If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is your new best friend. Imagine the savory essence of your favorite cheeseburger blending with creamy, cheesy richness and hearty vegetables, all slowly cooked to cozy perfection. Each spoonful carries those iconic, nostalgic burger flavors, but with the easy, hands-off joy of slow cooking. Gather your friends and family; this recipe takes a classic American favorite and transforms it into an irresistibly creamy soup that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, accessible ingredients—each one carefully chosen to contribute just the right flavor, texture, or pop of color. Even if your pantry is almost bare, these are staples you’ll either have on hand or can grab in a pinch.
- Ground Beef: The signature protein that delivers that unmistakable burger heartiness.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, perfectly complementing the savory flavors.
- Garlic: Brings a gentle warmth and aromatic base to the soup.
- Peeled and Diced Potatoes: Make the soup filling and creamy while soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Shredded Carrots: For a pop of color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Dried Basil: Infuses the soup with a subtle, aromatic brightness.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note to round out the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the ingredients together and enhancing every bite.
- Black Pepper: A gentle kick that accentuates the other spices and gives balance.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Lends heartiness without overpowering the soup or making it too salty.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the soup, creating that luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Water: Helps blend the flour and adds just enough liquid for thickening.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show—its sharpness and meltability bring the burger essence to life.
- Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: Finishes the soup with creaminess and richness.
- Chopped Pickles, Green Onions, or Crumbled Bacon (optional): Perfect for garnishing and adding a pop of flavor and crunch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is absolutely worth it—the caramelized bits on the meat infuse your Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup with savory depth. Drain off any excess grease before moving on; this keeps each bowl rich, not oily.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Transfer your browned beef to the slow cooker. Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, potatoes, shredded carrots, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir—the mixture will look rustic and colorful, and you’ll start to get a whiff of those burger-y aromas already. This is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. As it cooks, the potatoes soften, the broth becomes deeply flavorful, and the scents of a good old-fashioned cheeseburger fill your kitchen. This gentle, unhurried process lets every ingredient meld beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
When the potatoes are meltingly tender, whisk together the flour and water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the soup, then pop the lid back on and cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes. This extra step thickens the soup into that luxe, spoon-coating consistency that feels so satisfying.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Cream
Set the slow cooker to low or keep-warm, and gently stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and milk (or half-and-half). Don’t let the soup boil after the cheese goes in—just let it melt into creamy, velvety ribbons. Now your Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is ready to impress. Give it a final taste for seasoning, then get ready to serve!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup
Garnishes
The right toppings make this soup taste like a true burger in a bowl. Try sprinkling chopped pickles for tang, green onions for a fresh zip, or crumbled bacon for crispy, smoky goodness. A drizzle of ketchup or mustard (yes, trust me!) amplifies those familiar flavors in the most playful way.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs with Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup quite like classic sides. Serve with a basket of toasty buns or sourdough bread for dunking and soaking up every drop. Air-fried potato wedges or a simple green salad are perfect for rounding out the meal without overshadowing the soup’s star power.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, ladle the soup into mini mugs or ramekins, topped with a skewer of pickles and bacon. For a fun family night, serve with a build-your-own toppings bar—kids and adults alike will love customizing their bowls of Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra? Store cooled soup in airtight containers, and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your leftovers even more enticing for next-day lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch at the top for expansion. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three months. Just know that soups with dairy can change texture a bit after freezing—but a gentle reheat fixes everything.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm soup in a pot over low heat, stirring often and avoiding a boil to prevent the cheese from separating. If the soup thickens too much, a splash of milk or broth will bring it back to its creamy, dreamy state. The microwave works too—just cover, use medium power, and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this soup?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic burger tang, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend. Each cheese brings its own melt and flavor, making your Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup uniquely yours.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles make tasty alternatives; just note that each change will adjust the flavors slightly, but the comforting, hearty profile of the soup will still shine through.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, or use cornstarch for thickening. Double-check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well for a bowl everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Sure thing! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies in a large pot, then simmer everything (except the cheese and milk) until potatoes are tender. Stir in the slurry, simmer until thickened, then add the cheese and milk off the heat for that signature creamy finish.
How do I get that true “burger” flavor?
A spoonful of ketchup or mustard stirred in at the end, plus a sprinkle of pickles and bacon on top, will make your Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup taste like a burger deluxe in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe that brings both comfort and fun to the dinner table. I hope you give Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup a try—it’s cozy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become one of your family’s favorites. Gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the work, and dive into burger bliss by the spoonful.
Print
Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm and satisfying soup. Perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
Thickening and Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped pickles, green onions, or crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Add diced onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the soup, cover, and cook for another 15–20 minutes on high to thicken.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Reduce heat to low or warm, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk until melted and creamy. Do not boil after adding the cheese.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- For a bacon cheeseburger twist, add cooked crumbled bacon just before serving.
- You can also stir in a spoonful of ketchup or mustard for added burger flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
