Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup

If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and bursting with savory flavors, then Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup is exactly what you need tonight. This comforting dish combines juicy ground beef, tender vegetables, and a luscious cheesy broth that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s incredibly simple to prepare but delivers rich, hearty flavors that everyone will love, making it the ultimate cozy dinner for any busy evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the hard work while you relax or handle other tasks.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory beef and fresh veggies, it hits the spot every time.
• Family-Friendly: The familiar burger-inspired taste pleases picky eaters and adults alike.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: Ready when you are, making dinner stress-free during hectic schedules.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak to fit dietary needs or personal flavors without losing its essence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup taste so satisfying. Each element brings depth—whether it’s the savory beef, melty cheese, or the colorful veggies adding great texture.

• Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a hearty protein base that stays juicy throughout cooking.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a flavorful foundation that enhances every bite.
• Potatoes: Provide creamy chunks that soak up the cheese-rich broth beautifully.
• Carrots and Celery: Add subtle sweetness and crunch, balancing the dish.
• Beef Broth: Forms the savory liquid base, intensifying the meaty flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient that melts into a delectably creamy soup.
• Milk or Cream: Creates the rich, velvety texture that turns this soup into comfort food magic.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce elevate the overall depth.

Variations for Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup

Feel free to make this Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup your own by experimenting with different flavors or ingredients. It’s wonderfully adaptable to various tastes and dietary preferences, so don’t hesitate to try out these ideas.

• Vegetarian Swap: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils to keep the hearty texture without beef.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in corn, bell peppers, or peas for additional color and nutrition.
• Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for gooey stretchiness.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbs without sacrificing comfort.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until browned and crumbly, draining excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they cook evenly and offer delightful texture in the soup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the browned beef, chopped vegetables, beef broth, and seasonings directly into the slow cooker. Stir well to evenly distribute flavors.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing all ingredients to meld together into savory harmony.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Cream

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk or cream, then cover and let it melt into a silky, cheesy finish.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup

• Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
• Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef first adds rich depth and keeps the soup from tasting flat.
• Choose Starchy Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape while thickening the broth.
• Adjust Thickness: If you want a thicker soup, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water near the end.
• Slow Cooker Settings: Stick to low settings for slow, even flavor development and better textures.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup

Garnishes

Top your bowl with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream to add fresh, crunchy, or creamy contrasts that brighten every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with warm crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a simple green salad to round out the meal and soak up every bit of that irresistible cheesy broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside homemade croutons for added texture and presentation flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more overnight.

Freezing

This soup freezes well—just make sure it has completely cooled before storing in freezer-safe containers; keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup, though it has a milder flavor, so consider adding a bit more seasoning.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and avoid adding any ingredients containing gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this in an instant pot?

Yes, you can use an Instant Pot by sautéing the beef and vegetables first, then pressure cooking for about 10 minutes before stirring in cheese and cream.

How can I make the soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking, or use less broth initially.

Can I prepare this soup without cheese?

While the cheese is key for its signature creamy taste, you can omit it for a lighter version and add more herbs and spices to boost flavor.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup is truly a crowd-pleaser ready to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table any night of the week. With its simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and irresistibly creamy taste, it’s a recipe worth making again and again. So go ahead, give it a try tonight, and savor every cozy, cheesy spoonful!

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