Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, hearty soup that tastes just like a classic cheeseburger — but in a bowl! Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With creamy, cheesy broth, tender beef, and plenty of veggies, it’s an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker. You can prep it in the morning, let it cook all day, and come home to a cozy, ready-to-eat dinner. It’s like a cheeseburger without the bun — but all the flavor intact!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy and hands-off: Let the slow cooker do all the work.
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Kid-friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and full of familiar flavors.
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Customizable: Add extra veggies, spice it up, or make it lighter with low-fat options.
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Perfect for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients
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1 pound (450 g) ground beef
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 medium carrots, diced
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3 celery stalks, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
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2 cups (480 ml) milk or half-and-half
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups diced potatoes (optional for extra heartiness)
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Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and diced potatoes (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Mix Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended.
5. Make It Creamy
In a small bowl, whisk together milk (or half-and-half) and flour until smooth. Stir this into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. Let it thicken, stirring occasionally.
6. Add Cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
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Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
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Add more veggies like bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
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Make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour to thicken.
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Avoid boiling after adding milk — it can curdle.
Variations
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Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
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Bacon Lovers’ Version: Top each bowl with crumbled crispy bacon.
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Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and use mushrooms or plant-based crumbles, plus vegetable broth.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
Why This Recipe Works
Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup works so well because the slow cooking melds flavors beautifully. The beef, veggies, broth, and seasonings develop deep, comforting flavors that taste like your favorite burger — without the bun. Adding the milk-flour mixture and cheese at the end gives it a creamy, indulgent texture that makes each spoonful satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
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Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
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Add pickles on the side to mimic a classic cheeseburger experience.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect blend of comfort food, ease, and flavor. It’s hearty, creamy, and cheesy, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights, family dinners, or cozy weekend lunches. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor, this soup proves that all the joy of a cheeseburger can be enjoyed in a warm, delicious bowl.