Get ready to dive into a bowl of the richest, creamiest, and most comforting soup you’ve ever tasted. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe packs all the savory, satisfying flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger into a simple, set-it-and-forget-it meal. It’s the perfect easy dinner for a busy weeknight and a guaranteed hit with the entire family. If you’re looking for a hearty soup that truly warms the soul, you’ve found it. This slow cooker cheeseburger soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: The slow cooker does most of the work! With minimal prep, you can come home to a delicious, hot meal waiting for you.
- Rich and Creamy: A perfect blend of cheeses and cream creates a velvety smooth texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: It tastes just like a cheeseburger, making it a fun and delicious way to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and bacon, this soup is a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Ingredients for The Perfect Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature cheeseburger flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The star of the show. We recommend using 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for the best flavor with less grease.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Onion and Garlic: The aromatic foundation that builds a savory base.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, adding a hearty, tender bite to the soup.
- Broth: Low-sodium beef broth enriches the soup with a deep, savory flavor.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper mimics classic burger condiments.
- Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese creates the ultimate creamy, cheesy texture. For the best melt, shred your own cheddar!
- Heavy Cream: The final touch to make the soup extra rich and luxurious.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup in the Crockpot (Step-by-Step)
Making this delicious Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Brown the Beef and Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped bacon until the beef is no longer pink and the bacon is crispy. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Dairy: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the cubed cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup heat through for another 10-15 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
Tips for the Best Creamy Cheeseburger Soup
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef and bacon is a crucial step for developing deep, savory flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip it!
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. For the smoothest, creamiest soup, always shred a block of cheese yourself.
- Use Room Temperature Dairy: Bringing your cream cheese and heavy cream to room temperature before adding them to the hot soup helps prevent curdling and ensures a silky texture.
- Check Potatoes for Doneness: The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker. Check that the potatoes are fork-tender before adding the cheese and cream.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is how easy it is to customize! If you’re looking for other comforting weeknight meals, try this Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta or our simple Crockpot Beef Stew.
Make it Spicy
Add a kick to your soup by sautéing a diced jalapeño with the onion or stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
Make it Keto-Friendly
For a low-carb version, simply substitute the potatoes with an equal amount of chopped cauliflower florets. The cauliflower will become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Different Cheese Options
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend with some smoked gouda would be delicious alternatives to cheddar.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup
This soup is a meal in itself, but it’s also fantastic with classic soup pairings. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, soft homemade breadsticks, a simple side salad, or crispy crackers. For a truly authentic experience, top each bowl with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dill pickle slice!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Storing
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
Due to the dairy content, freezing can sometimes alter the texture of this soup, causing it to separate upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, we recommend doing so before adding the cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup base and reheat it on the stovetop, adding the dairy ingredients at the end.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently until warmed through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the creamy base to break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be creamy and delicious without any processed cheese like Velveeta. It uses a combination of cream cheese and freshly shredded sharp cheddar to create a rich, smooth, and natural cheese sauce.
Because of the high dairy content (cheese and cream), this soup can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. For the best results, we recommend freezing the soup base *before* adding the cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream. You can add the dairy components while reheating the soup on the stovetop.
This soup is naturally thick from the potatoes and cheese. If you prefer it even thicker, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the soup at the end. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Cheeseburger soup is delicious on its own or with classic burger toppings like shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and tomatoes. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, soft pretzels, or a simple green salad.
More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped bacon until the beef is browned and the bacon is crispy. Drain off excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the softened, cubed cream cheese until it has completely melted into the soup. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and allow the soup to heat through for another 10-15 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Share Your Creation!
If you make this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest. Your feedback helps us and inspires other home cooks!
