Name: Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 9 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained; 2 russet potatoes, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 3 celery ribs, peeled and diced; 1 white onion, diced; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. pepper; 2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed; 8 oz. cream cheese, cubed

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If you’re craving cozy comfort in a bowl, look no further than this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s like enjoying your favorite burger transformed into a creamy, cheesy soup – all with the ease of a slow cooker. The blend of seasoned beef, tender veggies, melted Velveeta, and a touch of cream cheese makes every spoonful incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a casual get-together with friends, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe delivers big flavor and homey goodness with minimal fuss.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple the ingredient list is for this recipe, but each plays a key part in delivering the classic flavors we all love. Fresh vegetables bring vibrance and texture, while the combination of cheeses transforms it into a rich and silky bowl of comfort. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture thickens the soup beautifully as they cook down.
Carrots: Sweetness and a pop of color – peel and dice them finely for the perfect bite.
Celery ribs: Adds a subtle crunch and aromatic undertone.
White onion: Classic and fragrant, it sets up a savory flavor base.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the soup.
Pepper: Adds just a little warmth and zing to balance the richness.
Dried basil: Earthy and slightly sweet, it brightens up the overall flavor.
Garlic powder: A no-mess way to get subtle garlicky notes without extra chopping.
Chicken broth: The liquid backbone of the soup – use a good-quality broth for the best taste.
Velveeta cheese: Created for meltability! It’s the secret to that velvety, smooth cheese finish.
Cream cheese: Offers incredible creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the richness.

How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef

Kick things off by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. You want the meat to be fully cooked with a lovely golden color, breaking it up as it browns. Draining off any excess fat is important – that way, your soup stays luscious and not greasy. This meaty base brings all those crave-able “cheeseburger” notes right from the start.

Step 2: Layer and Load Your Crockpot

Now it’s time to build layers of flavor in your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion straight into your slow cooker pot. Don’t forget the salt, pepper, dried basil, garlic powder, and those three generous cups of chicken broth. All these ingredients mingle and bond throughout the cooking process, drawing out every drop of flavor and heartiness.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the lid on your slow cooker without peeking (hard, I know!). Cook everything on LOW for 7 hours, letting the potatoes soften, the veggies sweeten, and the flavors become richer. If you’re pressed for time, HIGH for 3-4 hours works well too. The key is letting the potatoes get fork-tender, so the soup has body and depth.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Cheeses

At the 7-hour mark, grab your Velveeta and cream cheese, cut both into cubes, and gently scatter them over the bubbling soup. These will slowly melt and swirl into everything, so don’t worry if they don’t dissolve immediately. Pop the lid back on and cook for an additional hour, giving the cheese time to transform your soup into something truly decadent.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

After that final hour, stir everything together until it looks creamy, smooth, and totally irresistible. Now your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed. The aroma will have everyone running to the kitchen!

How to Serve Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Toppings can take this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe to the next level! Sprinkle on crispy crumbled bacon, finely chopped green onions, extra shredded cheddar, or even some diced pickles for a true burger vibe. A dollop of sour cream adds an extra velvety finish. Serve it with love and a generous hand with the toppings – everyone will want to customize their bowl.

Side Dishes

What’s soup without a little something on the side? A warm hunk of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up every cheesy drop. Or serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for freshness. Some folks love a side of oven-baked fries for the true cheeseburger meal experience!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or a family fun night, hollow out small bread rolls or buns and use them as edible soup bowls. Little kids (and adults!) love this edible presentation. Or serve the soup in wide mugs with a mini burger slider skewered on top – it’s playful and totally memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day! Simply transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors might even deepen overnight.

Freezing

Thinking about making a double batch? This soup is freezer-friendly, though the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best creamy results.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the soup to a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cheeses from separating. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed. If you’re using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring well each time for even creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative and still delivers a fantastic flavor profile in the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Just be sure to season generously and brown it well for the best results.

What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?

If you prefer, swap out Velveeta with shredded mild cheddar or a blend of cheddar and American cheese. Just note that Velveeta is famous for its super-smooth, creamy melt, so you may want to add an extra splash of milk or cream to mimic the texture.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

The base of this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and cheeses for hidden wheat-based ingredients. Avoid serving with bread containing gluten or choose gluten-free rolls for dipping.

Could I add other vegetables?

Definitely! You can stir in corn, bell peppers, or even frozen peas. Just make sure to chop everything small so it cooks evenly, and add softer veggies closer to the end to retain their color and bite.

Is this soup suitable for kids?

Yes, most kids absolutely love the creamy, cheesy flavor! It’s mild, familiar, and comforting. For picky eaters, you can blend the soup slightly or dice the veggies extra small to help them go unnoticed.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is comfort food at its best – impossibly creamy, full of classic burger flavors, and so easy to whip up. You’ll find yourself coming back to it on chilly nights or whenever the craving for something both nostalgic and filling strikes. Give it a try, serve up a bowlful, and enjoy the smiles around your table!