When the weather turns chilly, few things comfort the soul like a warm bowl of crockpot cheeseburger soup. This dish brings together the creamy goodness of melted cheese, tender potatoes, and savory ground beef, all simmered slowly to develop rich flavors. Growing up, soups were always a staple in my nonna’s kitchen, and I’ve carried that tradition forward in my home. This cheeseburger soup recipe is one of my family’s favorites because it’s hearty, filling, and tastes just like a cheeseburger in a bowl. If you enjoy cozy slow cooker meals, you’ll also love my crockpot chicken and dumplings.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Cheeseburger soup is not just another slow cooker recipe, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table a little faster. You’ll love it for several reasons. First, it’s easy: just brown the beef, add your ingredients, and let the crockpot work its magic. Second, it’s flexible; you can add extra veggies or adjust the cheese to your liking. Finally, it’s a budget-friendly meal that uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Just like my crockpot chicken corn chowder, it’s a recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
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Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
A creamy and hearty crockpot cheeseburger soup recipe made with ground beef, potatoes, cheddar, and vegetables; perfect for cozy nights.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: bacon, green onions, extra cheese
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet with onions, drain excess fat, and transfer to crockpot.
2. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and chicken broth. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours until tender.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk to make a sauce.
4. Stir sauce into crockpot, add cheddar, and mix until melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with toppings, and serve hot.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add cream cheese.
Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Freeze without dairy, then stir in milk and cheese when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
What You’ll Need For This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy crockpot cheeseburger soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, green onions, extra cheese
Pro tip: Dice your vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate. That’s the same trick I use when preparing my smothered chicken and rice.
How to Make It
Making cheeseburger soup in the crockpot is simple.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly stir in milk to create a thick sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the crockpot and stir well. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
The result is a thick, flavorful soup with all the flavors of a cheeseburger. For another crowd-pleasing soup, check out my crockpot lasagna soup.
Tips and Variations
This crockpot cheeseburger soup is delicious as is, but here are some easy tweaks:
- Add bacon: Stir in crumbled bacon at the end for extra flavor.
- Make it lighter: Use ground turkey instead of beef and swap whole milk for low-fat milk.
- Kick up the spice: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Extra creamy: Stir in a little cream cheese for richer texture.
I love recipes that adapt easily, much like my smashburger quesadillas; they’re customizable and always a hit at the dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze crockpot cheeseburger soup?
Yes, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese and milk, then stir those in when reheating.
Can I use Velveeta instead of shredded cheddar?
Absolutely! Velveeta melts smoothly, creating an even creamier soup.
How do I thicken cheeseburger soup if it’s too runny?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the soup. Let it cook a bit longer until thickened.
What can I serve with cheeseburger soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a side salad, or even cheddar biscuits.
Final Thoughts
This crockpot cheeseburger soup recipe combines simple ingredients with rich, comforting flavors. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, game days, or when you just need a cozy bowl of something hearty. The best part? It’s a dish that brings people together, just like the meals I learned to make in my nonna’s kitchen. If you’re looking for more slow cooker comfort foods, my dump-and-go crockpot teriyaki chicken is another weeknight winner.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.