Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is pure coziness in a bowl, and it’s honestly one of the most soul-satisfying dinners you’ll ever serve your family. Imagine all the rich flavors of your favorite cheeseburger—savory ground beef, sharp cheddar, and just the right touch of smoky seasoning—slow-simmered with tender potatoes and veggies until everything is meltingly perfect. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a thick, comforting soup, and with the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, it’s as easy as set-and-forget. Ideal for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or anytime you crave a crowd-pleasing, kid-friendly meal, give this one a spot on your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup are delightfully straightforward, but each one plays a key role in crafting that perfect balance of textures and tastes. From the juicy ground beef to the creamy cheddar and the touch of herbs and spices, every item brings something essential to the party.
- Ground beef: The star protein, delivering classic cheeseburger flavor and plenty of heartiness for every bowl.
- Onion: Diced onion adds a gentle depth and sweet undertone that builds a savory base.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings warmth and a pop of aromatic goodness.
- Peeled and diced potatoes: These become buttery-tender throughout, adding body and comfort to every spoonful.
- Shredded carrots: For a touch of sweetness and bright color that makes the soup shine.
- Diced celery: Brings subtle crunch and a garden-fresh element to the mix.
- Chicken or beef broth: Use what you love; broth is essential for depth and savory richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings—don’t skimp on a good pinch for the best flavor.
- Dried basil: A little hint of herbaceousness enhances all the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle, smoky kick that elevates the whole bowl.
- Unsalted butter: Helps create a luscious roux for extra creaminess.
- All-purpose flour: Works with the butter to thicken the soup beautifully—no watery broths here!
- Whole milk: It’s the key to silky texture and classic creamy flavor.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Bold, tangy, and completely irresistible—use sharp for maximum cheeseburger vibes.
- Sour cream: Swirled in at the end for the creamiest, dreamiest finish.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef for Flavor
Set a skillet over medium heat and toss in your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s perfectly browned and crumbly, so every bite of Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup gets that crave-worthy flavor. Once it’s done, drain off any excess fat for a balanced, velvety soup without any greasy notes.
Step 2: Build the Base in the Slow Cooker
After browning, transfer the beef straight into your slow cooker. Next, add diced onion, minced garlic, potatoes, shredded carrots, celery, your choice of broth, salt, pepper, dried basil, and smoked paprika. Stir everything well to combine so all that yumminess melds together as it cooks. Cover, then set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours—choose what works best for your day.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Roux
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, grab a saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in your flour and let it cook for a minute or two until it forms a fragrant, bubbling roux—this step is the secret to that thick, luscious mouthfeel in Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. Next, slowly pour in the milk while whisking, and let it simmer gently until smooth and nicely thickened.
Step 4: Finish the Soup and Make It Cheesy
Once the roux is ready, pour it into the slow cooker and give everything a good stir. Sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar and spoon in the sour cream. Stir once more until the cheese melts into a golden, glossy liquid and the soup is irresistibly creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Ladle your Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. Garnish with extra cheddar, a sprinkle of green onions, or even a handful of crispy bacon bits for a finishing touch that takes things over the top. Dig in and watch everyone at the table light up!
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
When it comes to serving, the right garnishes really make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup feel special. Try a sprinkle of extra cheddar for even more cheesy goodness, snipped fresh chives or green onions for freshness, or a crumble of cooked bacon for smoky crunch. If you’re feeling playful, add a few dill pickle slices for that classic burger nod!
Side Dishes
This soup is seriously filling on its own, but pairing it with a side elevates things to true comfort food heaven. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop. For something different, serve your soup alongside a crisp green salad or spoon it over a baked potato for a twist your family will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup a restaurant-worthy touch by serving it in bread bowls—so fun for family dinners or casual parties. For smaller gatherings, serve in little mugs or tiny ramekins as a starter course, or go big and let everyone top their own bowl at a DIY garnish bar. Kids especially love customizing their toppings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. The soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors will meld together, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup for meal prep or future cravings. Just portion cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It keeps well frozen for up to two months. When thawed, you might notice it thickens a bit, so plan to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until just heated through. For quick lunches, the microwave works too—just cover and stir every minute or so for even warming. If the soup has thickened, a little extra broth or milk will get it back to its creamy, spoonable goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that beef brings that classic cheeseburger flavor, but the soup will still be delicious and creamy with either substitute.
What’s the best cheese for Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for its tang and meltability, but don’t be afraid to mix in a little Monterey Jack or Colby for extra smooth texture. Using pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own will give a richer melt.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, or use cornstarch for the roux. Make sure to double-check your chicken or beef broth is gluten-free as well for a truly worry-free bowl.
How can I make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup lower carb?
It’s super easy—just trade the potatoes for equal amounts of cauliflower florets. You still get that hearty, velvety feel without the extra carbs, and the soup tastes fantastic.
Is it okay to prepare everything the night before?
You sure can! Brown the ground beef, chop your veggies, and measure the seasonings ahead of time. Pop everything in the fridge in separate containers, then in the morning, just combine in your slow cooker and get it started. Talk about making dinner a breeze!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that wraps everyone in comfort and brings smiles to the table, Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate pick. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a little cozy cheer on a busy evening, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. This hearty soup is a perfect blend of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and vegetables, creating a satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Soup Base: Add the onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, broth, salt, pepper, basil, and smoked paprika to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Stir the milk mixture into the slow cooker. Add cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Season to taste and serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, green onions, or bacon if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, swap potatoes for cauliflower.
- This soup thickens upon standing—add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
- Pair with crusty bread or over a baked potato for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
