There are some meals that are just pure, unadulterated comfort. They don’t try to be fancy or pretentious; they just wrap you in a warm hug of familiar flavors. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is exactly that kind of dish. It has all the savory goodness of your favorite burger the seasoned beef, the melty cheese, the tender potatoes but in a spoonable form that warms you from the inside out.
I often turn to this recipe when I need a guaranteed win. It’s a staple in my rotation of crock pot meals because it is universally loved. Even the pickiest eaters at the table usually ask for seconds. It reminds me of the cozy vibes from my crockpot white lasagna soup, where rich, creamy textures take center stage.
If you are hunting for crockpot soup recipes that feel indulgent but are surprisingly easy to throw together, look no further. This isn’t just soup; it’s a bowl of nostalgia. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty chunks of vegetables and beef, making it the ultimate winter warmer.
Why This Cheesy Pot Rules the Dinner Table
I have tried many versions of cheeseburger soup, but the slow cooker method is my favorite for a few reasons.
First, the flavor development is effortless. As the potatoes simmer in the broth, they absorb all the savory notes from the beef and onions. It creates a depth of flavor that a quick stovetop boil just can’t match.
Second, it is incredibly convenient. Just like my crockpot cabbage roll soup, this recipe lets you do the prep work early and then walk away. Come dinnertime, the hard work is already done.
Finally, the texture is perfection. We use real cheddar cheese and a bit of milk to create a velvety base that coats every bite. It’s rich without being cloying, striking that perfect balance found in my crockpot chicken gnocchi soup.
The Burger Joint Ingredients
To recreate that classic burger taste in a soup pot, we stick to simple, wholesome ingredients.
The Beef
I use lean ground beef (90/10) for this. It gives you all the flavor without creating a greasy layer on top of the soup. You’ll want to brown it first for the best texture.
The Veggie Crunch
Potatoes are the star here. I prefer Yukon Golds because they are naturally buttery and hold their shape well. We also use plenty of onions, carrots, and celery to build a savory base, similar to the method in my crockpot chicken meatball and veggie soup.
The Broth
Chicken broth is surprisingly the best choice here. Beef broth can sometimes be too overpowering, while chicken broth lets the cheese and vegetable flavors shine through.
The Cheese
Please, grate your own sharp cheddar cheese! Pre shredded cheese contains anti caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For a cheeseburger soup, you want that silky melt. Velveeta is traditional in some recipes, but I prefer the taste of real cheddar.
The Creaminess
A splash of milk and a little sour cream added at the end gives it that luxurious finish.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 6 Servings
Description
A rich, creamy, and comforting slow cooker soup loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese. It tastes just like your favorite burger in a warm, cozy bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bacon bits and green onions for topping
Instructions
- Brown Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
- Combine: Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, basil, parsley, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Thicken: About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir this mixture into the crockpot.
- Melt Cheese: Turn off the slow cooker (or set to Warm). Stir in the shredded cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with bacon and green onions.
Notes
Cheese Tip: Always grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
Pickle Lover? Add 1/2 cup of chopped dill pickles at the end for an authentic burger flavor twist!
Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove; do not boil or the dairy may separate.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Slow Cooking to Cheesy Perfection
Cooking this is a breeze, though it does require one quick step at the stove before the slow cooker takes over.
Step 1: The Brown
Brown your ground beef and diced onions in a skillet. Drain any excess fat. This step ensures your soup isn’t greasy and adds a nice caramelized flavor to the meat.
Step 2: The Dump
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your crock pot. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, dried basil, and parsley. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
Step 3: The Simmer
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You want the vegetables, especially the potatoes, to be completely tender.
Step 4: The Roux
About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour. Slowly add the milk to create a thick white sauce. Stir this into the slow cooker. This thickens the soup perfectly.
Step 5: The Melt
Turn off the heat (or set to warm). Stir in the grated cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth. Do not let it boil once the dairy is in, or it might curdle.
Topping Your Bowl
Just like a real burger, the toppings make the meal.
Classic Crunch
Top your bowl with crumbled bacon. It adds a smoky, salty crunch that is irresistible.
Freshness
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions cuts through the richness. If you like pickles on your burger, try adding a few chopped pickles on top trust me, it sounds weird but it works!
Spice It Up
If you like a kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. It warms you up just like my crockpot thai coconut chicken soup.
Bread on the Side
Serve this with a crusty roll or even in a bread bowl if you are feeling fancy. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the cheesy broth.
A Final Spoonful
There is no need to brave the drive thru when you can have this wholesome, hearty meal at home. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is proof that comfort food can be simple, delicious, and homemade.
Whether it’s a game day feast or a quiet Tuesday night dinner, I hope this recipe becomes a family favorite in your home too.
