Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Introduction

Cheeseburgers are a classic comfort food, and Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup brings that indulgent, hearty flavor into a warm, creamy bowl of soup. Imagine all the deliciousness of a cheeseburger—the savory beef, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and flavorful vegetables—blended into a creamy, comforting soup.

Using a slow cooker transforms this dish into a hands-off, stress-free meal. The beef slowly cooks with onions, potatoes, and seasonings, while cheese and milk or cream enrich the broth to create a luxurious texture. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, game-day gatherings, or any time you want a satisfying, family-friendly meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Set-it-and-forget-it cooking: The crockpot does all the work while filling your home with irresistible aromas.
• Rich, comforting flavor: Every spoonful tastes like a loaded cheeseburger, but in cozy soup form.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it because it combines familiar, classic flavors.
• Versatile: Add toppings like extra cheese, bacon, or green onions for a fun twist.
• Easy meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully and can even be frozen for future meals.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a must-try because it takes the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings—and transforms them into a warm, creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

1. Comfort in a Bowl: It delivers all the indulgence of a cheeseburger without the bun, making it cozy, hearty, and satisfying.
2. Easy, Hands-Off Cooking: With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can prep in minutes and let it cook while you focus on other tasks.
3. Family-Friendly Flavor: Even picky eaters love it because it combines familiar, classic ingredients in a fun and delicious way.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the cheese, add veggies, or spice it up to suit your taste.
5. Meal Prep & Freezer-Friendly: It stores and reheats well, making it a great option for busy weeks or leftovers.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6–8½ hours
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories (approx): 420 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course / Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For Serving / Garnish:

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Croutons or bread rolls

Cooking Directions

1. Brown Beef and Bacon: In a skillet, cook ground beef and bacon over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer mixture to crockpot.
3. Add Vegetables and Liquid: Add diced potatoes, carrots (if using), beef broth, tomato paste, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender.
5. Add Cheese and Milk: About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar and milk or half-and-half until melted and creamy.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Brown ground beef and chopped bacon in skillet.
2. Sauté onion and garlic with beef/bacon mixture.
3. Transfer mixture to crockpot.
4. Add diced potatoes, carrots, broth, tomato paste, and seasonings.
5. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
6. Stir in cheese and milk 15–20 minutes before serving.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve with optional toppings.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in bowls with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions on top.
• Pair with crusty bread, rolls, or croutons to soak up the creamy broth.
• Add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor.
• Sautéing the beef and bacon adds richness but can be skipped for a faster version.
• Use a potato variety that holds its shape, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
• Stir in cheese and milk at the end to prevent curdling.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.

Variations

• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Veggie Boost: Add corn, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Low-Fat Version: Use lean ground beef and milk instead of half-and-half.
• Cheeseburger Mac Soup: Stir in cooked pasta before serving for a fun twist.
• Bacon Lovers: Add extra bacon bits both in the soup and as garnish.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if too thick.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Skillet for browning beef and bacon
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Ladle for serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I skip browning the beef and bacon?
Yes, but browning adds flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but adjust cooking time slightly as frozen vegetables release water.

Q3: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use sauté mode for browning, then pressure cook for 10–15 minutes, followed by cheese/milk stir-in.

Q4: Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, Colby, Monterey Jack, or a mix works well. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents—they may not melt smoothly.

Q5: How can I make it creamier?
Add extra milk, half-and-half, or a small amount of cream cheese at the end.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl, combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender potatoes and a creamy, cheesy broth. Easy to make, family-friendly, and customizable, it’s perfect for chilly evenings, game-day meals, or casual dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this soup is hearty, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.