If you have ever wished for a comforting, flavorful, and stress-free meal that somehow captures the joy of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl, then you’re about to fall in love with this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and that irresistible melt of cheddar cheese, all simmered slowly so every spoonful bursts with cozy goodness. Whether you’re after a quick fix for busy nights or craving something satisfying to curl up with on a chilly evening, this soup checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity, featuring everyday ingredients that come together to create a rich, nourishing soup. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy potatoes adding body, to the sweet crunch of carrots balancing the savory ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese, making every bite a perfect harmony of flavor and texture.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the rich, savory foundation essential for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): Adds creamy texture and heartiness that soak up all the delicious broth.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together with a savory richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers the gooey, melty cheeseburger finish that makes this soup irresistible.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste: These simple seasonings enhance and amplify every ingredient’s taste.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning your lean ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step builds the base flavor and ensures your soup has that authentic cheeseburger taste. After cooking, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth. These fresh ingredients will mingle and slowly release their flavors as they cook, creating a hearty and comforting soup base.
Step 3: Season and Stir
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then give everything a good stir. These seasonings are the quiet heroes that lift the flavors without overpowering the natural goodness of your main ingredients.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. This gentle simmer allows the potatoes to soften perfectly and the flavors to marry beautifully, delivering tender textures and rich taste.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheddar Cheese
When the soup is ready, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the velvety broth. This final touch brings all the elements together with that cheesy comfort we all crave, making your cheeseburger soup truly shine.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with chopped fresh chives or green onions to add a burst of color and a mild oniony bite. Crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream make delightful additions too, introducing smoky or tangy contrasts that elevate every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a crusty piece of sourdough bread or warm garlic bread for dipping. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside toasted bread bowls for a rustic, comforting presentation. Or sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust on top—like an open-faced cheeseburger in soup form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness. You’ll be delighted by how the flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that potatoes sometimes change texture when frozen, so it’s best to use frozen soup within a couple of months for the most satisfying taste and consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Finish by stirring in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to revive that cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sharp white cheddar. Each brings a unique flavor twist that keeps the soup exciting.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes and carrots can be convenient substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as frozen veggies tend to cook faster than fresh, and adjust accordingly to avoid mushiness.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and then combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in cheese at the end, just like the slow cooker version.
How can I make this soup lower in calories?
Choose lean ground beef or even ground turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and skip garnishes like bacon or sour cream. Using low-sodium broth can also help keep sodium levels in check without sacrificing flavor.
Can this soup be made vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For vegan, go further by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the traditional cheddar, ensuring all ingredients align with your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about that first warm spoonful of cheeseburger soup, and this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for good reason. It’s effortless to make, deeply comforting, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I can’t recommend it enough—dig in, savor every bite, and enjoy the cozy happiness it brings!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, the soup is cooked slowly to develop deep flavors and creamy texture, making it an ideal dinner option for busy days.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content and set aside.
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and beef broth.
- Season the soup: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder according to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Cook the soup: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Add cheese before serving: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the hot soup, creating a creamy texture right before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes during cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite type of cheese for a different flavor.
- Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can boost the flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
