If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. Every spoonful of this hearty soup captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic cheeseburger, transformed into a velvety, cheesy, and utterly satisfying bowl. Whether it’s chilly outside or you just want to treat yourself to a fuss-free dinner that feels special, this soup is bound to become a staple at your table. With simple, wholesome ingredients and an effortless slow cooker method, you’ll love how the flavors meld into cheesy bliss with minimal hands-on time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is that every ingredient plays a role in building unforgettable flavor, luscious texture, and inviting color. This lineup is pantry-friendly and doesn’t require fancy shopping trips, but each item packs a punch when it comes to making this soup extra comforting.
- Ground beef: The star protein, bringing rich, savory flavor that anchors the soup.
- Onion: Diced small for sweet depth and a mellow background note.
- Garlic: Just two cloves add warmth and build that classic burger flavor base.
- Peeled and diced potatoes: These make every bite creamy and filling, just like chunky fries in your soup!
- Diced carrots: They add color, natural sweetness, and a tender crunch.
- Diced celery: For a subtle, aromatic edge and a veggie boost.
- Chicken or beef broth: Choose your favorite for the base; both enrich the soup beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together—don’t skip it.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and blends perfectly with the other seasonings.
- Paprika: A little dash brings warmth and appealing color.
- Dried thyme: Subtle earthiness to round out all the savory notes.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the roux that thickens the soup to creamy perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Makes the roux rich and gives a silky texture to the finish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey cheesiness defines every spoonful—go for sharp for extra punch!
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Sour cream: Swirls in last for tang, body, and true cheeseburger shop vibes.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): Bright, fresh, and fun as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, letting it cook gently until it’s browned and sizzled, about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep your soup luscious but not greasy. Transfer the cooked beef directly into your slow cooker—the sizzle and aroma here already hint at the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Combine and Cook
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, your choice of broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the slow cooker with the beef. Give everything a good stir so that all those flavors mingle. Pop the lid on, set it to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, and let the slow cooker work its magic until the veggies are tender and the house smells irresistible.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for just a minute or two—it’ll smell a bit like toasty popcorn! Slowly add the whole milk, whisking all the while, and cook until thickened (around 3–4 minutes). Now, add the shredded cheddar and keep stirring until you have a gooey, creamy sauce. This step is where the soup earns its “cheeseburger” title!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Carefully pour the warm, melty cheese sauce into the slow cooker. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined. Last but not least, add in the sour cream for one final swirl of creamy richness. Let the soup cook for another 15–20 minutes so everything blends to perfection. At this stage, it looks, smells, and tastes like comfort food at its best!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup into bowls while it’s hot and bubbling. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Every bowl promises the full cheeseburger experience—creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing this soup is not just about looks—it’s a chance to add color, crunch, and a layer of freshness that balances out the richness. Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for vibrant color, or get creative with a few crushed potato chips or crispy bacon bits for some extra fun. A little shredded cheddar or even a dollop of sour cream transforms each bowl into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Nothing completes a cozy bowl of Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup like a warm, freshly baked roll or a thick slice of garlic bread for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s creaminess. Need something heartier? Try serving it with pickles or classic burger fixings on the side—trust me, it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—a crowd favorite at parties and family gatherings. Fun toppings like diced dill pickles, toasted sesame seeds, or a swirl of ketchup and mustard can add a playful, cheeseburger-inspired flair. For a lighter approach, offer a toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl with favorite fixings, just like building their perfect burger, but with a spoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup stores beautifully. Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making every subsequent bowl just as tasty and satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to stock up or prep ahead, this soup freezes surprisingly well! Let the soup cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Just remember, the texture may be slightly thicker after freezing due to the dairy, but a splash of broth when reheating brings it back to its perfect consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy. If it seems too thick, whisk in a little extra broth or milk as needed. Microwave reheating also works—just do so in short bursts and stir often for best results. Each reheated bowl promises all the cheeseburger magic!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic alternatives and work seamlessly in this recipe. You’ll still get the classic cheeseburger flavors, with a slightly lighter touch.
What type of cheese is best for Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup?
Sharp cheddar is my top pick for big, bold flavor, but you can use mild cheddar or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different twist. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and adds plenty of creamy richness.
How can I make the soup extra thick or extra creamy?
For an even thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the slow cooker before adding the cheese sauce. If you love things ultra-creamy, add a splash more milk or an extra dollop of sour cream before serving.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when making your roux, or use cornstarch mixed with cold milk to thicken the cheese sauce. The soup stays wonderfully creamy with either option.
Can I prep any ingredients the night before?
Definitely! You can brown the beef and chop all your veggies the night before. Store everything chilled until morning, then just combine in the slow cooker and start cooking. This makes Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup even easier to fit into your busy schedule.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, fuss-free, and undeniably delicious, Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is the recipe your table (and soul) needs. Give it a try—you just might find yourself sneaking back for seconds before you know it!
Print
Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this hearty Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. Packed with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a velvety cheese sauce, this comforting soup is a perfect meal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat and transfer to slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Combine onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Stir in cheese until smooth, then pour into slow cooker.
- Finish Soup: Add sour cream to the slow cooker, stir well, and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider using sharp cheddar or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- This soup thickens as it cools, so add extra broth when reheating if needed.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
