The Star Players: Ingredients for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to adjust amounts to your liking. I’m just here to guide you!The Meaty Base
- 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but leaner works too!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
The Veggie Power
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold are great)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chopped carrots (optional, but adds a nice sweetness)
The Creamy Dream Team
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
The Cheeseburger Flair
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional, but highly encouraged!)
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickles, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Green onions, chopped
Let’s Talk Ground Beef (and Other Swaps!)
Okay, friend, before we dive into the instructions, let’s chat about substitutions and getting the most flavor out of our ingredients. First, the ground beef. I highly recommend browning it before adding it to the crockpot. This step adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. Trust me on this one! Drain off any excess grease after browning.
If you’re not a beef fan, you can absolutely use ground turkey or even ground chicken. Just be sure to season it well. Speaking of seasoning, don’t be shy! Salt and pepper are your best friends. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
This recipe builds to that perfect creamy cheeseburger soup crockpot flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Easy Cheeseburger Soup Adventure
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, it’s all super simple.Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
- Transfer the browned ground beef mixture to your crockpot.
- Add the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), and chopped carrots (if using).
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Stir in the mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: The Creamy Finish
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. This is CRUCIAL for that creamy texture we all crave. If your cream cheese isn’t quite soft enough, it might take a little extra stirring. Don’t give up!
- Stir in the milk.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and gooey.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Think crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, sour cream, and green onions. The possibilities are endless!
Troubleshooting and Tips for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Success
Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:- Soup is too thick: Add more beef broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Soup is too thin: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until thickened.
- Cheese isn’t melting smoothly: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the crockpot. You can also try shredding the cheddar cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Flavor is bland: Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce. You can also try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.
Making It Your Own: Variations on the Cheeseburger Soup Theme
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the crockpot along with the other ingredients. You can also use bacon grease to brown the ground beef for extra flavor.
- Pizza Cheeseburger Soup: Add a can of pizza sauce and some pepperoni slices to the crockpot. Top with mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.
- Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Use plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth.
What to Serve with Your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of:- Crusty bread for dipping
- A simple green salad
- Grilled cheese sandwiches (for the ultimate comfort food experience!)
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Listen, life is busy. We all need easy, delicious meals that we can throw together without spending hours in the kitchen. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is exactly that. It’s:- Easy: Minimal prep work and a slow cooker do all the hard work.
- Delicious: Packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking.
- Kid-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love it!
Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. Just be sure to season it well.
What can I do if my cheeseburger soup is too thick?
If the soup is too thick, add more beef broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
The recipe mentions browning the ground beef. Is this a necessary step?
While the recipe is flexible, browning the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot is highly recommended. This adds a depth of flavor that you can’t get otherwise. Be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
My cheese didn’t melt smoothly in the soup. What could be the problem?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the crockpot. You can also try shredding the cheddar cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: Ultimate Easy Recipe
Enjoy a comforting and flavorful Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, featuring savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in a rich broth. This easy-to-make soup is a family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk whole or 2%
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Cooked bacon, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned ground beef mixture to your crockpot.
- Add the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), and chopped carrots (if using).
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Stir in the mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the milk.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and gooey.
- Ladle the Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream cheese and cheddar. To thin the soup, add more beef broth or milk. For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
