Imagine all the indulgent flavors of your favorite cheeseburger, transformed into a warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying soup. This slow cooker cheeseburger soup is the epitome of comfort food, designed for ease and maximum flavor. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight when you need something delicious with minimal effort.

Using your slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to simmer together all day, resulting in a depth of flavor that’s truly unmatched. The tender potatoes, carrots, and celery meld with savory ground beef in a rich, cheesy broth, creating a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

• ▢
  3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform pieces for even cooking

• ▢
  1 white onion, finely chopped to melt into the soup base

• ▢
  3 large carrots, shredded for sweetness and texture

• ▢
  1 cup diced celery

• ▢
  1 tsp dried basil

• ▢
  1 tsp dried parsley

• ▢
  3 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred to control saltiness

• ▢
  1 lb ground beef, 80/20 or 90/10 for best flavor

• ▢
  3 tbs unsalted butter

• ▢
  ¼ cup all purpose flour

• ▢
  2 cups milk, whole milk or 2% for creaminess

• ▢
  ½ tsp salt, or to taste

• ▢
  ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground is always best

• ▢
  2 cup shredded cheddar cheese , OR 16oz cubed Velveeta cheese for an extra creamy texture

• Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Begin by adding the peeled and diced russet potatoes, chopped white onion, shredded carrots, and diced celery to the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure the vegetables are spread relatively evenly. Sprinkle in the dried basil and dried parsley, then pour in the chicken broth. Give all the ingredients a good stir to combine them thoroughly. This initial mix sets the foundation for the soup’s rich flavor. Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Cooking until the vegetables are tender, especially the potatoes, is key.

• Brown the Beef and Prepare the Roux: Approximately 45 minutes before you plan to serve the soup, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat on your stove. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. This step is crucial for developing the savory “cheeseburger” flavor. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet; this prevents the soup from becoming oily. Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the vegetable mixture.

  Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, as the beef drippings add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for about 1 minute, or until the mixture turns a light golden brown. This creates a roux, which will thicken your soup. Slowly, while continuously whisking, pour in the milk, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. This creamy base is what makes the soup so luxurious.

  Carefully pour this thickened milk mixture from the skillet into the slow cooker. Stir everything together well, ensuring the roux is fully incorporated with the vegetables and beef. This step not only thickens the soup but also adds a creamy richness that is characteristic of a classic cheeseburger.

• Melt the Cheese and Serve: Finally, add your choice of cheese – either shredded cheddar or cubed Velveeta cheese – to the slow cooker. Stir the cheese into the hot soup until it begins to melt and becomes smooth and fully incorporated. Cover the slow cooker once more and allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the soup has reached your desired creamy consistency. The slow, gentle heat will ensure the cheese melts perfectly without separating.

  Once ready, give it one last stir, ladle the hot cheeseburger soup into bowls, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and incredibly flavorful meal. This soup is best served warm, offering a cozy embrace with every spoonful. Don’t forget to consider some delicious toppings to elevate your bowl!

Nutrition