If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. This recipe takes all the classic flavors you love in a cheeseburger—savory beef, cheddar cheese, and crisp veggies—and transforms them into a velvety, hearty soup that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table with big smiles and eager appetites. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or need something satisfying for meal prep, this soup is about to become a new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—each one plays a special role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the richness of ground beef and cheddar, to the comforting bite of potatoes and carrots, every element works together to create an irresistible bowl of goodness.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for hearty flavor and a classic cheeseburger base, but ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter twist.
- Onion: Diced onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup, melding perfectly with the garlic and beef.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a fragrant, savory kick that you’ll notice in every spoonful.
- Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes make the soup extra filling and creamy as they soften.
- Carrots: Diced carrots add a pop of color and just the right touch of natural sweetness.
- Celery: Celery brings a fresh, crisp note that balances out the richness.
- Chicken or Beef Broth: Use whichever you prefer—chicken broth makes for a milder base, while beef broth amps up the savory flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
- Dried Basil: Just a hint of basil infuses the soup with a gentle herbal note that sets it apart.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken the soup into a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and body, making the roux that’s key to the soup’s texture.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for maximum creaminess, but 2% is a good lighter option.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives the soup its signature “cheeseburger” flavor.
- Sour Cream: Just a dollop stirred in at the end makes the soup extra smooth and tangy.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. This step is important—browning builds a savory, caramelized base that’s essential for the soup’s depth of flavor. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease, then toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onions are soft and fragrant. This quick extra step unlocks all those delicious aromatics and makes a world of difference in the finished soup.
Step 2: Load up the Slow Cooker
Transfer your beef, onion, and garlic mixture straight into the slow cooker. Next, add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, broth, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Give everything a good stir to combine—at this stage, your slow cooker is already looking colorful and inviting. Cover and set to cook: 6 to 7 hours on low for a gentle simmer, or if you’re short on time, 3 to 4 hours on high will do the trick. As it cooks, the vegetables become tender and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Roux
About 30 minutes before serving, it’s time to make the magic happen: the creamy base that sets Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup apart. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Let it cook for a minute or two to lose any raw flour taste, then slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened. This creamy roux will give your soup a luxurious, velvety finish.
Step 4: Add Dairy and Finish Cooking
Pour your thickened milk mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. Next, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until it’s completely melted and incorporated—this is where the soup gets its signature cheeseburger flavor! Lastly, stir in the sour cream for that final touch of creaminess and a subtle tang. Cover and let the soup cook on low for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing everything to come together into a dreamy, cheesy bowl of comfort.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give the soup one last good stir, then grab your ladle and serve it up hot. Every bowl is packed with tender veggies, savory beef, and a silken cheese sauce that’s impossible to resist. Don’t forget your favorite garnishes—extra cheese, green onions, or crumbled bacon take it to the next level!
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
The right garnishes elevate Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup from cozy comfort food to a show-stopping meal. Sprinkle on a bit of extra shredded cheddar for a melty cheese pull, add a handful of sliced green onions for a fresh bite, or crumble crispy bacon on top for an irresistible smoky crunch. A dash of black pepper or a few pickles on the side can also bring out that classic cheeseburger vibe.
Side Dishes
This soup begs to be paired with something for dunking! Crusty bread, garlic toast, or even warm pretzel rolls make the ideal companions. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a light green salad to balance out the richness, or set out a platter of sliced pickles and tomatoes to echo the best burger toppings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—kids and adults alike will be delighted. Or offer a mini toppings bar with bowls of chopped onions, bacon bits, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes so everyone can customize their own bowl, cheeseburger-style. For parties, fill small mugs or cups for easy, portable appetizers. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup keeps well in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, and store for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Lay flat to save space and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, because of the dairy, the texture may change slightly upon thawing, but a good stir during reheating will bring it back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the dairy from separating. You can also microwave individual portions, stopping to stir every minute until heated through. If the soup seems a little thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener. Double-check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re all set.
What type Main Course
Yukon gold or russet potatoes are both great choices—they become perfectly tender and add creaminess as they cook. If you prefer a firmer texture, red potatoes hold their shape nicely, too.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but for the smoothest, creamiest finish in Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup, shredding cheese yourself from a block is best. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
How can I lighten up this soup?
It’s easy! Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, and opt for low-fat milk. The soup will still be creamy and flavorful, just a bit lighter on calories and fat.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Absolutely—Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is a family favorite! Kids love the cheesy, familiar flavors and the fun, chunky texture. You can even let them help add toppings and make their bowls just the way they like.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines nostalgic flavors with the ease of slow-cooked comfort, and Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup does exactly that. Gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the work, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl of pure coziness—you’re going to love every spoonful!
Print
Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy slow cooker cheeseburger soup combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich cheesy broth to deliver a hearty and comforting meal. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make soup offers a homemade twist on classic cheeseburger flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
Broth and Seasonings
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Roux and Dairy
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.
- Add vegetables and broth: Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, broth, salt, pepper, and dried basil to the slow cooker with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
- Prepare the roux and milk mixture: About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
- Combine cheese and sour cream: Pour the milk mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then mix in the sour cream. Cover and cook on low for an additional 15–20 minutes to finish cooking.
- Serve: Stir the soup well before serving. Optionally garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced-fat dairy products.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to avoid curdling the dairy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
