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.