Delicious & Easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a classic American favorite, reimagined for the slow cooker! For those craving the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger without the bun, our Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe delivers an unparalleled comfort food experience. Forget complex cooking processes; this soup brings rich, savory flavors together with minimal effort, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

This crockpot soup recipe offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic. It captures all the savory essence of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy, and utterly comforting bowl. What makes it truly special? Its incredible ease of preparation and the depth of flavor it achieves with minimal hands-on time. Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of a simmering meal, ready to be served. That’s the magic of this cheeseburger soup.

Whether you’re battling a cold winter chill or simply seeking a fun, family-friendly dinner idea, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is your go-to recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your delicious dinner cooks itself to perfection.

To make the process even smoother, we recommend using a Hamburger Mix n Chop tool. It’s fantastic for breaking up ground beef evenly and stirring all the ingredients together seamlessly in your pan before transferring them to the slow cooker.

For ultimate convenience, consider investing in a crockpot with a digital timer. These models automatically switch to a “warm” setting after the cooking cycle is complete, preventing overcooking and giving you peace of mind. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in ensuring your meals are cooked perfectly every time.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

Crafting this hearty soup relies on a balanced selection of ingredients that mimic the distinct flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how each component contributes to the ultimate taste:

Meat Selection & Preparation

• Ground Beef: We use ½ lb of lean ground beef as the foundation. Browning it with onions and garlic before adding it to the crockpot ensures a rich, savory base. You can also opt for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even a plant-based ground substitute for a vegetarian twist.

The Cheesy Heart of the Soup

• Velveeta Cheese: 4 oz, diced. This processed cheese melts incredibly smoothly, giving the soup its signature creamy, velvety texture that’s hard to achieve with other cheeses.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup, shredded. Adds a classic, tangy cheeseburger flavor that complements the Velveeta beautifully. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

Vegetables & Flavor Boosters

• Onion: ½, chopped. Sautéing the onion with the beef creates an aromatic base.
• Garlic: 2 teaspoons, minced. Essential for depth of flavor; fresh garlic is always best.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Adds a subtle crunch and a touch of freshness to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: 14.5 oz can. Provides a touch of acidity and sweetness, cutting through the richness of the cheese and meat, and enhancing the “cheeseburger” profile.

Broth & Thickener

• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. The liquid base for the soup. You can use beef broth for a more intense beef flavor, or vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup. Added after browning the beef and vegetables, it creates a roux that helps thicken the soup, giving it a wonderfully creamy consistency.

Essential Toppings & Add-ins

• Elbow Macaroni: 2 cups, cooked al dente. Adding cooked pasta near the end ensures it doesn’t become mushy in the slow cooker. Its small shape is perfect for scooping up with every spoonful of soup.
• Bacon: 4 slices, cooked crispy and crumbled. A must-have topping that adds a smoky, salty crunch, just like on a gourmet cheeseburger.
• Optional Toppings: Consider sour cream, extra shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce for personalized flair.

Step-by-Step: Making Your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Creating this delicious soup is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal:

Prep Work: The Foundation of Flavor

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a light roux that will thicken your soup.

Slow Cooking Magic

3. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to your crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, diced Velveeta cheese, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
4. Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheeses melt evenly and prevent sticking.

The Final Touches

5. Approximately 15-20 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked elbow macaroni.
6. Allow the soup to simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the soup has reached your desired thickness. Serve hot and garnish with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or extra shredded cheese.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Delicious and incredibly easy-to-make Crockpot Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
3 hours

Servings:
6

Calories:
457 kcal

Author:
Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• ½ lbs. Ground Beef
• ½ Onion, Chopped
• 2 Teaspoon Garlic, Minced
• 2 stalks Celery, Chopped
• 4 oz. Velveeta Cheese, diced
• ½ cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Teaspoon Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Cups Elbow Macaroni, cooked al dente
• 4 Bacon, cooked crispy
• ¼ C All Purpose Flour

Instructions

1. Brown onion, beef, salt, pepper, and garlic in a pan until just cooked. Add the flour and cook a few minutes longer to cook out the “raw” flavor of the flour.
2. Put into the crockpot and add diced tomatoes and broth.
3. Add cheddar and Velveeta cheeses.
4. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. 15 minutes before serving, add cooked pasta.
6. Let the soup cook for 15 minutes and serve.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 457
Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*

Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 54mg18%

Sodium 1459mg63%

Potassium 645mg18%

Carbohydrates 46g15%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 23g46%

Vitamin A 911IU18%

Vitamin C 22mg27%

Calcium 218mg22%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Customizing Your Cheeseburger Soup: Delicious Variations

One of the best things about this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make it your own. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

Spice it Up!

If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onion, or stir in some diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) during the last hour of cooking. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at serving time can also provide a pleasant kick.

Veggie Boost

Increase the nutritional value and texture by incorporating more vegetables. Diced carrots, corn, or even finely chopped bell peppers can be added to the slow cooker along with the broth. If you want to include potatoes, dice them small and add them about 2-3 hours before the end of the cooking time to ensure they soften properly.

Different Cheeses

While Velveeta and sharp cheddar create a classic flavor, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses. Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier touch, or even a smoked gouda for a sophisticated twist, can transform the soup’s profile. Just ensure they are cheeses that melt well.

Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be adapted. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni (add it at the end as instructed, ensuring it’s cooked al dente separately). For a dairy-free version, look for plant-based ground beef alternatives, dairy-free cream cheese, and shredded cheese substitutes that melt well. The texture might vary slightly, but the essence of the cheeseburger soup can still be enjoyed.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

While this soup is incredibly hearty on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal. Here are some serving ideas:

• Crusty Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping into the rich, cheesy broth, providing that “bun” experience.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Pickles: A side of dill pickle spears can add a tangy crunch, reminiscent of a cheeseburger.
• Potato Chips: For a fun, casual meal, serve with a handful of your favorite potato chips for an extra crunch.

Tips for Success & Storage

Choosing Your Crockpot

As mentioned earlier, a slow cooker with a digital timer is a game-changer. It not only ensures your dinner cooks perfectly but also provides flexibility if you’re not home exactly when the cooking time is up. The automatic “warm” setting is ideal for keeping your soup at the right temperature without overcooking, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Meal Prepping & Leftovers

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is excellent for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

For longer storage, this soup also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes

If you love the convenience and flavor that slow cooker recipes bring to your kitchen, be sure to explore more of our fantastic creations. The slow cooker is a versatile tool that can simplify mealtime, allowing you to enjoy comforting dishes with minimal fuss. From hearty stews to creamy chowders, there’s a slow cooker recipe for every craving:

• Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
• Slow Cooker Spicy Taco Soup
• Slow Cooker Guinness Stew
• Slow Cooker Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

Explore More Recipes from Tammilee Tips

Our culinary adventures don’t stop here! We’re always sharing new and exciting recipes to inspire your cooking. Dive into our extensive collection and discover more delicious dishes:

• Copycat Recipes: Recreate your restaurant favorites at home.
• Dessert Recipes: Indulge your sweet tooth with our delightful treats.
• Crockpot Recipes: Find even more easy and delicious slow cooker meals.

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Recipe originally shared on April 22, 2016. Updated December 2020. This version expanded and enhanced in October 2023.