Name: Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 390 min
Total time: 410 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup sour cream; 4 hamburger buns (toasted and sliced into strips (optional garnish))

I’ll create this article following all your guidelines. Let me start with the mandatory intro and main image.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup brings all the comforting flavors of a classic burger into a warm, hearty bowl that’s perfect for cozy family dinners. This slow-cooked delight combines ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese in a creamy broth that will become your new favorite comfort food.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe finished dish

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Why This Soup Feels Like a Warm Hug

Slow Cooker Simplicity – Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy the amazing aromas filling your kitchen.
Comfort Food Magic – This cheeseburger soup recipe transforms classic burger flavors into a cozy, spoonable delight.
Family-Friendly Goodness – Even picky eaters will love this ground beef soup packed with familiar flavors.
Make-Ahead Perfection – Prepare it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-serve dinner.

What You’ll Need for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

For the Soup Base

Ground beef – provides the classic burger flavor base
Yellow onion – adds sweet, savory depth to the soup
Garlic – gives aromatic flavor to the dish
Chicken broth – creates the liquid base for the soup
Russet potatoes – makes the soup hearty and filling

For the Creamy Finish

Butter – helps create a rich, creamy roux
All-purpose flour – thickens the soup perfectly
Whole milk – adds creaminess to the final dish
Kosher salt – enhances all the flavors
Black pepper – provides subtle spice
Dried parsley – adds herbal freshness
Dried thyme – gives earthy, aromatic notes

For the Cheesy Topping

Sharp cheddar cheese – creates melty, cheesy goodness
Sour cream – makes the soup extra creamy
Hamburger buns – optional garnish for burger authenticity

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup ingredients preparation

Let Your Day Simmer While This Soup Cooks

I love how this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup gives you freedom throughout your day. With just 20 minutes of prep time in the morning, you can let your slow cooker work its magic for 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The total time of 6 hours and 50 minutes might sound long, but it’s mostly hands-off simmering that fills your home with the most wonderful aromas.

This timing makes it perfect for busy weekdays when you want a comforting meal waiting for you. Compared to other hearty stew recipes, the extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The potatoes become perfectly tender, and the ground beef develops a rich, deep flavor that quick-cooking methods can’t achieve.

In our family, we believe good food should be accessible to everyone. For those watching their sugar intake or managing dietary needs, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup can be easily adapted. The natural ingredients already make it a relatively blood sugar friendly option, but here are some thoughtful tweaks I’ve discovered through feeding my own diverse family.

For a lower glycemic impact, you could reduce the potato quantity slightly and add more non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower. Using a sugar alternative isn’t necessary since the recipe contains no added sugars naturally. For those preferring dairy-free options, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without actual cheese. Remember to adjust portion sizes based on your individual needs and always consult with healthcare providers for specific medical advice.

Grandma’s Secret Tips for Perfect Soup Every Time

After making this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup for decades, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to extraordinary. First, for flavor enhancement, try browning the ground beef with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds a depth that reminds me of the best vegetable beef soups from my childhood.

For texture perfection, don’t skip the step of making the roux separately – it ensures no flour lumps in your final soup. If you’re watching fat content, you can use lean ground beef and reduce the butter by half. My favorite storage tip: this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep like our taco soup. Always thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese in your slow cooker for creamy comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights with 6-hour cook time.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 6 30

Total Time 6 50

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

large skillet
6-quart crockpot
medium saucepan
whisk
knife
cutting board
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Ingredients

Soup Base

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups russet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes

Cream Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk

Seasonings and Finish

1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried thyme
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1/2 cup sour cream
4 hamburger buns toasted and sliced into strips (optional garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, and diced potatoes to the crockpot. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain, and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Pour the milk mixture into the crockpot and stir to combine. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and dried thyme. Stir again.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the soup is hot and slightly thickened. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and smooth.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toasted hamburger bun strips if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Garnish with toasted hamburger bun strips if desired.

Keyword cheeseburger soup, comfort food, crockpot, slow cooker

Nourishing Your Body with Every Spoonful

This comforting Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup offers more than just great taste. The ground beef provides high-quality protein that helps keep you satisfied, while the potatoes contribute complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The cheese adds calcium for bone health, making this a well-rounded meal that feeds both body and soul.

