Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

There’s something about a hearty bowl of soup that just feels like a big, warm hug, doesn’t it? The aroma of cheeseburger soup simmering in the crockpot can turn any day into a cozy experience. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will please both young and old alike. It’s perfect for family dinners or even a casual gathering with friends.

At its heart, this recipe combines some of the most comforting ingredients: ground beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and rich cheddar cheese. Each component adds to the overall warmth of the dish, while seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, and oregano round out the flavor profile beautifully. Imagine taking a spoonful and experiencing the creamy, cheesy goodness along with fresh vegetables—it’s just delightful!

Making this soup is a breeze. You start by browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic. With a few simple steps, everything gets tossed into the slow cooker for several hours. By the time you’re ready to serve, the kitchen will smell incredible. Just stir in the cheese and cream for that final touch of decadence, and you’re ready to enjoy a wholesome meal.

This soup is an exceptional choice for chilly nights when comfort is key. It also shines at potlucks or casual get-togethers, making it a versatile recipe that is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

• Quick Preparation: With minimal chopping and cooking, you can have this delicious soup started in no time.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making it economical and easy to whip up.
• Comfort Food: This soup has all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese makes this soup a satisfying meal on its own.
• Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have available or your personal taste preferences.

Ground Beef Tips

When selecting ground beef for your soup, choose a leaner variety (like 80/20) for the best flavor without too much grease. Look for fresh meat with a bright red color, as this indicates freshness. If you’re concerned about fat content, consider draining the fat after browning the meat. Additionally, for an extra boost of flavor, you can add any seasonings, such as smoked paprika or garlic powder, to the beef while it cooks.

Options for Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Swap out the low-sodium beef broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
• Substitute the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different flavor and nutrients.
• If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
• You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter soup while still maintaining creaminess.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

While making this soup is straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of. First, ensure you cook the ground beef thoroughly. Undercooked meat could lead to health issues and spoil the texture of your soup. Second, don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic. This step enhances their flavor and prevents them from being crunchy in the final dish.

Another common mistake is overcrowding the slow cooker. If you add too many ingredients without considering the space, vegetables may steam instead of cook properly. Lastly, be mindful to add the cheese and cream at the correct timing—doing this too early can result in a grainy texture instead of a smooth, creamy soup.

What to Serve With Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want to add a touch more to your dining experience, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad, crusty bread, or simple garlic knots. A light side of steamed broccoli or a fruit salad can also brighten the meal while complementing the flavors of the soup.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheat: To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6.5 – 8.5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6
Calories: ~390 kcal per serving (without toppings)

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2340–2345
• Protein: 180–190 grams
• Fat: 90–95 grams
• Carbohydrates: 160–170 grams

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 cups potatoes, diced
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 2 cups celery, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Then, transfer this mixture to the slow cooker with the ground beef.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

To the slow cooker, add the beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-combined.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’re looking for tender vegetables and well-blended flavors.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Cream

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Cover again and continue cooking until the cheese has melted, resulting in a creamy, smooth soup.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Before serving, adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your delicious creation!

In conclusion, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. I encourage you to try this recipe! Don’t forget to share your thoughts or your own variations. And if you love this, be sure to check out more comforting soup recipes on my blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a day ahead and store them in your refrigerator. Just add everything to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

Is this soup healthy?

While it is creamy and hearty, you can make it healthier by using leaner meats and swapping heavy cream for lighter alternatives.

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before serving.

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