Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Hey there, friend! Nora here, from TastyNiche.com. Let’s talk about soup. Specifically, *the* most comforting, flavor-packed, and surprisingly easy soup you’ll ever make: Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a celebration of simple ingredients, and a testament to the magic that happens when you let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. This *cheeseburger soup* is so good!
My cooking journey started with simple recipes just like this one. No fancy techniques, just real food and a desire to create something delicious. And let me tell you, this *recipe* is a total winner. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe incredibly approachable and rewarding.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Seriously, what’s not to love? This soup brings all the joy of a juicy cheeseburger, but in a warm, comforting soup form. But *if you* need more convincing, here’s why this will become a staple in your household:
- Effortless Cooking: Dump and go! Seriously, it’s that easy. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cheeseburgers, right? This soup is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings! The possibilities are endless.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prepping. The flavors only get better with time.
*This soup* is really the perfect family meal!
The Key Ingredients for Your Creamy Cheeseburger Soup
Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, nothing too complicated here! These are the building blocks of *a rich* and flavorful soup that *you’re* going to adore.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star of the show! I prefer using lean ground beef.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work great.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the soup.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Use your favorite cheddar! Sharp cheddar gives it a nice kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that ultra-creamy texture. *The creamy* texture is essential!
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a touch of tanginess.
- 2 cups milk: Helps to thin out the soup and create the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup flour: Used to create *the roux*, which thickens the soup.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Also used in *the roux* for richness and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to perfection!
- Turkey bacon bits (optional): For that extra smoky flavor.
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to transform those simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Remember, no pressure! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying *your soup* in no time.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add them to the slow cooker.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Make the Roux: About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create *a roux* and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened.
- Combine and Creamify: Stir the milk mixture into the slow cooker, then add the cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and *the soup is* creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with optional turkey bacon bits and chopped green onions for garnish.
See? Easy peasy! *If you’re* looking for a no-fuss meal, this is it. *The cooking* process is so simple.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup Ever
Want to take your *cooker cheeseburger* soup to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:
- Brown the Beef Well: A good sear on the ground beef adds so much flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Nobody likes mushy potatoes. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese melts like a dream.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Stir in the cheddar cheese a little at a time to ensure it melts evenly.
- Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
*It’s* really easy to level up *this recipe*!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes in the kitchen, and that’s okay! Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when making *slow cooker cheeseburger* soup:
- Adding Too Much Liquid: Start with the recommended amount of chicken broth and add more only if needed. *The key* is to get it to the right consistency.
- Not Draining the Beef: Excess fat will make your soup greasy. Be sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly.
- Overcooking the Soup: Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy. Check for doneness periodically.
- Adding Cold Dairy: Adding cold heavy cream or sour cream directly to the hot soup can cause it to curdle. Let the dairy come to room temperature before adding it.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
This soup is a blank canvas! Feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Veggies: Corn, carrots, peas, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor.
- Make It Lighter: Use skim milk and light sour cream to reduce the fat content.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container.
To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I make this on the stovetop? Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables in a large pot. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the cheese and dairy at the end.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute.
- Can I add cream cheese for extra creaminess? Yes, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the cheddar cheese.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Toppings
The best part about cheeseburger soup? The toppings! Here are some of my favorites:
- Turkey Bacon Bits: Adds a smoky, savory crunch.
- Chopped Green Onions: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds a juicy burst of flavor.
- Pickles: Adds a tangy, crunchy element.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing texture.
- Ketchup and Mustard: Because it wouldn’t be a cheeseburger without them!
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a cool, creamy tang.
- Crushed Potato Chips or Crackers: Adds a salty, crunchy topping.
Remember, the most important ingredient is love! So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a bowl of pure comfort. You got this!
Related Recipes
If *you can*’t get enough of ground beef recipes, here are a few other favorites from TastyNiche.com:
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Easy Comfort Food Recipe
- Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta
Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, and transfer to slow cooker.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until soft, then add to the slow cooker.
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Melt butter, whisk in flour, cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir milk mixture into slow cooker, then add cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. Cook 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with optional turkey bacon bits and green onions.