Name: Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3600 min
Total time: 3615 min
Yield: Servings: 6
Cuisine: American Cuisine
Ingredients: Ground beef – 500 g (1.1 lb); Potatoes; diced – 400 g (14 oz); Carrots; grated – 100 g (3.5 oz); Onion; finely chopped – 1 medium (about 100 g / 3.5 oz); Garlic; minced – 2 cloves; Chicken broth – 750 ml (3 cups); Whole milk – 250 ml (1 cup); Heavy cream – 125 ml (½ cup); Cheddar cheese; shredded – 200 g (7 oz); Velveeta cheese; cubed – 150 g (5.3 oz); Butter – 30 g (2 tbsp); All-purpose flour – 30 g (¼ cup); Worcestershire sauce – 10 ml (2 tsp); Dijon mustard – 5 ml (1 tsp); Salt – 5 g (1 tsp); Black pepper – 2 g (½ tsp); Smoked paprika – 2 g (½ tsp); Parsley; chopped – for garnish

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup – A Creamy, Comforting Classic

The Ultimate Comfort Food in a Bowl

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, creamy bowl of cheeseburger soup. Imagine the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but in a spoonable, velvety soup form. This slow cooker cheeseburger soup brings together tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a luscious, cheesy broth, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something cozy, this soup is a must-have in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this slow cooker cheeseburger soup is its effortless preparation. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. No need to stand over the stove—just toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen. The result? A rich, creamy, and satisfying soup that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Beyond its convenience, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can tweak it to your preferences, whether you want to make it spicier, healthier, or even low-carb. It’s also a fantastic option for feeding a crowd, as it scales up easily and keeps well for leftovers.

The Perfect Balance of Ingredients

The beauty of this cheeseburger soup lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each bringing something special to the dish.

Ground Beef – The Heart of the Dish

A cheeseburger wouldn’t be complete without juicy, well-seasoned ground beef. In this soup, the beef is cooked until it develops a deep, rich flavor, giving the broth a robust and meaty taste.

Potatoes – A Hearty Base

Diced potatoes add the perfect texture, giving the soup its comforting thickness. As they cook in the slow cooker, they become soft and tender, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying.

Cheese – The Ultimate Creamy Touch

No cheeseburger is complete without cheese, and this soup delivers plenty of it! A combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Velveeta ensures a silky, rich texture that makes this soup irresistibly smooth and cheesy.

Broth and Seasonings – The Flavor Enhancers

A mix of chicken or beef broth, onions, garlic, and seasonings creates a deeply flavorful base. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and mustard adds that classic cheeseburger taste, tying all the elements together beautifully.

The Magic of the Slow Cooker

What makes this cheeseburger soup stand out is how well the slow cooker brings out the flavors. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to blend harmoniously, making each bite better than the last. The beef soaks up the rich flavors of the broth, while the potatoes break down just enough to give the soup its perfect consistency.

As the hours pass, the soup thickens into a creamy, cheesy delight, making it the perfect comfort meal for chilly days or nights when you need something truly satisfying.

Customizing Your Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences:

Want a smoky kick? Add smoked paprika or crumbled bacon.
Prefer a spicy version? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Looking for a healthier twist? Swap out the heavy cream for milk or use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Craving a crunch? Garnish with toasted croutons or crispy bacon bits.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

To make the most of this rich, creamy dish, consider pairing it with some classic cheeseburger sides:

Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the cheesy broth.
Garlic breadsticks – A great way to add some extra flavor.
Pickles or jalapeños – To balance out the richness.
A side salad – A fresh contrast to the indulgence.

A Family Favorite That Everyone Will Love

This slow cooker cheeseburger soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, potluck, or just a cozy night in, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. The ease of preparation, rich flavors, and creamy texture make it an instant classic.

So, next time you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting dish, let your slow cooker do the work and indulge in a bowl of this irresistible cheeseburger soup.

Recipe Ingredients

Ground beef – 500 g (1.1 lb)

Potatoes, diced – 400 g (14 oz)

Carrots, grated – 100 g (3.5 oz)

Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium (about 100 g / 3.5 oz)

Garlic, minced – 2 cloves

Chicken broth – 750 ml (3 cups)

Whole milk – 250 ml (1 cup)

Heavy cream – 125 ml (½ cup)

Cheddar cheese, shredded – 200 g (7 oz)

Velveeta cheese, cubed – 150 g (5.3 oz)

Butter – 30 g (2 tbsp)

All-purpose flour – 30 g (¼ cup)

Worcestershire sauce – 10 ml (2 tsp)

Dijon mustard – 5 ml (1 tsp)

Salt – 5 g (1 tsp)

Black pepper – 2 g (½ tsp)

Smoked paprika – 2 g (½ tsp)

Parsley, chopped – for garnish

The quantity produced by the recipe

Servings: 6

Preparation instructions

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
Prepare the Base: Add diced potatoes, grated carrots, chopped onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Let it thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Add Cheese: Stir the roux into the slow cooker, followed by the shredded cheddar and Velveeta cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the soup thickens.
Final Touches: Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Preparation

15 minutes

Cooking / Baking

3600 minutes

Total Time

3615 minutes

How to Perfect and Customize Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

Unlocking the Full Potential of This Creamy Delight

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is already a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish, but there are many ways to enhance its taste, texture, and overall experience. By adjusting ingredients, cooking methods, and seasonings, you can tailor this soup to suit different dietary needs, intensify flavors, or create a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Whether you want to make the soup richer, spicier, healthier, or even more indulgent, small tweaks can create significant improvements. Let’s explore various ways to elevate this dish while maintaining its irresistible cheeseburger essence.

