Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup (Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Bowl)

ByFoodarshia

So you want all the comfort of a cheeseburger but absolutely none of the effort it takes to flip a patty? Same. Enter: Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup—the bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness that tastes like your favorite diner meal but requires approximately zero actual cooking skills. Your slow cooker is about to become your new best friend.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This soup is the definition of comfort food. It’s rich, cheesy, hearty, and basically tastes like a warm hug. Best part? It’s idiot-proof—even I didn’t mess it up. You throw things in the crockpot, stir a little, melt some cheese, and boom: dinner that tastes like you tried. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, kid-approved, and reheats like a dream.

Course: Dinner / Main

Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 6 big cozy bowls

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 6 hours on low (or 3–4 on high)

Calories: Around 450 per serving (worth every bite)

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb ground beef (the star of the show)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika (for that little somethin’ somethin’)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (extra sharp = extra flavor)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp flour (for thickening)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, shredded cheese, croutons

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic. Drain the grease unless you want a greasy soup (your choice, but… no).
  2. Add the cooked beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, broth, salt, pepper, and paprika into your crockpot.
  3. Stir everything together like you’re mixing life decisions.
  4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until potatoes are soft.
  5. Melt butter in a small bowl, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk to create a creamy slurry.
  6. Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir. It’ll thicken into that dreamy cheeseburger texture.
  7. Add cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir until melted and glorious.
  8. Taste, adjust seasoning, and resist the urge to eat straight from the pot.
  9. Serve hot with toppings if you’re feeling extra.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Adding cheese too early: It can curdle. Add near the end for smooth, creamy bliss.
  • Skipping the slurry: No slurry = watery soup. And we don’t do watery cheeseburgers.
  • Not draining the beef: Too much grease ruins everything.
  • Undercooking the potatoes: Hard potatoes in soup? Jail.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if you want to pretend it’s healthier.
  • Use Velveeta instead of cheddar for that ultra-melty, diner-style vibe.
  • Add diced tomatoes or pickles for true cheeseburger energy.
  • Make it spicy with jalapeños or pepper jack cheese—IMO, elite.
  • Want it thicker? Mash a few potatoes right in the pot.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes! Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work great.

Can I make this without flour?

You can use cornstarch instead—just mix with cold water first.

Does this freeze well?

Dairy soups aren’t the best for freezing, but it’s fine if you don’t mind slight texture changes.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but it melts less smoothly. Freshly shredded is always better.

How do I make it less thick?

Add more broth or milk until you reach your perfect consistency.

Can I add noodles?

Absolutely—throw in cooked macaroni for a cheeseburger mac soup.

What should I serve this with?

Crusty bread, pretzel rolls, or honestly just a giant spoon.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort dish—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s easy enough for busy nights but delicious enough to feel special. Now go ladle yourself a giant bowl, curl up under a blanket, and enjoy the fact that you made something so good with so little effort. You deserve it!

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