Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe offers a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort. Browned ground beef, diced potatoes, tomatoes, and onions simmer slowly in a savory beef broth, creating a robust base. Finished with melted cheddar cheese, it delivers classic cheeseburger flavors in a warm, satisfying soup format, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- 1 skillet For browning ground beef
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring and serving
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound ground beef cooked
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef, then drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to a slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, beef broth, and diced potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Stir all ingredients well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Once potatoes are tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
- Garnish with desired toppings such as crumbled bacon, green onions, or extra cheese.
Notes
For optimal flavor, ensure the ground beef is well-browned and excess fat drained before adding to the slow cooker; this develops a deeper umami. Sautéing the chopped onion briefly in the residual fat from the beef will build another layer of flavor. Cut potatoes to a uniform size for even cooking, ideally Yukon Golds for their creaminess and ability to hold shape. Add the shredded cheddar cheese only at the very end, stirring until just melted, to prevent it from becoming oily or grainy. Freshly grating the cheese yields a smoother melt. Consider a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to amplify the 'cheeseburger' essence. Garnish with crumbled bacon, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an elevated finish.