Craving a cheeseburger but looking for a warm, comforting, and healthier alternative? Then Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the answer! This recipe delivers all the satisfying flavors of a classic cheeseburger – juicy ground beef, creamy cheese, and those familiar condiments – but in a hearty, spoonable soup form. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
What is Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful soup that mimics the taste of a classic cheeseburger, but without the bun. It’s made with ground beef, broth, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. This soup offers a delicious and convenient meal option because you can simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without a lot of hands-on effort. Think of it as a deconstructed cheeseburger in a bowl! The best part is that it’s easily customizable with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, offering a fun and interactive meal experience.
Ready to ditch the bun and embrace a bowl full of cheeseburger goodness? Give this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe a try!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the meaty base and classic cheeseburger flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds savory depth and aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor profile with a pungent kick.
- 4 cups beef broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup and infuses beefy flavor.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Offers a tangy sweetness and adds texture.
- 1 cup diced potatoes: Contributes heartiness and soaks up the flavors of the soup (Yukon Gold or Russet work well).
- 1 cup diced carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard: Imparts a subtle tang and enhances the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami depth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice. Adjust to taste.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich and creamy texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides the classic cheeseburger cheesy flavor.
- Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cooked bacon, diced red onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, sour cream.
How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is incredibly easy to make! Simply brown the ground beef, combine all the ingredients (except the cheeses) in your slow cooker, and let it simmer to perfection. The cream cheese and cheddar cheese are added near the end to create that irresistibly cheesy and creamy texture. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the crockpot does the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. This step enhances the flavor of the soup by caramelizing the onions and garlic.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture to a 6-quart or larger crockpot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), diced potatoes, diced carrots, dried mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Stir to Combine: Stir all the ingredients together well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low for a longer period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer and more flavorful soup.
- Soften Cream Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and add it to the crockpot. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy base.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is smooth and cheesy.
- Serve and Top: Ladle the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cooked bacon, diced red onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and a dollop of sour cream.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a winner for so many reasons. The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredible cheeseburger flavor achieved without the bun! It’s a warm, comforting, and satisfying alternative to a traditional cheeseburger that’s perfect for cooler days.
Beyond the taste, making this soup at home is incredibly cost-effective. A pound of ground beef and a few simple ingredients transform into a hearty meal that can feed the whole family for a fraction of the cost of ordering takeout cheeseburgers. Plus, you control the quality of the ingredients.
What truly makes this soup special are the customizable toppings. From crisp shredded lettuce and juicy diced tomatoes to crispy bacon and zesty pickles, adding your favorite cheeseburger toppings allows everyone to personalize their bowl.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like our Crockpot Taco Soup which offers a similar ease of preparation and comforting flavors. Just like this cheeseburger soup, it is incredibly flavorful and easily customizable.
Ready to experience the ultimate comfort food? Gather your ingredients and try making this amazing Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup today!
What to Serve Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup With
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few ideas for complementary dishes:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Crusty Bread: For dipping into the cheesy broth.
- Cornbread: A classic Southern side that pairs perfectly with savory soups.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: For the ultimate cheesy comfort food experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Properly browning the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot is essential for flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Be mindful not to overcook the potatoes, especially if cooking on high. Check for doneness after 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. They should be tender but not mushy.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best flavor and melting quality, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the soup before adding the cream cheese and cheddar cheese and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the cheese will add saltiness, so be conservative with the salt.
- Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Offer a variety of options so everyone can personalize their bowl.
5 Facts about Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- American Origin: Combines the flavors of the quintessential American cheeseburger.
- Slow Cooker Favorite: Popular for its ease of preparation and hands-off cooking.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing meal enjoyed by both kids and adults.
- Versatile Recipe: Adaptable with various cheeses, toppings, and additions like vegetables.
- Year-Round Comfort Food: Enjoyable in any season, providing warmth and satisfaction.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup is too thick. The soup may thicken slightly during refrigeration,
- Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand during freezing. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: Thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm and comforting bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a delicious and satisfying meal. Give it a try and discover why this recipe is a family favorite!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly and drain off any excess grease.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or bell peppers to the soup.
Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Just follow the same steps as the crockpot version, but simmer the soup over medium-low heat for about 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
Q: My soup is too thick. What can I do?
A: If your soup is too thick, simply add a little more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.