Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect dish for cozying up on a chilly evening. This hearty soup is a satisfying blend of ground beef, vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth. With all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in soup form, it is the ultimate comfort food. The best part is that it’s made in the crock pot, which means you can set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to simmer to perfection while you go about your day. Whether you’re serving it to your family or preparing it for a dinner gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
To make this delicious soup, you will need a variety of simple ingredients. Start with 1 lb of ground beef, which forms the base of your soup. Add 1 small onion, diced, to bring a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish. For texture and heartiness, you’ll need 2 cups of diced potatoes, which will soften perfectly in the crock pot. To create a flavorful broth, add 2 cups of chicken broth, which serves as the perfect backdrop for the other ingredients. The soup gets its creamy richness from 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of cream cheese, which melt seamlessly into the broth to create a velvety texture. 2 cups of milk add further creaminess, while 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour help thicken the soup to the perfect consistency. For extra flavor, you’ll need 1 cup of diced carrots and 1 cup of diced celery, both of which provide a slight sweetness and crunch. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. For an optional garnish, consider adding bacon bits and green onions, which give the soup an added touch of flavor and texture.
Instructions
Start by browning 1 lb of ground beef along with 1 small diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef and onions aside. In the crock pot, combine the browned beef, 2 cups of diced potatoes, 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced celery, and 2 cups of chicken broth. Season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Once the cooking time is almost complete, whisk together 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the milk mixture into the crock pot and stir to combine. Add ½ cup of cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and incorporated into the soup. Let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick and creamy. If desired, garnish the soup with bacon bits and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Tips for Making Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup
For an extra savory touch, try using a blend of cheeses, such as adding some mozzarella or Swiss cheese along with the cheddar. This will give the soup an even more complex and creamy flavor.
If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to increase the amount of flour and milk mixture or add more cream cheese to reach your desired consistency.
To save time, you can prepare the soup ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge overnight. This way, you can simply toss everything into the crock pot the next day.
For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread to dip into the creamy soup. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness of the soup and makes for a well-rounded meal. If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, try pairing the soup with a side of homemade fries or even crispy bacon strips. The soup is filling enough to stand alone as the main dish, but these sides add extra flavor and texture.
For a fun twist, you can serve the soup in individual bread bowls, which makes for a unique and satisfying presentation.
Storage
Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup stores very well, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little extra milk to restore the soup’s creamy texture if needed.
If you have a large batch of soup that you want to store for an even longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to store the soup in a freezer-safe container and let it cool before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly milder, but the soup will still be delicious.
Can I use other vegetables in the soup?
Absolutely! You can customize the vegetables in this soup to suit your taste. Feel free to add peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
To make a dairy-free version of this soup, you can use non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk, and substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. You can also use a dairy-free cheese substitute to maintain the cheesy flavor.
Can I cook this soup on the stove instead of in the crock pot?
Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop by following the same instructions, but reduce the cooking time. After browning the beef and onions, simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, savory soup. The ingredients come together effortlessly in the crock pot, making it a simple yet satisfying meal. With the richness of cheese, the heartiness of vegetables, and the savory goodness of ground beef, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a crowd, Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
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Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup
Description
A creamy and hearty soup packed with the flavors of a cheeseburger, made with ground beef, vegetables, and a velvety cheese sauce.
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: bacon bits, green onions
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet, then drain.
2️⃣ Add beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the crock pot.
3️⃣ Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4️⃣ Whisk milk and flour together, then stir into the soup. Add cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
5️⃣ Cook for 30 more minutes, stirring until creamy.
6️⃣ Garnish with bacon bits or green onions if desired.