CROCK POT CHEESEBURGER HEAVEN – easymealstoprep

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted anything resembling Cheeseburger Soup. It was at a church potluck, and I was a skeptical teenager, but one spoonful and I was hooked. The creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness was unlike anything I’d ever had! Now, I’ve perfected my own version that’s even easier and tastier: Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup you’ll ever make; it’s so easy even the busiest weeknight can end with a warm, comforting bowl!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Okay, friends, let’s be real. We all have those days when cooking feels like a chore. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the grilling, the mess, or the fuss? That’s where this Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup comes in! It’s the ultimate comfort food – think all the goodness of a juicy cheeseburger, transformed into a warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying soup.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s simple: it’s ridiculously easy, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work! You can toss everything in, set it, and forget it. Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of cheesy, beefy goodness wafting through your house. Trust me, this soup is a game-changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples!

• Ground Beef: 1 pound, browned and drained. I prefer lean ground beef (85/15) to avoid excess grease.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because everything is better with garlic, right?
• Beef Broth: 4 cups. Adds depth and richness to the soup.
• Potatoes: 2 cups, diced. I use Russet potatoes, but Yukon Golds are also delicious.
• Carrots: 1 cup, diced. Adds sweetness and color.
• Celery: 1 cup, diced. For that classic soup flavor.
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. This is the key to the creamy, cheesy texture!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups. Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but you can use your preferred cheese.
• Milk: 1 cup. Helps to thin out the soup to your desired consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds a savory depth.
• Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon. Trust me on this one! It enhances the cheeseburger flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Bacon bits, green onions, diced tomatoes, pickles, sour cream.

Let’s Make Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is the fun part. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup in no time.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. The beef should be nicely browned and crumbly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Transfer the browned ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.
4. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
5. Pour in the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure all the vegetables are submerged in the broth.
6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
7. Add the Cream Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is creamy. The soup will transform into a velvety, rich delight!
8. Stir in the Cheddar Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it is melted and the soup is smooth. This is when the “cheeseburger” magic happens!
9. Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Serve and Enjoy!: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as bacon bits, green onions, diced tomatoes, pickles, or sour cream.

Success Tips for Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup Perfection

Want to make sure your Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a guaranteed success? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips.

• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Taking the time to brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic adds so much flavor to the soup. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
• Use Softened Cream Cheese: This is crucial for ensuring that the cream cheese melts smoothly and evenly into the soup. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the potatoes can make them mushy. Check for tenderness after the recommended cooking time and adjust accordingly.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Get Creative with Toppings: The toppings are what really make this soup special! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about this Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Cook and crumble some bacon and add it to the soup along with the other ingredients. You can also use bacon grease to brown the ground beef for even more bacon flavor.
• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrients.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack.

Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
• Pair it with a simple side salad.
• Offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl.
• Make it a game-day feast by serving it in bread bowls!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prepping! Here’s how to make it ahead of time and store it for later.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the soup up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions, but don’t add the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until just before serving. Store the soup in the refrigerator and reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. Then, stir in the cheeses until melted and creamy.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezing Instructions:

While this soup can be frozen, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content. If you do freeze it, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.

More Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious soup recipes. They’re perfect for cozy nights in or easy weeknight dinners. Consider the ease of CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP, a hearty classic that always hits the spot. Or, for a quick and creamy option, try CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP, ready in minutes! And who can resist a bowl of CREAMY POTATO SOUP, especially on a chilly day? For a fun twist on an Italian favorite, try LASAGNA SOUP. If you’re looking for another crock pot winner, you MUST try Crack Potato Soup; obsessed is truly an understatement! And let’s not forget a simpler classic with Potato Soup.

Recipe

Here’s a handy recipe card you can easily print or save for future use:

Final Thoughts

There you have it! My go-to recipe for Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup. It’s truly a magical combination of flavors and textures, and I promise it will become a family favorite in no time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility – feel free to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature version. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Happy cooking!

Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Amelia

Enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup! This easy Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It combines ground beef, cheese, and vegetables in a flavorful broth, making it a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

• 1 pound ground beef 85/15 lean
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups diced potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Bacon bits
• Optional toppings: Green onions, chopped
• Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes
• Optional toppings: Pickles, chopped
• Optional toppings: Sour cream

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

• Transfer the browned ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.

• Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.

• Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure all the vegetables are submerged in the broth.

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.

• Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is creamy.

• Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it is melted and the soup is smooth.

• If the soup is too thick, add milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as bacon bits, green onions, diced tomatoes, pickles, or sour cream.

• Serve immediately and enjoy!

For best results, brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for smooth melting. Do not overcook, or the potatoes can become mushy. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to customize the soup to your liking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage, although the texture may change slightly after freezing.