Listen, I get it. Some days you want a comforting, hearty meal… but your motivation level is somewhere between “meh” and “I’ll just have cereal for dinner.” Enter: Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup—the edible equivalent of a warm blanket, a hug from grandma, and a Netflix binge all rolled into one. Except instead of making your bed, you just dump stuff in a pot and walk away.
This is the kind of soup that tastes like you put in actual effort, but in reality, you just stirred it twice and went back to scrolling TikTok.
Why This Recipe is Awesome?
- It’s idiot-proof. Seriously, if you can chop stuff and push a button, you can make this.
- Slow cooker = minimal adulting. Dump, stir, forget.
- Cheesy, beefy goodness. It’s like a cheeseburger, but in cozy liquid form.
- Crowd-pleaser. Picky eaters? Carnivores? Cheese enthusiasts? They’ll all love it.
- Perfect for leftovers. If you can resist eating the entire pot in one sitting, it reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Grab these, and you’re halfway there.)
- 1 lb ground beef – The hero of the dish.
- 4 cups diced potatoes – Small cubes = faster cooking and easier spoon action.
- 1 small onion, chopped – Flavor insurance.
- 3 cups chicken broth – Yes, chicken broth in a beef soup. Trust me.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar = maximum flavor, minimal effort.
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk if you’re living your best life.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – The thickening magic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Vampires beware.
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced – For color and pretending this is healthy.
- 2 tbsp butter – Because soup without butter is just sad.
- Salt & pepper – Taste and adjust like a fancy chef.
- Optional toppings: Crumbled bacon, green onions, pickles (yes, pickles—don’t knock it ‘til you try it).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef. Toss your ground beef in a skillet and cook until it’s not pink anymore. Drain the grease unless you enjoy oily soup (hey, no judgment).
- Load the slow cooker. Add the cooked beef, potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, and broth. Give it a little stir so it feels like you’re doing something.
- Cook it low and slow. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or high for 3–4 hours. Your house will smell amazing, FYI.
- Thicken the base. About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour until it looks like a paste (fancy word: roux). Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Get cheesy. Pour the milk mixture into the slow cooker, add the shredded cheese, and stir until melted and glorious.
- Season to taste. Salt and pepper until your taste buds are happy.
- Serve hot. Top with bacon, green onions, or pickles if you’re adventurous.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the beef browning step. You’ll end up with sad, gray, boiled meat. Ew.
- Overcooking the potatoes. They’ll turn into mushy potato ghosts.
- Adding cheese too early. It will separate and look like a weird science experiment.
- Thinking salt isn’t important. It’s soup, not a punishment. Season it.
- Forgetting toppings. Bacon and cheese were meant to be together. Don’t deny them.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken – If you want it lighter, but why not just eat a salad at that point?
- Velveeta instead of cheddar – For ultra-creamy, childhood nostalgia vibes.
- Sweet potatoes – Adds a hint of sweetness and a vitamin boost.
- Vegetarian version – Skip the beef, use veggie broth, and add mushrooms for that “meaty” bite.
- Spicy kick – Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yep. Just simmer it in a big pot on the stove for about an hour, but then you have to stir it more often.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Technically yes, but the potatoes might get a little grainy after thawing. Still tasty though.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that?
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Nah. Rustic is in.
Can I add bacon directly into the soup?
Yes, and you should. That’s called making good life choices.
Will this taste exactly like a cheeseburger?
Not exactly, but close enough that you might start looking for the ketchup.
Related Recipe:
- Monte Cristo Crepes: A Savory And Sweet Delight
- Perfect Steak Kabob Marinade Recipe
- Leftover Ham Casserole with Potatoes And Cheese
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup: comforting, cheesy, and ridiculously easy. Perfect for lazy days, cold nights, or when you just want to eat something that makes you happy without hovering over a stove for hours..
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