A cozy night in with a hearty bowl of Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is about as comforting as it gets. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup won’t just fill your belly; it’ll warm your heart too. The scent of beef and melted cheddar wafting through the house? That’s what home feels like. Let’s make this a regular on your dinner table.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty bowl of Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup packed with flavor and nutrients, reminiscent of a cheeseburger in soup form.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional toppings: croutons, diced pickles, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- In a crockpot, combine the cooked beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, potatoes, carrots, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream, cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with croutons, pickles, or green onions as desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider experimenting with optional ingredients like jalapeños or extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Never Fails
Crockpot recipes are a lifesaver for busy families, and this Cheeseburger Soup is no exception. It’s practically foolproof and always a hit. You throw in the ingredients, set the timer, and let your slow cooker do its magic. The best part? By the time you’re ready to serve, you’ve got a thick, creamy soup that tastes like a cheeseburger—without any of the fuss.
Your Ingredient Lineup
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional toppings: croutons, diced pickles, chopped green onions
These ingredients work together like a charm. The combination of beef, cheese, and potatoes creates that cheeseburger comfort in soup form.
Cooking Method Made Simple
Time to get cooking! Follow these steps for a stress-free meal.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
In your trusty crockpot, combine the cooked beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, potatoes, carrots, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a nice stir.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing—trust me on this.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream, letting it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step transforms your soup into a creamy, cheesy wonder.
Serve hot, topped with croutons, pickles, or green onions if you’re feeling fancy. You’ll never want to leave your kitchen.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
Balanced and filling without feeling heavy. That’s the beauty of this soup; it satisfies your hunger while giving you the nutrition you need.
How to Serve It Best
This soup is versatile enough for casual family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a fresh salad to balance the richness. Planning a game day? Set out toppings for guests to customize their bowls. The options are endless!
Smart Reheat Tricks
If you end up with leftovers (though I can’t imagine why), here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Good news! This soup freezes well. Just portion it out and freeze in manageable sizes for easy meals later on.
- Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if it thickens up too much.
Keep it simple, and you’ll always have a warm meal waiting for you.
Expert Tips
- Beef Quality Matters: Opt for lean ground beef to cut down on excess fat without losing flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions pack more punch than dried ones, enhancing the soup’s overall taste.
- Don’t Rush the Cheese: Adding cheese too early can make it clump. Stir it in at the end for silky smoothness.
Flavor Experiments
Looking to shake things up a bit? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to heat things up.
- Veggie Packed: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Bacon Lover: Stir in some crumbled bacon or use bacon grease to brown your beef for an extra smoky flavor.
Learn from My Mistakes
Even the best of us have made a few blunders in the kitchen. Here’s how to avoid some common slip-ups:
- Overcooking the Beef: Don’t cook it to death in the skillet; you want it browned but still juicy.
- Forget the Cream: Adding cream too soon can turn your soup into a curdled mess. Wait until the end!
- Ignoring Seasoning: A little salt goes a long way. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust.
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter option that works well, just be mindful of the fat content.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and omit the cheddar. You’ll still have a delicious soup with a slight twist.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
Add more beef broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it’s easier to add than to take away!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! You can prep and freeze the soup before cooking or make it a day ahead and reheat for quick dinners during the week.
By mastering this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, you’re not just preparing a meal—you’re creating a delightful dining experience that’s easy on the schedule and the taste buds. Happy cooking!