If you’re craving something comforting and utterly satisfying, this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger melded together in a creamy, hearty soup that you barely have to lift a finger to make. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warm hug in a bowl that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the soup’s rich flavor, inviting texture, and vibrant color. From savory ground beef to tender potatoes, every element contributes something special.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The protein base that delivers the classic cheeseburger taste.
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): Adds heartiness and a velvety creaminess once cooked.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic depth that balances the savoriness.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings a subtle sweetness and a pop of color that livens up the bowl.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup creating that irresistible cheeseburger vibe.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite with familiar warmth.
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. This step is key because it locks in flavor and creates those savory browned bits that give the soup its signature taste. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease afterward to keep the soup from getting greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Once your beef is ready, it’s time to add it to the slow cooker along with the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth. This combination will soak up all the wonderful flavors as it slowly cooks, creating a truly comforting base.
Step 3: Season with Spices
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. These classic seasonings enhance the natural flavors and bring that classic cheeseburger soup profile to life. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method is my personal favorite because it lets the soup develop depth and richness while tenderizing the potatoes and vegetables perfectly.
Step 5: Stir in Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted. This final touch transforms the broth into a creamy, cheeseburger-inspired delight that makes every spoonful truly special.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For that little extra wow factor, top your bowl with freshly chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream if you like. These garnishes add contrast in texture and a burst of fresh flavor that takes the soup up a notch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or classic buttery dinner rolls. If you want to add something green, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and balances the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. It’s fun, rustic, and adds a lovely extra carb to soak up every bit of that delicious cheesy broth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors meld even further, reheating only enhances the comforting cheeseburger goodness waiting for you.
Freezing
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe freezes very well. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 2 months—perfect for those busy weeks when you need dinner in a pinch.
Reheating
When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much, and consider stirring in a little extra shredded cheese to revive that melty cheeseburger charm.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a lighter alternative, and it works nicely here, though the flavor will be a bit milder compared to the classic beef taste.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this soup?
It’s up to you. Leaving the skin on Yukon Gold potatoes adds texture and nutrients, but Russets typically benefit from peeling for a smoother soup texture.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and simmer all ingredients on low heat for about an hour or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally, but the slow cooker version hands down adds more depth with less effort.
What cheese works best in this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
Sharp cheddar is ideal because it melts beautifully and delivers that classic cheeseburger tang, but feel free to experiment with Colby or even a smoked gouda for an interesting twist.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Definitely! The flavors are familiar and comforting, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. The creamy texture combined with cheesy goodness wins over picky eaters time and again.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those meals that feels like a celebration in every bite, without any fuss. It’s a perfect companion on chilly evenings or whenever you want a reliable, delicious hug from the inside out. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation too.
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker cheeseburger soup made with lean ground beef, tender potatoes, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy recipe simmers the ingredients to perfection, delivering rich cheeseburger flavors without the hassle.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup light.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Season the soup: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the mixture in the slow cooker. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Cook low and slow: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the soup for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender and flavors are melded.
- Add the cheese: About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the hot soup until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and avoid excess grease.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
