Warm up with this Best-Ever Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup—a creamy, cheesy soup packed with flavors reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger! Perfect for a comforting family dinner that everyone will love.
INGREDIENTS
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, browned and drained
- Russet Potatoes: 2, peeled and diced
- Carrots: 1 cup, shredded
- Celery: 1/2 cup, diced
- Onion: 1 white, diced
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon, minced
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, ground
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups
- Velveeta Cheese: 16 ounces, cubed
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, cubed
- Bacon: 1/2 cup, crumbled (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Place the peeled and diced russet potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot to create a solid base.
- Step 2:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat. Add the cooked beef to the crockpot.
- Step 3:
- Add the diced onion, shredded carrots, and diced celery evenly over the beef and potatoes.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper over the vegetables and meat for added flavor.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers all the ingredients to promote even cooking.
- Step 6:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender.
- Step 7:
- After cooking, add the cubed Velveeta cheese and cream cheese to the crockpot. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the cheeses are fully melted.
- Step 8:
- Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Step 9:
- Garnish each bowl with crumbled bacon, diced pickles, and chopped onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the soup warm, topped with crumbled bacon, pickles, and onions for added flavor and texture.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Helpful Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and ground sausage.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less cheese based on your preference.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure all packaged ingredients, like broth and seasoning, are certified gluten-free.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Tip: Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot enhances their flavor.
- Chef’s Advice: Browning the ground beef well gives the soup a deeper, richer taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and creamy, with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a soup form.
- Easy to prepare in a crockpot, making it perfect for busy days.
- Crowd-pleaser that’s family-friendly and filling.
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Try adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.