A warm, creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl, making it the perfect dish for chillier days. This easy-to-make soup is not only comforting but also highly customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to enjoy a hearty meal at home, this recipe will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With just a few steps and a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, cheese, and spices creates a deliciously creamy experience.
- Versatile Toppings: Personalize your soup with toppings like crispy Turkey Bacon bits or fresh green onions.
- Feed a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it great for family dinners or potlucks.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make extra and freeze portions for quick meals on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This allows for hands-off cooking, letting the flavors meld beautifully over time.
- Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise cutting of ingredients, making prep easier and safer.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results in your soup.
Ingredients
A warm, creamy soup that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl, perfect for any chilly day. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings!
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Creaminess
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
- Crispy Turkey Bacon bits
- Extra shredded cheese
- Sour cream
How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cream
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Taste and Season
Adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, crispy Turkey Bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup can be as fun and creative as making it. This warm and comforting soup is perfect for chilly days, and you can easily customize it with various toppings and accompaniments.
Toppings
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color to your soup.
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a mild onion flavor and crunch.
- Crispy Turkey Bacon Bits: For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, crispy turkey bacon bits provide a delightful texture.
- Extra Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of additional cheese on top makes this soup even creamier and cheesier.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds richness and a tangy twist to each bowl.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve with warm crusty rolls for dipping in the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: Pairing the soup with garlic bread offers an aromatic complement to the flavors.
- Salad: A light salad can balance the richness of the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup while adding freshness.
How to Perfect Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
To make your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. Each one will enhance the flavor and texture of your delicious dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables instead of canned ones when possible. They add better flavor and nutrition to your soup.
- Adjust seasoning carefully: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for optimal flavor.
- Let it simmer longer: If you have time, cooking the soup on low for longer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Try different cheeses: Experiment with various types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to sneak in additional vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup enhances the meal experience. Here are some delightful options that complement its rich flavors.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping in the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy contrast that pairs well with the warmth of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a nice balance to the savory flavors of cheeseburger soup.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring a healthy side that adds color and nutrients to your meal.
- Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips offer a satisfying texture when enjoyed alongside the creamy soup.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light, sweet contrast that brightens up your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Bold seasoning overload: Using too much salt or pepper can overpower the flavors. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste as you go.
- Bold neglecting the vegetables: Cutting vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Ensure all veggies are diced to similar sizes for even tenderness.
- Bold ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high when low is recommended may result in undercooked ingredients. Stick to the suggested cooking times for best results.
- Bold not stirring enough: Failing to stir the soup occasionally can prevent even melting of cheese and blending of flavors. Give it a gentle stir every now and then.
- Bold skipping toppings: Toppings enhance flavor and texture but are often overlooked. Don’t skip them! Consider adding fresh herbs or crispy Turkey Bacon bits for extra flair.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, heating until it reaches your desired temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s some helpful information about Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup that can enhance your cooking experience.
What is Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, hearty soup that combines ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, all cooked slowly in a crockpot for rich flavors.
Can I customize my Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! You can add various toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, or even different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.
How long does it take to make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup takes approximately 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
What are good substitutes for ground beef in this recipe?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version of this comforting soup.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and choose dairy-free cheese options.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is not only warm and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients based on what you have at home. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days, combining the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, warm soup. This easy-to-make dish simmers in your slow cooker, allowing the rich flavors to meld beautifully over time. Packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and topped with your favorite garnishes, this soup is not just hearty but also highly customizable to suit your taste. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will warm you from the inside out. Make a big batch today and enjoy leftovers later—this soup also freezes well!
- Total Time: 28 minute
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and transfer to a slow cooker.
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add to the slow cooker.
- Combine beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve with desired toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.