Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the richness of a creamy soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends, this easy-to-make soup is full of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe makes a satisfying and filling meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re craving a cozy soup for lunch or dinner, this cheesy burger soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger, but in a creamy, comforting soup form.
- Easy to Make: Simply brown the beef and let your slow cooker do the rest. The prep time is minimal, and it’s perfect for busy days.
- Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with melted cheddar cheese, this soup is rich and creamy, just like a cheesy burger.
- Vegetable-Packed: With added vegetables like mixed veggies and tomatoes, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the familiar flavors of this soup, making it a great choice for family meals.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- Add Bacon: For extra flavor, top your soup with crispy bacon bits.
- Swap the Cheese: Try using a different cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or substitute the beef with lentils for a vegetarian version of this soup.
- Creamier Soup: For a richer texture, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream.
How to Make the Recipe
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to cook tender.
- Add Cheese and Milk: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
- Cheese Tip: Stir the cheese in slowly to ensure it melts evenly without clumping.
- Slow Cooker Size: This recipe works best in a 4-6 quart slow cooker. If using a larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Thicker Soup: For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the vegetables or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) at the end of the cooking process.
How to Serve
Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or a light salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a few pickles or a small side of fries for a more burger-inspired feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little extra broth or milk if the soup is too thick after freezing.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of the soup. You may want to add some extra seasoning for flavor. - Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk. - Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! You can use fresh vegetables, such as diced carrots, peas, and corn. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh veggies may cook faster. - Is this recipe spicy?
No, the recipe is not spicy, but you can add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to spice it up if you prefer. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavors. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients if needed. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. - Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. It can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for later use. - How do I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker consistency, mash some of the vegetables or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. - Can I skip the beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor base. - How do I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and full of flavor. With tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a creamy cheesy base, this soup offers the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, delicious bowl. It’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or anyone looking for a cozy, filling meal. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe that you can customize to your liking with different ingredients and seasonings. Whether you make it for dinner tonight or prepare it in advance, this cheesy burger soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Soup is a one-pot wonder. With ground beef, savory vegetables, and creamy cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate cozy dish for any time of the year. Perfect for busy days, simply set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a warm, cheesy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and mixed vegetables to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and milk until melted and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk or cream.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) toward the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours