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Cozy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup – Easy & Comforting Dinner

crockpot cheeseburger soup - featured image

A creamy, cheesy, beefy soup that tastes exactly like a cheeseburger in a bowl. Made in the slow cooker with simple ingredients, it’s the ultimate comfort food for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works great for flavor; drain excess fat after browning)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper)
  • Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, shredded lettuce, diced pickles, extra cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and aromatics (10 minutes): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned—about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Layer the slow cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, diced carrots, and celery. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
  3. Slow cook (3-4 hours on low or 2 hours on high): Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours. You want the potatoes fork-tender but not falling apart.
  4. Add the dairy (10 minutes before serving): About 10 minutes before you’re ready to eat, turn the slow cooker to warm. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it’s mostly melted. Then slowly pour in the milk or half-and-half while stirring. Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring between each addition until fully melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Finish and serve: Once the cheese is fully incorporated, ladle the soup into bowls. Top with your favorite cheeseburger fixings—crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, shredded lettuce, diced pickles, or even a dollop of ketchup and mustard for authenticity. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

Don’t let the soup boil after adding the dairy. High heat can make the cheese grainy and the cream separate. Keep it on warm or low heat only. If the soup seems too thick after sitting, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before adding, and cube it small so it melts faster.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef soup, creamy soup