Hearty Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: Simple Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Whip up this easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup for a comforting weeknight dinner. Creamy, savory, and loaded with classic flavors for busy evenings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Dairy-Free Option
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
4 cups Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1.5 lbs)
05 -
4 cups beef broth
06 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Creamy Base
07 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
08 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
09 -
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
→ Flavor Boosters
10 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
→ Seasonings
12 -
Salt to taste
13 -
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Optional Finishing Touches
14 -
Crispy bacon bits
15 -
Fresh green onions, sliced
16 -
Extra shredded cheddar cheese
17 -
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your biggest skillet and get that ground beef sizzling over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, you want those lovely browned bits! Once it's mostly cooked through, drain any excess fat – I usually just tilt the pan and scoop it out with a spoon, honestly. Then, toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Let them soften and get fragrant, stirring occasionally, until they smell absolutely heavenly. This step sets the stage for a truly flavorful soup.
02 -
Now for the easy part, transferring everything! Dump that browned beef and onion mixture into your trusty slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, and diced tomatoes (undrained, remember?). Give it a good stir to combine everything. This is where the magic really starts to happen, as all those flavors get ready to meld together for hours. I always get excited at this point, picturing the deliciousness to come.
03 -
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. You want those potatoes to be fork-tender and the flavors to deepen into something truly special. I usually go for the low and slow method if I'm prepping in the morning; it just feels more forgiving, and the soup develops such a rich taste. Don't peek too much; let it do its thing!
04 -
Once the cooking time is up and the potatoes are tender, it’s time to make this soup wonderfully creamy. Stir in the cream cheese until it's completely melted and smooth. This is where the soup transforms from a hearty stew into that luxurious, comforting texture we're aiming for. Sometimes, if the cream cheese is really cold, it takes a minute, so be patient, friend!
05 -
Next, stir in about half of your shredded cheddar cheese, the milk, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Continue stirring until the cheese is beautifully melted and incorporated. Taste your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup here and adjust the seasonings – maybe a little more salt, or a crack of fresh black pepper. This is your chance to make it <em>just</em> right for your palate. Honestly, I often add a little extra cheese because, well, it's cheeseburger soup!
06 -
Ladle that warm, inviting Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, maybe some crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream. It’s ready! This is where all your patience pays off, seeing that rich, cheesy goodness. Enjoy your easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, you've earned this comforting meal.
# Notes:
01 -
A little secret: don't skip browning the beef! It adds so much flavor to the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup.
02 -
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days; perfect for meal prep, honestly.
03 -
Tried a dairy-free cream cheese once for the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, and it worked surprisingly well, just a slightly different texture.
04 -
Serve this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup with some crusty bread for dipping; it's just *chef's kiss*.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
6-quart slow cooker
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 30-40g