Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup – Easy, Creamy, and Comforting Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect choice. Packed with flavors reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger, this soup is rich, creamy, and full of delicious ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this slow-cooker recipe will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into the full guide on how to make this satisfying soup, answer some frequently asked questions, and explore why it’s so beloved.

What Is Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup?

Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, slow-cooked soup that mimics the flavors of a cheeseburger. It’s made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and a cheesy broth. The use of a crock pot or slow cooker makes this recipe convenient, allowing the ingredients to cook slowly and develop rich flavors over time. This soup is perfect for busy families, cold nights, or when you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this comforting Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a delicious and well-balanced soup:

• 1 lb ground beef: The heart of this soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.
• 1 cup chopped onions: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the soup.
• 1 cup chopped carrots: Balances the savory flavors with a hint of natural sweetness.
• 1 cup chopped celery: Offers texture and flavor to the mix.
• 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes: Creates the bulk of the soup, making it filling and hearty.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The base of the soup, offering a savory foundation.
• 1 tsp dried basil: Adds a hint of earthy flavor.
• 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds freshness to the dish.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the soup.
• 2 cups milk: Creates the creamy texture.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The cheesy element that makes this soup so irresistible.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a little kick of spice.

Directions and Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef is cooked evenly. Once it’s browned, drain the excess fat and set the beef aside. This step helps to reduce the greasiness of the soup while maintaining the delicious beef flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is browning, chop the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. You want the vegetables to be evenly diced so that they cook uniformly in the crock pot. The combination of these vegetables not only adds nutritional value but also creates a balanced flavor profile.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Transfer the browned ground beef into the crock pot. Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the dried basil and parsley over the top. The chicken broth serves as the flavorful base for the soup, while the herbs add a layer of complexity.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup

Set your crock pot to low and cover it. Let the soup cook for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, you can set the crock pot to high, reducing the cooking time to around 4-5 hours, but the low setting provides the best results.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, whisk together the flour and milk in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its signature creamy texture. Pour the milk-flour mixture into the crock pot, stirring well to combine with the rest of the ingredients. Continue cooking on high for another 30 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Once the soup has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the soup, creating a creamy, velvety texture that enhances the cheeseburger flavor. Add the salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors fully develop.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and the soup has thickened to your liking, it’s time to serve. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or parsley if desired, and enjoy! This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.

FAQs About Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup

1. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking to reduce the fat content or prefer a lighter flavor. The texture will remain similar, and the overall flavor will still be delicious. You may want to add a bit more seasoning to the turkey to compensate for the milder taste compared to beef.

2. Can I Freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup. However, it’s important to note that soups containing dairy (like milk and cheese) can sometimes change texture when frozen and reheated. To avoid this, you can prepare the soup without the milk and cheese, freeze it, and then add the dairy ingredients after thawing and reheating.

3. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

4. Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Yes, you can customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as green beans, corn, or bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly in the crock pot. Adding more vegetables will boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor.

5. What Can I Serve with Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with various side dishes to make a complete meal. Some popular options include a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even homemade dinner rolls. For an extra cheesy meal, serve it with a side of grilled cheese sandwiches.

6. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Potatoes?

If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-cooked or canned potatoes in the recipe. However, keep in mind that they won’t need as long to cook, so you can add them to the crock pot later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.

7. How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?

If you like a little kick in your soup, you can add some spice by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spicy twist.

8. Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Instead of using all-purpose flour as a thickening agent, you can substitute it with cornstarch. Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the soup in place of the flour. Also, be sure to check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy richness of a homemade soup. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it lighter with ground turkey or spicier with jalapeños. The crock pot does all the heavy lifting, making it an easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, with leftovers that taste just as good the next day, it’s a great option for meal prepping.

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