Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

A warm, creamy soup that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl, perfect for any chilly day. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work. No complicated techniques needed!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, cheddar cheese, and spices creates an incredibly flavorful soup that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your preferred toppings like crispy Turkey Bacon bits or sour cream to make each serving unique.
• Hearty and Filling: With ground beef, potatoes, and veggies, this soup makes for a satisfying meal any time of year.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and can be frozen for future meals, making it great for busy weeks ahead.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Gather these items before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: It allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over several hours.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
• Cutting board and knife: Necessary for chopping fresh ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

A warm, creamy soup that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl, perfect for any chilly day. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings!

For the Soup

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 cups potatoes, diced
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 2 cups celery, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Creaminess

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy Turkey Bacon bits
• Extra shredded cheese
• Sour cream

How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well-mixed.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Cream

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Taste and Season

Adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, crispy Turkey Bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Serving your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup can be as fun and creative as making it. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

Toppings

• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color.
• Chopped Green Onions: These provide a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch.
• Crispy Turkey Bacon Bits: For those who enjoy a little crunch, turkey bacon bits offer a savory touch.
• Extra Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese on top enhances the cheesy goodness of the soup.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances the flavors.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread Rolls: Great for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Adds flavor and complements the cheeseburger theme well.

Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic salad that pairs nicely with the hearty soup.
• Garden Salad: Fresh greens add a light contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Achieving the perfect Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup involves a few key techniques. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality beef will improve the overall taste of your soup.
• Adjust Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak spices like basil and oregano according to your personal preference.
• Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Allowing your soup to simmer will develop deeper flavors. Low and slow is best!
• Add Cheese Gradually: Stir in cheese slowly to ensure it melts evenly without clumping.
• Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend part of the soup before adding cream and cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last drop of soup with its buttery, garlicky goodness.
2. Side Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the soup nicely.
3. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese complement the cheeseburger taste perfectly.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges add texture and pair well with any comforting soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to savory flavors.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can make a hearty side, echoing cheeseburger themes.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add nutrition and color to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping browning the beef: Not browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker can lead to a greasy soup. Always brown the meat first for better flavor and texture.
• Overcrowding with veggies: Adding too many vegetables can result in an overly thick soup. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced consistency.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end can leave your soup bland. Always season to taste for maximum flavor.
• Not using low-sodium broth: Using regular broth can make your soup too salty, especially when combined with other seasonings. Opt for low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
• Not allowing enough cook time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to undercooked vegetables. Make sure you follow the recommended cooking times for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide delicious flavor while being a leaner option.

How do I thicken Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?

To thicken your soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra shredded cheese for a cheesier flavor. Just remember to stir it in during the last half hour of cooking.

How long does it take to make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?

The total cooking time is between 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker settings.

What toppings go well with Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?

You can customize your toppings with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, crispy Turkey Bacon bits, and extra shredded cheese for added flair!

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is not just comforting; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or add different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its warm flavors on any chilly day!