Compared to many cream-based soups, this recipe maintains better nutritional balance with its protein-rich foundation. The vegetables contribute fiber and essential nutrients, while the controlled sodium content (when using low-sodium broth) makes it a smarter choice than many canned alternatives. For those seeking vegetable-forward options, you can always add extra carrots or celery to boost the nutrient profile even further.

Making It Lighter Without Losing Flavor

Sometimes we want all the comfort with fewer calories, and this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup adapts beautifully. Use 93% lean ground beef and replace the whole milk with 2% or even almond milk for a significant reduction in fat content. The cheese can be reduced by half without sacrificing the essential cheesy flavor we all love.

For even more vegetable goodness, add a cup of chopped spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you’re avoiding gluten, cornstarch works perfectly as a thickener instead of flour. These small changes can make a big difference while maintaining the soul-warming quality that makes this cheese soup so special.

Creating Memorable Moments Around the Table

I remember serving this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup to my grandchildren for the first time – their eyes widened with delight at the familiar burger flavors in soup form. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Serve it with crispy garlic bread for dipping, or go full burger experience with the toasted bun strips on top.

For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetable side. The soup stands beautifully on its own, but sometimes I love serving it alongside lighter Italian soups for a soup-themed dinner party. However you choose to serve it, the shared experience around the table is what turns food into cherished memories.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup serving presentation

Common Troubles Turned into Success Stories

Over the years, I’ve seen all the little mistakes that can happen with Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, and each one taught me something valuable. The most common issue is adding the dairy too early, which can cause curdling. Always wait until the final 30 minutes to incorporate the milk and cheese for silky smooth results.

Another frequent challenge is underseasoning – remember that slow cooking requires bold seasoning from the start. Don’t be shy with the herbs and spices! For perfect thickness, make sure your roux is properly cooked before adding it to the soup. These simple adjustments can transform your soup-making experience, much like learning the secrets behind perfect ginger chicken soup.

Finally, avoid the temptation to lift the lid frequently during cooking – each peek adds 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Trust the process, just as you would with classic tomato soup preparations. The patience is always rewarded with deeper, more developed flavors.

Preserving Your Delicious Creation

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld beautifully. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, I prefer portioning it into individual servings for easy reheating.

When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If the soup has thickened too much in storage, add a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to perfect consistency. These storage methods ensure you can enjoy this comfort food whenever the craving strikes, much like having zucchini soup ready for quick meals.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

I encourage you to try this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup not just as another recipe, but as a new tradition for your family. It represents everything I love about cooking – transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary that brings people together. The familiar flavors will comfort you, while the ease of preparation will delight you.

This soup has become a staple in our home, much like hearty gyoza soup has its special place. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a hug in a bowl. The versatility allows for endless customization, making it truly your own. I hope it brings your family as much joy as it has brought mine through the years.

For more comforting ideas, explore our chicken pot pie soup or Tuscan white bean soup. Each recipe carries the same love and care that I’ve put into this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup creation.

More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Adore

If you loved this cheeseburger soup experience, you’ll find these other comforting recipes equally delightful for your family table.

– Stracciatella Soup – Light Italian egg drop soup that feels like comfort in every spoonful – Ginger Chicken Soup – Soothing Asian-inspired broth with healing warmth

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheeseburger soup recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes, you can adapt this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup for pressure cooking. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function, then add other ingredients except dairy. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes, quick release, then stir in milk and cheese until melted.

What’s the best way to prevent curdling in creamy soups?

To prevent curdling in your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, always add dairy products during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Temper the milk by gradually adding some hot soup broth to it before incorporating fully. Avoid boiling after adding dairy.

Can I freeze cheeseburger soup with potatoes?

Freezing Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup works well, though the potato texture may become slightly softer upon reheating. For best results, cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

Adjust the thickness of your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup by modifying the roux quantity. For thicker soup, increase the butter and flour by 50%. For thinner consistency, reduce the roux by half or add extra broth until desired texture is achieved.

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger