The cold air wraps around you like a fluffy blanket as you step into the kitchen, the promise of dinner wafting through the space. The rich scent of sizzling bacon fills the room, mingling with the comforting aromas of seasoned ground beef and savory broth. Just imagine a warm bowl of Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup nestled in your hands, steam dancing above as you dive in. Each bite brings together the heartiness of potatoes and the creamy goodness of cheese. It’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or spontaneous family gatherings.

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

I vividly recall the first time I made this soup for my family on a rainy Sunday. We’d been busy all weekend, and I wanted something nourishing and easy to whip up. After some quick prep, the slow cooker transformed simple ingredients into a delightful meal. This cozy dish quickly became a family favorite, inhaled within minutes, and every spoonful felt like a cherished moment. Are you ready to share a similar experience? Let’s make some Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and a hands-off cooking time, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Each spoonful bursts with flavors reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger, thanks to savory bacon and gooey cheese.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the ingredients create a bowl of soup that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for guests!
Flexible Serving: Ideal for family dinners, game day snacks, or meal prep; everyone loves a good cheeseburger.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make gluten-free versions by substituting in gluten-free broth and cheese soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon strips (4): The key to adding that smoky, savory flavor. Use thick-cut bacon for best results.
Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty base without too much fat. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Yellow onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth. Sweet onions can be used for a milder flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic ensures a deliciously aromatic touch. If unavailable, garlic powder will do in a pinch.
Salt & black pepper (½ teaspoon each): Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors. Adjust according to taste if you’re watching sodium.
Beef broth (4 cups): A rich foundation; chicken or vegetable broth can also suffice if you have a preference.
Russet potatoes (3 medium, peeled & diced): These starches add heartiness; you could swap in Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
Cheddar cheese soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): This brings a velvety, cheesy consistency. If you prefer a lighter version, consider a homemade cheese sauce.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): For that luxurious creaminess; half-and-half can be a lighter alternative.
Freshly grated cheddar cheese (8 ounces): More cheese equals more happiness! Pre-packaged cheese works fine, but fresh melts better.
Pickle slices (optional for serving): Add a tangy crunch on top, echoing classic cheeseburger toppings.
Diced tomatoes (optional for serving): For a fresh touch, these can brighten the dish.

How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Cook the Bacon: Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for about five minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfect crispiness that’ll really elevate the flavor of your soup. Once it’s done, transfer the strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease, but keep about a tablespoon of that delicious bacon grease in the skillet for what’s next. Chop the bacon for topping later; trust me, the crunch will be worth it!

Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add in the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with your spatula as it cooks. After about seven minutes, it should be nicely browned. Stir in the diced onions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Allow them to mingle for a few more minutes until the onions become translucent. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it off for a less greasy soup.

Transfer to Slow Cooker: Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Transfer that aromatic beef and onion mixture into a 6-quart crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, then toss in the diced potatoes and the cheddar cheese soup. Give everything a good stir to combine all those fantastic flavors. Cover it up, and let it cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. Just let the slow cooker do its magic!

Add the Cream and Cheese: When you’re in the final stretch, about 30 minutes before it’s done, stir in the heavy whipping cream and the freshly grated cheddar cheese. This is where the soup transforms into something truly decadent. You’ll notice it becoming richer and creamier—perfect cozy textures sure to please everyone at the table.

Serve Up and Enjoy: When your **Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup** is ready, it’s time to serve! Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top each serving with the crispy bacon you saved earlier, plus any extra cheddar cheese, pickles, or tomatoes you like. The contrast of creamy soup and crunchy toppings makes each bite an experience worth sharing with loved ones. Ready to dig in?

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers are a real treat! Once your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup cools, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or microwave in short 1-minute intervals until heated through. Note that texture may change, but adding a splash of cream while reheating can help refresh its richness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your beef is browned well for a deeper flavor.
Keep your ingredients at the right temperature. Cold ingredients can slow down cooking.
Don’t rush the cooking process in the crockpot; low and slow yields the best flavors.
If your soup seems too thick, simply add a bit more broth or water while warming it.
Feel free to experiment with toppings—sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños could add a tasty twist!

If you love cozy, comforting meals that please everyone, then you’ll adore this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup. With rich flavors and minimal effort, this dish showcases how simple ingredients can create delightful comfort food. Explore ways to tweak the recipe to fit your taste, and don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings! Grab that slow cooker and start simmering; hearty goodness awaits!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just combine the cooked meat and other ingredients, then place them in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook. It’s a time-saver for busy evenings!

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just remember to adjust seasonings to ensure those flavors shine through, especially if you’re using a much milder meat.

How do I thicken the soup?

If you’d like a thicker consistency, consider mashing a few of the potatoes after cooking, or add a slurry made from cornstarch and water during the last hour of cooking. This will give you that desired velvety texture.

What toppings do you recommend?

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility! Traditional toppings like crispy bacon and extra cheese are classic, but feel free to get creative—add fried onions, jalapeños for heat, or even avocado slices for a creamy contrast!