Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup

What if you could enjoy all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger in the form of a warm, comforting bowl of soup? Enter Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup, the perfect hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, tender vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. This dish is a match made in comfort-food heaven and is sure to become a family favorite.

With its creamy, cheesy texture and satisfying ingredients, Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a versatile meal that works for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or even meal prep. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: throw the ingredients into the crock pot, set it, and forget it. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a delicious soup with minimal effort.

Not only is this soup ridiculously easy to make, but it’s also a hit with kids and adults alike. Pair it with a crusty piece of bread or a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying. Let’s dive into how to create this ultimate bowl of cheeseburger-inspired goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavors, this soup is the ultimate comfort meal.
2. Easy to Make: Minimal prep and the magic of the crock pot make this a hands-off recipe.
3. Family-Friendly: The cheeseburger flavors are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
5. Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings or tweak the ingredients to make it your own.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-8 hours
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russets work best)
• 3 cups chicken or beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Cheese Base:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works beautifully)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Optional Toppings:

• Crumbled cooked bacon
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Pickles
• Green onions, chopped
• Extra shredded cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to the crock pot.

2. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the crock pot. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.

3. Pour in the Broth

Pour the chicken or beef broth over the ingredients in the crock pot. Stir to combine, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged in the liquid. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

4. Make the Creamy Cheese Base

About 30 minutes before the soup is done, prepare the creamy cheese base:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden and bubbly.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.

5. Combine the Cheese Sauce with the Soup

Pour the creamy cheese base into the crock pot and stir well to combine. Let the soup cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken further.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite burger-inspired garnishes, like crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickles. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Ingredient Background

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the star of this dish, bringing the classic cheeseburger flavor to life. Use 85% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and minimal grease. For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken.

Potatoes

Potatoes add heartiness and texture to the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamy texture, while Russet potatoes hold up well during slow cooking.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, tangy flavor that mimics the cheese on a traditional burger. You can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or American for added creaminess.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds richness and a silky texture to the soup, balancing the sharpness of the cheddar.

Vegetables

The combination of carrots, celery, and onions (a classic mirepoix) adds depth and sweetness to the soup. Potatoes bring bulk and soak up the cheesy flavors.

Technique Tips

1. Brown the Beef First: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the crock pot enhances its flavor and prevents excess grease from diluting the soup.
2. Cut Vegetables Evenly: Dice the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Thicken the Soup Gradually: Add the cheese base slowly to avoid curdling and to ensure the soup has a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Shred your own for the best results.
5. Let the Soup Sit: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after adding the cheese base—this helps the flavors meld together.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Top each bowl with bacon bits, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles for a fully loaded experience.
2. Cheeseburger Soup Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and serve the soup inside for a fun and edible presentation.
3. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the broth for a kick of heat.
4. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Stir crumbled cooked bacon directly into the soup for a smoky, savory twist.

Additional Tips for Success

• Customize the Vegetables: Add other veggies like corn, bell peppers, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
• Make It Healthier: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and milk, and swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Double the Recipe: This soup freezes well, so make a double batch to enjoy later.

Recipe Variations

1. Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Soup: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the cheese sauce.
2. Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets to keep it keto-friendly.
3. Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and use vegetable broth.
4. Beer Cheeseburger Soup: Swap 1 cup of broth for your favorite beer to add a malty, rich flavor to the soup.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Lighten the Base: Use half-and-half or 2% milk instead of whole milk for a lighter sauce.
2. Reduce the Cheese: Use 1 1/2 cups of cheese instead of 2 cups to lower the fat content while keeping the flavor.
3. Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
4. Use Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken to cut down on saturated fat.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Family Dinner Night: Pair the soup with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
2. Game Day Feast: Serve the soup in mugs or bowls with plenty of garnishes and a side of fries or onion rings.
3. Meal Prep Lunches: Divide the soup into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Special Equipment

• Crock Pot or Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
• Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef.
• Cheese Grater: For freshly shredding cheddar cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
   Yes, frozen vegetables like peas or corn can be added during the last hour of cooking.
2. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
   The roux-based cheese sauce thickens the soup perfectly, but you can also add a cornstarch slurry if needed.
3. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
   Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and cook the vegetables, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes before adding the cheese sauce.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
   Yes, but note that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. Reheat gently and stir well to combine.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cheese, almond milk, and a coconut cream substitute for the cream cheese.
6. What’s the best broth to use?
   Chicken broth works well for a lighter flavor, while beef broth adds a richer, heartier base.
7. How do I make this soup spicier?
   Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
8. What sides pair well with cheeseburger soup?
   Garlic bread, crackers, soft pretzels, or a fresh garden salad are all great options.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect combination of indulgent flavors and easy preparation. With tender ground beef, creamy cheese, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, this soup is as satisfying as biting into a juicy cheeseburger. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Add your favorite garnishes, pair it with a crusty bread, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food in a bowl! Give it a try today, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

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