Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a rich, creamy, and hearty comfort dish made with ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, it tastes like a warm cheeseburger in a bowl—perfect for busy nights, chilly days, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes peeled and diced (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery ribs diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or beef broth for richer flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half for creamier soup
- ¼ cup sour cream optional, for extra creaminess
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Fresh chives or green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Crumbled bacon optional, for topping
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. This step helps the beef develop a richer flavor before going into the crockpot.Layer vegetables and broth: In your slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Place the browned beef on top and give everything a gentle mix.Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender and easily pierced with a fork.Make the cheese sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste (roux). Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly into a creamy base. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.Combine everything: Pour the cheese sauce into the crockpot and stir well so that it blends with the soup. If you’d like extra creaminess, stir in the sour cream at this point. Let the soup cook for another 20–30 minutes on low to meld the flavors.Serve: Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls and top with fresh chives or green onions. For a heartier touch, sprinkle on some crumbled bacon or extra shredded cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread, rolls, or even a side salad for a cozy meal.