On a chilly evening, when you’re craving something that feels like a big, warm hug, this slow cooker cheeseburger soup is your go-to.
It’s rich, cheesy, and loaded with all the flavors you love from a cheeseburger—ground beef, melted cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning. The best part? You can throw it all in the slow cooker, walk away, and let the magic happen.
This soup gives you all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger, but in a comforting, creamy bowl. With potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese blending together, it’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a simple yet indulgent dinner, this soup checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger soup combines the comfort of soup with the decadent flavors of a cheeseburger. Here’s why this is your new favorite winter meal:
- Cheesy Goodness – The cheese is the star of this soup, creating a rich, creamy base that makes every bite feel indulgent.
- Hearty and Filling – With ground beef, bacon, and potatoes, this soup is a one-pot meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
- Simple to Make – The slow cooker does all the work for you. Just chop, add, and wait for the deliciousness to unfold.
- Family-Friendly – This is a great dish for both kids and adults. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with familiar flavors everyone loves.
From the first spoonful to the last, this soup will bring a smile to your face—it’s like eating a cheeseburger in a bowl, but even better.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
You don’t need many ingredients to make this hearty, cheesy soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef – This is the main protein and provides the savory base for the soup.
- Potatoes – These add a hearty texture and help make the soup filling.
- Cheddar Cheese – The cheese is what makes the soup creamy and gives it that familiar cheeseburger flavor.
- Bacon – Adds a smoky, crispy touch that makes every bite more flavorful.
- Beef Broth – The savory liquid base for the soup, providing depth and richness.
- Onion and Garlic – These are the aromatics that help build the flavor of the soup.
- Cream – For added creaminess and smooth texture.
These ingredients come together to create a hearty, comforting bowl of soup that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Making this cheeseburger soup is incredibly easy and involves only a few simple steps:
- Brown the Ground Beef – Start by browning the ground beef in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat and transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add them to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth – Dice the potatoes and add them to the slow cooker, followed by the beef broth. Stir everything together, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Add the Bacon and Cheese – About 30 minutes before the soup is done, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into the soup. Add the cheddar cheese and cream, stirring until the cheese melts into the soup and becomes creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese and bacon bits if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
In just a few hours, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy soup that’s ready to be enjoyed.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
While this soup is hearty enough on its own, here are some great sides to serve with it:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | Crispy, buttery bread that’s perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. |
| Caesar Salad | A crisp, tangy salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the soup. |
| Crusty Bread | Ideal for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Lightly roasted vegetables add a healthy contrast to the richness. |
| Fried Onion Rings | Crispy onion rings pair perfectly with the soup’s cheesy, savory flavor. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
This soup keeps well, so here’s how to store and reheat it:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, adding a little more cream or beef broth to adjust the consistency.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.
- Slow Cooker: If you have leftover soup, you can reheat it in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
To make this soup even better, here are a few tips:
- Brown the beef well before adding it to the slow cooker to get that rich, savory flavor.
- Grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese for a smoother texture in the soup.
- Add a bit of mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more cream or broth, depending on your preference for creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef if you want a leaner option. Just be sure to brown it well for flavor.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth to bring it back to the right consistency.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth. You can also add extra vegetables or beans for protein.
4. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the soup to give it some heat.
5. Can I make this on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables, then add the potatoes, broth, and cream. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened.
This slow cooker cheeseburger soup is everything you want in a comforting meal—rich, cheesy, and hearty. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful!
Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Equipment
- Large Skillet For browning beef and sautéing vegetables
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the soup
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef browned and drained
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth low sodium
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup bacon crispy and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef for about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes, until softened. Add to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together and cover.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors have melded.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, bacon bits, and fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables like celery or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Top with extra cheese and crispy fried onions for an added crunch.
- This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
About The Author
