adore a good cheeseburger? We certainly haven’t met them! The iconic combination of beef and cheese is a universal favorite, and this cheeseburger soup captures that magic in a bowl. My family loves cheeseburger-inspired meals so much that our dinner rotation often includes favorites like Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole and a delightful Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. However, when it comes to pure comfort and flavor, this slow cooker cheeseburger soup truly stands out.
This recipe builds on a cherished family tradition, inspired by my grandma’s original stovetop version. I’ve thoughtfully adapted and tested it to work seamlessly in the slow cooker, making it incredibly easy and mostly hands-free. The result? A soup that’s just as rich and flavorful as the original, but with significantly less effort from you. Slow cooker, or crockpot, meals are a lifesaver in a busy household like mine. They allow you to “set it and forget it,” letting the appliance do all the hard work while you tackle other tasks. If your schedule is packed but you crave a thick, hearty, and deeply comforting meal that hits all the right spots, this creamy cheeseburger soup is an absolute must-try.
Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is perfect for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. It’s the ultimate comfort food for cold weather, a delightful surprise for guests, and a surefire way to get smiles around the dinner table.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
Despite its complex and satisfying flavor profile, this slow cooker cheeseburger soup relies on a surprisingly short and simple list of ingredients. You might think it has a million different components, but quality ingredients and smart cooking do all the heavy lifting. While the exact measurements are in the recipe card below, here’s a comprehensive look at what you’ll need for your grocery list:
- Lean Ground Beef: The star of our “cheeseburger” base. Using lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) helps minimize grease, ensuring your soup isn’t oily. You could also opt for grass-fed ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Onion: A fundamental aromatic that provides a sweet and savory base for the soup. Chopped finely, it disappears into the soup, leaving behind only its delicious essence.
- Frozen Mixed Veggies: For ultimate convenience and a boost of nutrients. A 16 oz bag typically includes carrots, peas, corn, and green beans. If you prefer, you can use fresh chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes (about ¾ cup of each).
- Can of Diced Tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and a tangy depth that balances the richness of the cheese and cream. Slightly mashing them before adding helps integrate their flavor more smoothly into the broth.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup. While chicken broth works wonderfully, you can easily substitute beef broth for a more pronounced “beefy” flavor, or vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture. Whole milk is recommended for the richest result, but 2% milk can also be used.
- Cream: Half-and-half or heavy cream will elevate the soup’s luxurious texture and provide that indulgent creaminess you crave in a hearty soup.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is where the “cheeseburger” magic truly happens! Sharp cheddar offers a robust, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the soup, creating that signature cheesy goodness. Always shred your own cheese from a block for the best melting consistency and flavor, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note, enhancing the soup’s visual appeal and taste.
Recipe Tip: To transform this into an irresistible **bacon cheeseburger soup**, simply sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles over each serving. It adds an incredible smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy soup. Consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the beef while browning for an extra layer of smoky flavor!
How To Make the Best Cheeseburger Soup in a Slow Cooker
Making this incredible cheeseburger soup in your slow cooker is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a heartwarming meal ready to enjoy with minimal effort. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Before adding anything to the slow cooker, you’ll want to brown your ground beef and onion. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion together. Stir frequently, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink and the onion has softened and become translucent. This crucial step develops rich flavor, which is essential for the soup’s overall taste. Once cooked, thoroughly drain any excess grease from the skillet. This prevents your soup from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, richer broth.
Step 2: Combine and Slow Cook
Transfer the browned ground beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker insert. Next, add the frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. For an even smoother consistency, I like to slightly mash the diced tomatoes in their can or directly in the slow cooker before stirring them in, though this is entirely optional. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them thoroughly. Place the lid securely on your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3 hours. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it gently simmers everything to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
Note: Mashing the diced tomatoes slightly helps them break down more fully during cooking, distributing their flavor and preventing large chunks in the finished soup. It creates a more uniform texture.
Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese for Velvety Richness
Approximately 10-15 minutes before you plan to serve the soup, it’s time to add the creamy elements that make this soup truly luxurious. Stir in the milk, cream (or half-and-half), and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue to stir gently until all the cheese has completely melted and is smoothly incorporated into the soup. The soup will become wonderfully thick, creamy, and vibrantly cheesy. Adding these dairy ingredients at the end prevents them from curdling or separating during the long cooking process, ensuring a perfectly smooth and rich texture.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is fully melted and the soup is heated through, it’s ready to be served! Ladle generous portions into bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a little extra shredded cheddar cheese. You can also get creative with other classic cheeseburger toppings like crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or even some diced pickles or green onions. Enjoy this warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying slow cooker cheeseburger soup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cheeseburger Soup
For soups, potatoes that are lower in starch and higher in moisture content tend to hold their shape better and don’t soak up as much liquid, preventing a mushy texture. Excellent choices include waxy potatoes like **Yukon Gold**, **Red Bliss**, or new potatoes. If you’re using russet potatoes, which are starchier, cut them into larger chunks to help them retain their structure during the long cooking process.
Absolutely! This cheeseburger soup can easily be adapted for stovetop cooking. Follow Step 1 (browning the beef and onion) as instructed. Then, add the beef mixture, veggies, diced tomatoes (mashed if desired), and chicken broth to a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. In the last 10 minutes, stir in the milk, cream, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t scorch, and stir frequently once dairy is added. The stovetop version will be ready much faster than the slow cooker, but still yields a rich, flavorful soup!
Once your cheeseburger soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
While technically possible, freezing soups with a high dairy content like this one can sometimes lead to a slightly grainy or separated texture upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing the soup *before* adding the milk, cream, and cheese in Step 3. Freeze the beef, vegetable, and broth mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop and stir in the milk, cream, and cheese as per the original recipe. This will give you the best texture for a frozen and reheated soup.
Cheeseburger soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich broth. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast, or you could serve it with some tater tots or French fries for a fun, extra “cheeseburger” experience. Even simple crackers or croutons make a great accompaniment!
Delicious Variations and Smart Substitutions
One of the best things about a versatile soup recipe is the freedom to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are some fantastic swaps and additions to make this slow cooker cheeseburger soup truly your own:
- Meat Alternatives: Not a fan of ground beef? No problem! You can easily use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option, or even a savory ground sausage (like mild Italian or breakfast sausage) for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to brown and drain as usual.
- Amp Up the Seasoning: While simple, the flavors are robust. However, if you’re looking for an extra kick or more depth, feel free to play around with seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of chili powder can elevate the taste. For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes during the browning stage.
- Perfect Pairings: Eating your soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or toasted hamburger buns can really evoke the sensation of an actual cheeseburger. Imagine dipping that bread into the creamy, cheesy broth! Other great dippers include soft pretzels, croutons, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a double-cheese delight.
- Creative Toppings Bar: Think beyond parsley! Set up a “cheeseburger soup bar” with various toppings. Options include crumbled crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh dill, diced pickles (for that authentic burger tang!), a swirl of ketchup or mustard, or even some crispy fried onions.
- Broth Choices: While chicken broth is called for, feel free to use beef broth to intensify the beefy flavor, or vegetable broth for a slightly lighter and more neutral base. Each will offer a subtly different, yet equally delicious, result.
- For a Thicker, Richer Soup: If you desire an even thicker and richer consistency, try stirring in 4-6 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the milk and cream at the end. It melts beautifully, adding a wonderful tang and velvety texture. Alternatively, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the hot soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking to thicken it.
- Add Potatoes: If your mixed veggies don’t include potatoes, feel free to add 1-2 cups of diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes along with the other vegetables in Step 2 for an even heartier soup.
More Delicious Slow-Cooker Recipes to Explore
If you love the ease and comfort of slow cooker meals as much as we do, you’re in luck! Here are some more of our favorite fuss-free recipes that allow your slow cooker to do all the hard work:
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
- Chili Mac in the Slow Cooker
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
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Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
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Countryside Cravings
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Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 16 oz bag frozen mixed veggies (or if you prefer use 3/4 cup chopped of each- carrots, celery and potatoes)
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley optional
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion until no longer pink. Drain any grease thoroughly.
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Transfer the browned ground beef mixture to the slow cooker along with the frozen mixed veggies, diced tomatoes (I like to slightly mash these before I put them in, but that is optional), and chicken broth. Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours.
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About 10 minutes before serving, add in the milk, cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until all the cheese has melted and is fully combined.
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Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional cheese, if desired. Enjoy your hearty slow cooker cheeseburger soup!
Notes
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