The aromatic smell wafting through your kitchen as the slow cooker gently simmers the ingredients for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is simply heartwarming. Picture this: a bowl filled with creamy, rich goodness, loaded with tender potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheddar cheese, all coming together to create a dish reminiscent of your favorite backyard barbecue. As a kid, I remember my grandmother serving a similar soup during crisp autumn evenings, gathering us around the table as we shared laughs and stories. The cozy atmosphere was always accompanied by the delightful chatter of friends and family, all relishing every spoonful.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Now, whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or planning a family gathering, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup offers the ultimate indulgence with minimal effort. Imagine cozy nights cuddled up with a warm bowl, topped with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of pickles. The anticipation of that first bite will surely bring smiles to your home. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s make some magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep in just 20 minutes, then let the slow cooker do the rest!
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness that tastes just like a cheeseburger.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The warm, inviting colors make it a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily tailored for gluten-free diets with the right ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 bacon strips: Crispy bacon brings that smoky, salty flair that ties the whole dish together. Feel free to substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
1 pound lean ground beef: Use a leaner cut to reduce grease; ground turkey makes a great alternative for a leaner version.
1 yellow onion, diced: Onions add sweetness and depth; shallots or green onions work as substitutes.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor, but garlic powder can suffice in a pinch.
½ teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper: Basic seasonings that highlight the ingredients. Kosher salt is recommended for even seasoning.
4 cups beef broth: It sets the base flavor; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Potatoes add heartiness; Yukon Golds are a creamy alternative.
1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup: This creates a creamy texture; homemade cheese sauce could also be used.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: For richness; use half-and-half for a lighter touch.
8 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully; pre-shredded can be convenient but may not melt as smoothly.
Pickle slices (optional): A fun garnish that adds a tangy pop.
Diced tomatoes (optional): Offers freshness and color; consider fresh or canned, depending on the season.

How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Cook Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. This should take about five minutes per side until it’s nice and crisp. Make sure to leave about a tablespoon of the residual grease in the pan, as it will add flavor. Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and chop it for later use. It’ll serve as a delightful topping!

Brown Ground Beef: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks over medium-high heat. After about seven minutes, when the meat is no longer pink, toss in the diced onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Continue to sauté for another couple of minutes until the onions are translucent, then drain any excess grease if necessary.

Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to your 6-quart crockpot. Now, add in the beef broth, diced potatoes, and cheddar cheese soup. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 4 hours; let all those flavors meld together!

Add Cream and Cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, carefully stir in the heavy cream and the freshly grated cheddar cheese. You’ll begin to notice a rich, creamy texture form, and the aroma will fill your kitchen—simply irresistible!

Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the soup into bowls, topping each serving with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar, chopped pickles, or diced tomatoes—whatever makes your heart happy. This is your chance to get creative and make it truly cheeseburger-y!

Storing & Reheating

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup can make enjoying leftovers a breeze. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is also an option; it will hold up well in the freezer for about 3 months. Just remember that the texture may change slightly after freezing. To reheat, place it in a pot over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help refresh the consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When cooking bacon, make sure it’s perfectly crispy to avoid a soggy texture in your soup!
Avoid overcooking the ground beef; it should be browned but not dried out. Cooking it just until it’s no longer pink will keep it succulent.
If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes towards the end before adding the cream and cheese.
Feel free to scale the recipe based on your needs; it’s easily adaptable depending on your slow cooker size.
Experiment with herbs or spices like paprika or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor profile.

As you gather around the table to enjoy your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, remember that it’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to create warmth, comfort, and a layer of happiness with those you love. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, this dish is meant to be savored and shared. So, don’t be shy—dive right in!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup and store it in the fridge for up to three days before cooking. Just follow the steps until it’s time to combine it in the crockpot, then let the slow cooker do the work.

Is it possible to make this cheeseburger soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the lean ground beef for a plant-based alternative like textured vegetable protein or lentils. Use vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a completely vegetarian dish that still delivers tons of flavor.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef. Spicy cheese or hot sauce as a topping can also add that extra zest!

What toppings do you recommend for serving?

Besides crispy bacon and cheddar cheese, diced green onions, shredded lettuce, and even slices of avocado can offer a fresh twist. Don’t forget pickles—they bring a refreshing crunch that really enhances the flavor!