Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, tender potatoes, rich cheese, and creamy goodness—into one warm, satisfying bowl. Slow-cooked to perfection, this soup is hearty, cozy, and incredibly flavorful, making it ideal for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or relaxed weekend meals. The crockpot does most of the work, allowing the flavors to blend slowly and deeply, resulting in a soup that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did. This recipe is family-friendly, budget-conscious, and endlessly customizable, which makes it a staple you’ll want to return to again and again.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Once the ingredients are added to the slow cooker, there’s very little hands-on time required. It’s rich, creamy, filling, and comforting—everything a good soup should be. Plus, it captures the nostalgic taste of a cheeseburger in a fun, spoonable form that both kids and adults enjoy. It’s also perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Combines the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger into a comforting soup
• Easy crockpot recipe with simple ingredients
• Perfect for cold weather and cozy dinners
• Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly
• Great for leftovers, meal prep, and freezer meals

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course / Soup
• Cuisine: American
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: Up to 8 hours
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 420–450 calories per serving

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 2 cups celery, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried parsley

Creamy Base

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)

Optional Toppings

• Cooked bacon bits
• Extra shredded cheese
• Green onions
• Croutons or oyster crackers

Cooking Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the cooked beef, onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, broth, and seasonings to the crockpot.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the creamy base by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and slowly adding milk until thickened.
5. Stir the roux into the crockpot.
6. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef until no longer pink and drain fat.
2. Prep Vegetables: Dice potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
3. Load the Crockpot: Add beef, vegetables, broth, and seasonings.
4. Slow Cook: Let everything cook until vegetables are soft.
5. Make the Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk until thick.
6. Add Creaminess: Stir roux and cheese into the soup.
7. Finish & Serve: Let soup thicken and flavors combine.

How to Serve Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Serve hot in deep bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad for a complete meal. This soup is also excellent served in bread bowls for an extra-special presentation.

Recipe Tips

1. Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor
2. Shred cheese fresh—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly
3. Add cheese gradually and stir well to avoid clumps
4. If soup is too thick, add extra broth or milk
5. Stir occasionally after adding dairy ingredients

Variations (Detailed)

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon to the crockpot along with the beef for extra smoky flavor.

2. Low-Carb Version

Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets and use heavy cream instead of milk.

3. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.

4. Veggie-Packed Version

Add corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.

5. Extra Creamy Version

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days

Freezing

• Freeze without cheese for best results
• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Large skillet (for browning beef)
• Saucepan (for roux)
• Whisk
• Ladle

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a rich, comforting, and satisfying dish that turns a classic favorite into a cozy bowl of goodness. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and big flavor, it’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Whether you keep it classic or customize it with your favorite toppings and variations, this soup is guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation. One spoonful, and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved comfort food classic.