Choosing the Right Cheese for Maximum Flavor

The type of cheese used in this soup greatly influences its taste and texture. The classic recipe calls for cheddar and Velveeta, but there are several ways to modify this for a different experience.

For a sharper taste: Use extra-sharp cheddar instead of mild cheddar. This will intensify the cheesy depth without increasing the amount of cheese.
For a gourmet touch: Try Gruyère or smoked Gouda. These cheeses melt well and add a slightly nutty or smoky undertone.
For extra creaminess: Mix in a small amount of cream cheese or Monterey Jack. This enhances the silky consistency without overpowering the main flavors.
For a spicy kick: Pepper Jack cheese introduces a mild heat that pairs well with the richness of the soup.

Enhancing the Meaty Base

The ground beef is the heart of the cheeseburger flavor, but choosing the right cut and preparation method can make a huge difference.

For a juicier texture: Use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat contributes to a richer, deeper taste.
For a leaner option: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken. While it won’t be as beefy, adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce can help mimic the traditional burger flavor.
For a smoky upgrade: Consider browning the beef with smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke before adding it to the slow cooker. This creates a grilled burger effect.
For a protein boost: Add crumbled cooked bacon or diced kielbasa for a meatier, more complex bite.

Adjusting the Consistency and Texture

One of the defining characteristics of cheeseburger soup is its creamy, thick texture. Depending on preference, you can make it thicker, lighter, or even chunkier.

For a thicker soup: Mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese. This creates a natural creaminess without extra flour or cream.
For a silkier texture: Blend a small portion of the soup before stirring in the cheese to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
For a chunkier bite: Leave the potatoes and vegetables in larger cubes to give the soup a more stew-like feel.
For a brothier version: Increase the chicken broth by 250 ml (1 cup) and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version.

Intensifying the Seasoning Profile

The seasoning blend in this soup is what brings out the bold cheeseburger flavors. However, small additions can create an even more robust taste.

For a classic cheeseburger taste: Add a teaspoon of ketchup and a dash of mustard to mimic the iconic flavors of a grilled cheeseburger.
For extra umami: A small amount of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can amplify the savoriness.
For a spicier soup: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce adds heat without overwhelming the creamy base.
For a garlicky depth: Roast the garlic before adding it to the soup to create a more caramelized, sweet-savory balance.

Making It Healthier Without Losing Flavor

If you’re looking to lighten up this indulgent soup while maintaining its delicious qualities, consider these healthier swaps.

Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter consistency without sacrificing creaminess.
Use reduced-fat cheese instead of full-fat varieties to lower the calorie content.
Increase the vegetables by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower, making the soup more nutrient-dense.
Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a natural sweetness and extra fiber.
Use low-sodium broth and reduce the salt to control sodium intake without losing depth of flavor.

Creative Toppings and Serving Ideas

A great cheeseburger isn’t complete without toppings, and the same goes for this soup. Adding textural contrasts and complementary flavors can take it to the next level.

For a classic cheeseburger feel: Top the soup with diced pickles, sesame seeds, and shredded lettuce for a deconstructed burger effect.
For a crispy bite: Garnish with crunchy bacon bits, croutons, or toasted sesame seeds.
For an herby freshness: Sprinkle fresh chives, parsley, or cilantro on top.
For an extra cheesy experience: Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese toast on the side.
For a Tex-Mex twist: Add a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and jalapeños for a Mexican-inspired variation.

How to Make It Even More Indulgent

If you want this Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup to be extra rich and luxurious, there are a few ways to elevate the creaminess and decadence.

Use a blend of cheeses, combining cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella for a more complex and stretchy melt.
Increase the butter and cream content, making the soup ultra-smooth and luscious.
Add a splash of beer to the broth for a deep, pub-style cheeseburger flavor.
Stir in caramelized onions for a sweet, buttery contrast to the savory base.

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is an exceptionally versatile dish that can be tailored to fit any taste preference. Whether you’re looking to boost the cheesiness, enhance the meaty depth, lighten it up, or add unique toppings, this soup remains a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal.

By experimenting with different cheeses, meats, seasonings, and textures, you can create a personalized version of this beloved dish that keeps it exciting every time you make it. No matter the adjustments, one thing remains constant—this soup delivers the ultimate cheeseburger experience in a bowl!

Serving size

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories (kcal)

480

Carbohydrate (g)

Cholesterol (mg)

Fiber (g)

Proteins (g)

Sodium (mg)

850

Sugar (g)

Fat (g)

Saturated fat (g)

Unsaturated fat (g)

Trans fat (g)

0.5

Allergens

Contains dairy (cheese, milk, cream, butter) and gluten (flour).
Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
Dairy-free alternative: Replace cheese with dairy-free cheese, butter with plant-based butter, and milk/cream with coconut or almond milk.

Vitamins and minerals