There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of soup packed with cheesy goodness and the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. When things get busy or the weather gets cold, this slow-cooked meal brings that cozy, homey feeling you crave. With your crockpot doing the work, cheeseburger soup becomes an easy, hearty way to enjoy a little warmth and comfort in every bite.
Why We Love Cheeseburger Soup Crockpot Recipes
There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation:
- Effortless cooking: Toss the ingredients in your crockpot in the morning and let it work its magic all day. No need for constant stirring or monitoring.
- Rich, creamy flavor: Slow cooking deepens the taste, while the cheese adds that luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
- Hearty and filling: With potatoes and ground beef, this soup can be a complete meal that satisfies hunger and cravings.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults alike love the familiar cheeseburger flavor delivered in a cozy soup form.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this crockpot soup makes life easier and meals more enjoyable.
Ingredients
Ground beef – Essential for building that classic cheeseburger flavor. Use lean ground beef for a hearty, meaty base without making the soup greasy. For a richer taste, 80/20 ground beef works well too. Ground turkey can be used, but it will slightly alter the flavor of your cheeseburger soup crockpot.
Potatoes – Provide bulk and a creamy bite. Yukon golds are ideal for this cheeseburger soup crockpot because they hold their shape well and add a buttery texture. Russets can be used, but may break down more during long cooking.
Carrots and celery – These aromatic vegetables create the savory foundation for your soup. Freshly chopped vegetables work best. Avoid frozen mixes, as they can water down the soup and change its texture.
Onion and garlic – Fresh onion and garlic give this cheeseburger soup crockpot its depth. Use yellow onion for mild sweetness. Pre-minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh cloves deliver the best flavor.
Beef broth – Adds richness and enhances the beef flavor. Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can control the salt level. Avoid bouillon cubes unless dissolved thoroughly.
Cheddar cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar gives this soup its signature cheesy base. For smooth melting, use freshly grated cheese—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting in cheeseburger soup crockpot recipes.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup in a Crockpot
Follow these easy steps to make your crockpot cheeseburger soup:
Brown the ground beef: Place the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Add ingredients to crockpot: Transfer the browned beef into the crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, and beef broth.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The vegetables should become tender but not mushy.
Prepare the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Add milk and cheese: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine and finish: Pour the cheese sauce into the crockpot and stir well to combine. Let it cook for another 15-30 minutes on low to meld all flavors.
Season: Taste and add salt, pepper, and any optional spices like Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, or paprika to elevate the flavor.
With these steps, you’ll have a creamy, delicious soup that tastes like it simmered for hours.
Expert Tips
To get the best results every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Fresh cheese works best: Shredded cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded options, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Don’t skip browning the beef: This step adds depth and richer flavor you can’t get from just cooking the meat in the crockpot.
- Be careful with dairy: Add milk and cheese near the end to avoid curdling during the long cooking process.
- Adjust the thickness: If your soup is too thick, stir in a bit more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a little longer to reduce.
- Boost the umami: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth that enhances the cheeseburger flavor.
Variations
Switch up the basic recipe to suit your mood or dietary needs:
- Spicy cheeseburger soup: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Vegetarian version: Replace ground beef with a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- Low-carb option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets to reduce carbs.
- Cheese alternatives: Try pepper jack or smoked cheddar for a different twist.
- Extra veggies: Add bell peppers or corn for more color and texture.
These variations keep the recipe fresh and adaptable for everyone.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Serving your cheeseburger soup right makes a difference:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions or extra shredded cheese for a burst of flavor and color.
- Pair with a side of crusty bread or warm garlic toast to soak up every last bit.
- For a fun presentation, serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
- This soup works well as a main dish or as a hearty starter at family gatherings.
You’ll find the soup satisfying on its own but elevating it with thoughtful sides makes the meal memorable.
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FAQs about Cheeseburger Soup Crockpot
Can I prepare cheeseburger soup in advance and reheat it?
Absolutely. This soup reheats beautifully, and the flavors often improve after resting overnight. Store it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days.
Is the cheeseburger soup crockpot recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses flour as a thickener, but you can easily substitute it with cornstarch or gluten-free flour to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How can I make cheeseburger soup healthier?
Opt for lean ground beef, reduce the cheese quantity slightly, swap half-and-half for milk, or add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
What’s the best crockpot setting for cheeseburger soup?
Cooking on low for 6-8 hours yields the best tenderness and flavor. Use high if you’re short on time, but keep an eye to avoid overcooking the veggies.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef to the crockpot. Add potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir the cheese sauce into the crockpot. Let cook on low for 15–30 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire, mustard powder, or paprika to taste.