The Dreamy Ingredients List
For the Soup Base:
- 1 pound ground beef: I prefer lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize grease, but feel free to use your favorite!
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything’s better with garlic!
- 4 cups beef broth: Low-sodium is best so you can control the saltiness.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a touch of acidity and texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard: This is my secret ingredient! It adds a tangy kick that really enhances the cheeseburger flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: For that subtle smoky goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: More garlic, always!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
For the Creamy Goodness:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is what makes it *Creamy* Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup! Make sure it’s softened for easy incorporation.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but feel free to use a blend or your favorite cheese.
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half: To thin out the soup and make it extra creamy.
Optional Toppings (But Highly Recommended!):
- Cooked bacon crumbles: Because bacon makes everything better.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For extra cheesy goodness.
- Diced green onions: Adds a fresh, zesty bite.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: For a tangy topping.
- Pickles, diced: Adds that classic cheeseburger tang.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Cheeseburger Bliss
Getting Started: Browning the Beef
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing flavor. I know, it’s tempting to skip it and just toss the raw beef in the Crock-Pot, but trust me, browning it first makes a HUGE difference. If you’re short on time, you can even brown the beef the night before and store it in the fridge.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Crock-Pot Magic: Building the Soup
- Combine ingredients in the Crock-Pot: Transfer the browned ground beef, onions, and garlic to your Crock-Pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), dried mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Slow cook to perfection: Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is where the magic happens! The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together. If you’re using the high setting, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
The Creamy Finale: Adding the Cheese
- Add the cream cheese: Once the soup has cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. This might take a few minutes, so be patient! If the cream cheese isn’t softening easily, you can microwave it for 30 seconds to a minute before adding it to the soup.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and milk: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk or half-and-half. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. If you want a *really* smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend it all together. Just be careful not to over-blend it, or it can become too thin.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper as needed. You might also want to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle into bowls: Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings! Bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, sour cream, and pickles are all great choices.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Beefing Up the Flavor (Pun Intended!)
To really amp up the beefy flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground chuck. The higher fat content in ground chuck will add richness and depth to the soup. You can also add a tablespoon or two of Worcestershire sauce to the Crock-Pot for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Cheese Please! Choosing the Right Cheese
While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for Cheeseburger Soup, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add a unique twist to the flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well and doesn’t become stringy.
Creamy Concerns: Troubleshooting
If your soup is too thick, add more milk or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry gradually, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens. Also, make sure your cream cheese is properly softened before adding it to the soup. This will help it melt smoothly and prevent lumps.
Adding Veggies for Extra Nutrients
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the Crock-Pot along with the onions and garlic. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed corn for a touch of sweetness.
Variations to Make it Your Own
Spicy Kick: Adding Some Heat
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Crock-Pot. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick. Another option is to add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel) instead of plain diced tomatoes.
Keto-Friendly: Low-Carb Option
To make this soup keto-friendly, simply omit the milk or half-and-half and use heavy cream instead. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of potatoes (if you’re adding them) to reduce the carb count. And of course, be mindful of your toppings – avoid sugary condiments and stick to low-carb options like bacon, cheese, and sour cream.
Bacon Lovers’ Dream: Bacon Infusion
For the ultimate bacon experience, cook the bacon first and use the bacon grease to sauté the onions and garlic. This will infuse the entire soup with smoky bacon flavor. You can also add extra bacon crumbles to the soup before serving.
Serving Suggestions Fit for a King
Beyond the Bowl: Creative Serving Ideas
While Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to dress it up! Serve it in bread bowls for a fun and festive presentation. Or, top it with crushed potato chips or tortilla chips for added crunch. You can also use it as a dip for pretzels or vegetables.
Pairing Perfection: What to Serve with It
This soup pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple green salad is a great way to add some freshness to the meal. Grilled cheese sandwiches or garlic bread are also delicious accompaniments. And for a truly decadent experience, serve it with a side of crispy french fries or onion rings. Consider Creamy Cheeseburger Soup for a quicker version when you are short on time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Besides the Taste!)
This Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s so easy to make! The Crock-Pot does all the work, so you can just set it and forget it. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ground beef. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. I promise, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again!
Other Cheesy Delights
If you enjoyed this Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup, you might also like these other cheesy soup recipes! The Cheeseburger Soup Recipe offers another variation, while Cheeseburger Soup provides a great alternative. For keto enthusiasts, don’t miss Cheeseburger Soup Heaven. And if you’re really looking for a Crock-Pot twist, check out Crock Pot Cheeseburger Heaven and Cheeseburger Soup.
Embrace the Easy Cheeseburger Soup
I hope you enjoy this Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe as much as I do! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to make it your own. Happy cooking!
Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar?
Yes! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack. Just ensure it melts well without becoming stringy.
How can I make this soup keto-friendly?
To make the soup keto-friendly, omit the milk or half-and-half and use heavy cream instead. Consider using cauliflower rice instead of potatoes (if added) to reduce the carb count, and be mindful of low-carb toppings like bacon, cheese, and sour cream.
What can I do if my Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is too thick?
If your soup is too thick, add more milk or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is it really necessary to brown the ground beef before putting it in the Crock-Pot?
Yes, browning the ground beef is crucial for developing flavor. While it might be tempting to skip this step, browning it first makes a HUGE difference in the overall taste of the soup.
Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Ultimate
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spoon
- Crock-Pot (slow cooker)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Bowls
- Immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 90/10 lean
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk or half-and-half
- Cooked bacon crumbles optional
- Shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Diced green onions optional
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt optional
- Pickles, diced optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the browned ground beef, onions, and garlic to your Crock-Pot.
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), dried mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the soup has cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk or half-and-half. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender (optional).
- Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, sour cream, and pickles.
