If you have been craving a comforting dish that warms your soul and delights your taste buds, this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine all the classic cheeseburger flavors combined into one creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup that simmers gently in your slow cooker all day. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction—and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that each add a unique touch to create a rich and flavorful soup. From the savory ground beef and tender potatoes to the creamy cheddar cheese and subtle spices, every component plays a crucial role in building the heartwarming taste and satisfying texture of this dish.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the core meaty flavor without excess fat, keeping the soup hearty and delicious.
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): Adds comforting softness and helps thicken the soup naturally.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor as it slowly cooks.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Infuses a mild sweetness and a pop of color for visual and taste balance.
- 4 cups beef broth: Acts as the flavorful base, tying all ingredients together into a savory soup.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy goodness, giving the soup that classic cheeseburger taste.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste: These seasonings elevate every bite with balanced and savory notes.
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 the lean ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step unlocks that rich meaty flavor and caramelizes the beef for depth. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease to keep your soup from being too oily.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth right on top. These ingredients will slowly meld together, creating the perfect hearty base for your soup.
Step 3: Season Your Soup
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the flavors. These simple spices will gently enhance each component without overpowering the natural cheeseburger essence.
Step 4: Let it Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cook melds the flavors beautifully and softens the potatoes and carrots until they’re tender and ready to comfort your taste buds.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheddar Cheese
About 15 minutes before serving, add in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated. This final step is what transforms the soup into that luxuriously creamy dish you’ve been dreaming of.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can take your Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Try topping each bowl with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a few chopped fresh green onions for a burst of freshness. Crispy bacon bits also make an excellent savory addition.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is rich and filling, pair it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for contrast. If you’re in the mood for comfort all around, a crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an extra cozy, casual vibe that your guests will love. You can also top the soup with homemade croutons or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a little kick. No matter how you present it, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and who doesn’t?), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup holds up well and will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making seconds just as delightful.
Freezing
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is freezer-friendly, but keep in mind that potatoes may change texture slightly after thawing. Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, then freeze for up to 2 months for a quick future meal.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving directly in plastic containers to preserve the cheese’s smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will give you a slightly different flavor but still works wonderfully in this soup. Just brown it the same way before adding it to the slow cooker.
Do I have to use cheddar cheese? Can I substitute it?
Cheddar is classic for this soup’s flavor profile, but feel free to experiment—monterey jack or mozzarella can work too if you want a milder or stretchier cheese experience.
Is it okay to add cream or milk?
You can add a splash of cream or milk in the last 30 minutes to make the soup even creamier, though it’s rich enough with just the cheddar cheese. Adding dairy too early might curdle, so timing is key.
Can I cook this soup on high all day?
It’s best to stick to the recommended times—6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high to ensure vegetables don’t become mushy and beef stays tender but not overcooked.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you find the soup a bit watery, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it in and cook for another 15 minutes. The potatoes also help with natural thickening the longer it simmers.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about coming home to a pot of Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe bubbling away, ready to serve. It combines comfort food favorites with ease and simplicity, making it a staple you’ll want in your dinner rotation. Trust me, once you make this soup, you’ll fall in love again and again—so give it a try and get ready to savor every cheesy, meaty, and delicious spoonful.
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours low or 3 to 4 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 packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for busy days, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work, delivering a rich and flavorful soup that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger in a bowl.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef thoroughly until browned, then drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker along with the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth, ensuring all elements are well combined for even cooking.
- Season the soup: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder according to your taste preferences, then stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cook the soup: Cover and cook the soup on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or choose the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
- Add cheese before serving: Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely to create a creamy, cheesy texture.
Notes
- You can use either Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes based on your preference for starchiness and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your desired taste, adding more garlic or onion powder if preferred.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker before adding the cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Adding a splash of milk or cream before adding the cheese can make the soup even creamier.
