If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl filled with cheesy goodness and hearty flavors, this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the perfect blend of juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, savory broth, and melty cheddar cheese all coming together effortlessly while you go about your day. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and essential to building the rich, comforting layers of this soup. Each one contributes something special, from the juicy texture of the lean ground beef to the vibrant sweetness of the shredded carrots, and of course, the creamy, sharp burst of cheddar cheese at the end.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: This forms the hearty, meaty base that makes your soup feel indulgent but still wholesome.
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): Potatoes give the soup that perfect, soft yet slightly starchy bite that rounds everything out.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds savory depth and a little bit of sweetness as it cooks down.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a splash of color to brighten the bowl.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together with rich umami.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Your golden, melty finish that transforms the soup into a luscious cheeseburger-like experience.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste: These humble seasonings elevate every ingredient, adding just the right touch of zing.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the lean ground beef until it’s thoroughly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Browning the beef first allows you to drain excess grease and ensures the meat is fully cooked and flavorful before it hits the slow cooker. This step is key for that satisfying, meaty backbone of the soup.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Once the beef is ready and drained, transfer it to your slow cooker. Then toss in the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth. These ingredients will mingle all day, slowly infusing their flavors as they soften perfectly.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything gently to distribute the seasonings evenly. This simple seasoning mix brings the savory, comforting taste that reminds you of a classic cheeseburger without any fuss.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and cook the soup for 6 to 8 hours, or choose high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. During this slow cooking process, the potatoes become tender, the carrots sweeten, and all the flavors blend into a rich, cohesive stew.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheddar Cheese
Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. This is the magic moment where the soup becomes velvety, cheesy, and reminiscent of your favorite cheeseburger flavors in every spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To take this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe to the next level, don’t be shy with garnishes. Freshly chopped green onions or chives add a pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the richness perfectly. A dollop of sour cream can bring a cool, creamy contrast, and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits adds irresistible crunch. These simple touches make each bowl feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast can elevate your dinner. Soft dinner rolls or buttery breadsticks are also fantastic for dipping and soaking up all that cheesy broth. If you want to add a veggie side, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness with a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in bread bowls to create a playful and edible presentation that delights both the eyes and the palate. You can also top each bowl with a few thin pickle slices to channel authentic cheeseburger vibes. If you’re serving at a gathering, set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, pickles, and even cooked bacon to let everyone customize their soup experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, so it tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing and storing.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal option. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you plan to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your leftover or thawed soup, warm it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back to the perfect creamy consistency. Always stir in a little extra cheese if you want to refresh that cheeseburger flavor burst.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that will still work well in this soup. Keep in mind it may have a milder flavor, so consider adding a little extra seasoning to boost the taste.
Are there any substitutes for cheddar cheese?
Feel free to swap cheddar for other cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a different but equally delicious cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef, then adding the remaining ingredients and cooking under pressure for about 15 minutes. Just be sure to quick release and stir in the cheese afterward.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by skipping the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Replace the beef with hearty lentils or mushrooms for texture and protein.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem! You can cook this soup on the stove over low heat for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is the kind of dish that makes you look forward to dinner, no matter how hectic your day has been. It’s comforting, cheesy, and filled with simple ingredients that come together in a way that feels downright special. Try it out and soon you’ll have a new family favorite that feels like a warm, flavorful hug every time you serve it.
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy days. Combining browned ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and a rich beef broth, this soup is slowly cooked to develop deep flavors. Finished off with melted cheddar cheese, it offers the classic cheeseburger taste in a warm, cozy bowl, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the lean ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming oily.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth into the slow cooker, distributing evenly.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the ingredients. Stir gently to evenly combine all the flavors.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high setting for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add cheddar cheese: Before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, enriching the soup with creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef with a little diced onion before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russet potatoes for a fluffier bite.
- Adjust seasonings according to your taste preference, adding more garlic or onion powder if desired.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or blend a portion before adding the cheese.
