Making a Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy hug, a tradition passed down through my family that turns simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. This slow cooker cheeseburger soup brings together all the classic flavors you love in a hands-off, easy recipe that simmers all day, filling your home with the most inviting aroma. It’s the perfect easy cheeseburger soup for a busy weeknight, letting the crockpot do all the work while you enjoy more important things.

What You’ll Need for Your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

For the Savory Base

• 1 pound ground beef – The star protein that gives that authentic burger flavor. I like to use an 80/20 blend for the best taste.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped – An aromatic base for building a rich, deep flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – For that essential savory note that makes every spoonful sing.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Creates the flavorful liquid base for our soup.

For Hearty Substance & Creaminess

• 2 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (½-inch cubes) – These hearty potatoes give the soup wonderful substance.
• ½ cup unsalted butter – The start of our rich, creamy roux.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour – Combined with butter to thicken the soup beautifully.
• 2 cups whole milk – Adds a luxurious creaminess to the final dish.
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – Melty cheese is essential for that classic cheeseburger taste.
• ½ cup sour cream – Stirred in at the end for a tangy, creamy richness.

For Seasoning & Garnish

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a gentle, warm spice.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – For a touch of herbal freshness.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme – A subtle, earthy note that complements the beef perfectly.
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted and sliced into strips (optional) – The perfect garnish to complete the cheeseburger experience.

Let Your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Simmer with Love

My nonna always said that good food cannot be rushed, and this recipe is a testament to that. With just 20 minutes of active prep time, you can have this easy cheeseburger soup simmering away for 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The total time of 6 hours and 50 minutes is mostly hands-off, allowing the flavors to develop into a deep, comforting bowl of cheesy beef soup.

This timing makes it an ideal weekend cooking ritual or a meal you can start in the morning for a stress-free dinner. Compared to standing over a stove, this slow cooker cheeseburger soup gives you the gift of time. For another fantastic set-it-and-forget-it meal, you might enjoy my Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

In our family, we believe everyone should enjoy a warm bowl of soup, so I’ve learned a few tweaks over the years. For a lower glycemic index, you can swap the russet potatoes for diced cauliflower, which blends in beautifully. Using a natural sugar alternative isn’t necessary for this savory dish, but if you’re sugar-conscious, simply ensure your broth has no added sugar.

For a diabetic-friendly version, you can reduce the potatoes and use a full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein. Portion control is also a wonderful way to enjoy this comfort food soup while being mindful of your dietary goals.

My Family Secrets for the Perfect Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

After making this for countless family gatherings, I’ve gathered a few nonna-approved tips to ensure your soup is perfect every time. These little touches make all the difference between a good soup and a great one.

• For a Flavor Twist: Try using a smoked cheddar or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses for a more complex cheesy flavor. It’s a simple swap that feels luxurious.
• For a Lighter Version: You can easily use lean ground turkey instead of beef and low-fat milk. The soup will still be wonderfully creamy and satisfying, much like the flavors in this Turkey Taco Soup.
• For the Best Texture: Be sure to dice your potatoes uniformly into ½-inch cubes. This ensures they all cook at the same rate and become perfectly tender without turning mushy.
• For Easy Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove and add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency, a trick I also use for my Creamy Mac and Cheese.

Nourishing Your Family with Goodness

This crockpot burger soup is more than just a comforting meal; it’s a nourishing one. The ground beef provides a good source of protein and iron, while the potatoes offer potassium and fiber, especially if you leave the skins on. The cheese and milk contribute calcium for strong bones.

Compared to a traditional cheeseburger, this soup version can be higher in vegetables and allows you to control the richness. It’s a wholesome way to enjoy classic flavors. For another protein-packed, comforting option, my Hearty Beef Stew is a family favorite. Soups like this Lentil Vegetable Soup are also wonderful for getting a variety of nutrients in one bowl. You can learn more about the benefits of slow-cooked meals from resources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Creating a Lighter Version of This Family Favorite

If you’re looking to lighten up this traditional recipe, I have a few family-approved tweaks. Using 93% lean ground beef or even ground chicken works beautifully. You can also substitute the butter with a light olive oil for the roux and use 2% milk instead of whole milk.

The result is still a deeply satisfying and creamy comfort food soup that feels indulgent. For another light yet hearty soup idea, this Ginger Chicken Soup is wonderfully soothing. If you enjoy bean-based soups, my Tuscan White Bean Soup is another fantastic option.

Gathering Around the Table with Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

I remember my grandmother serving this soup on a chilly autumn evening, the steam rising like a promise of comfort. To serve, ladle the hot soup into deep bowls and don’t forget the toasted hamburger bun strips on top for that authentic crunch. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. If you love soup and sandwich combinations, you must try this classic Creamy Tomato Soup. Another fantastic pairing is a warm, cheesy side like my Cheesy Baked Eggs for a brunch-inspired dinner.

Common Mistakes (So Your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Is Perfect)

Over the years, I’ve seen a few common hiccups that can easily be avoided. Why is my soup sometimes grainy? This usually happens if the cheese is added too quickly or when the soup is too hot, causing it to seize. Always stir it in gently at the end, off the direct heat.

How can I prevent my potatoes from being undercooked? Be sure to dice them small and uniformly. If you’re short on time, you can par-cook them in the microwave for a few minutes before adding them to the crockpot. Another mistake is not browning the beef properly first. Taking those few extra minutes to develop a good sear adds a depth of flavor you can’t get any other way. For more tips on avoiding soupy disappointments, the Food Network cooking guides are a great resource. I also find that recipes like Stracciatella Soup teach you the importance of tempering eggs, a similar principle to adding dairy gently. And if you love creamy soups, learning the roux technique from my Chicken Pot Pie Soup is essential.

I’ll never forget the time I rushed and added cold sour cream directly to the hot soup—it curdled! Now I always let it come to room temperature first. These little lessons are part of the journey, my dear.

Preserving Your Delicious Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

This soup makes wonderful leftovers, as the flavors seem to get even better the next day. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze this cheesy beef soup for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it without the sour cream and potato garnish, as dairy and potatoes can change texture upon thawing. Simply add fresh sour cream when you reheat. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove, stirring often. If the soup has thickened, add a little broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. This Easy Lentil Soup also freezes beautifully if you’re looking for another make-ahead option.

Why You Must Try This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients; it’s a tradition of gathering and sharing warmth. From our family table to yours, this crockpot cheeseburger soup is made with love and generations of kitchen wisdom. It’s the ultimate comfort food soup that turns a simple weeknight into a special occasion.

I promise this slow cooker cheeseburger soup will become a cherished recipe in your home too. If you enjoy this, you might also love the deep flavors of my Winter Minestrone Soup or the creamy elegance of Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup. And for a truly indulgent dessert after your soup, nothing beats my Crockpot Chocolate Cobbler. I hope this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.

More Cozy Soup Recipes Your Family Will Adore

When the weather turns cool, there’s nothing better than a pot of soup simmering on the stove or in the crockpot. Here are a few more of our family’s most-requested recipes for a cozy night in.

Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs – All the savory comfort of the classic dinner in an easy, slow-cooked format.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup – A creamy, veggie-packed soup that tastes just like the classic pie but in a bowl.
Hearty Beef Stew – A timeless, chunky stew that is pure comfort on a cold day.
Turkey Taco Soup – A lighter, flavorful soup with all your favorite taco toppings.
Winter Minestrone Soup – A robust and healthy Italian classic loaded with beans and vegetables.
Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup – An elegant and earthy soup with incredible depth of flavor.

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