Hearty Crock-Pot Cheeseburger Soup
Description
This Hearty Crock-Pot Cheeseburger Soup combines all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a rich, creamy, and comforting soup. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, and plenty of melted cheese, this slow-cooker meal is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you’re craving hearty comfort food.
Ingredients
🍔 Main Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680g) grass-fed ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
🧀 Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
🌿 Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
🥓 Optional Toppings
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Dill pickle slices
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes.
2. Add to Crock-Pot
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well.
3. Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
- Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Combine
- Pour the cheese mixture into the slow cooker.
- Stir until fully incorporated.
- Cook for an additional 20–30 minutes on LOW.
6. Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, green onions, extra cheese, or pickles if desired.
Servings
- 8 servings
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Benefits
🍔 High in Protein
Ground beef and cheese provide protein to help keep you satisfied.
🥔 Hearty & Filling
Potatoes and vegetables make this a complete, comforting meal.
🧀 Rich in Calcium
Cheese and milk contribute calcium for bone health.
⏲️ Convenient Slow Cooker Meal
Minimal hands-on time with maximum flavor.
🍲 Great for Leftovers
Tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
Notes
- Grass-fed beef adds a richer flavor and can be leaner than conventional beef.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best cheeseburger flavor.
- Soup will thicken as it cools.
- For a smoother texture, mash some of the potatoes before serving.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest soup.
- Add diced pickles for a true cheeseburger-inspired flavor.
- For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Stir occasionally after adding the cheese mixture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q&A
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but dairy-based soups may separate slightly when thawed. Stir well while reheating.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative.
Q: Why is my soup too thick?
A: Add extra broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
Q: Can I make it low-carb?
A: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or American cheese also work well.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A: Crusty bread, dinner rolls, crackers, or a side salad pair perfectly.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: About 7 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Soup, Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Dietary Preference: High-Protein
Yield: 8 servings