If you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and packed with all the nostalgic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger, look no further than this Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy hug that’s bursting with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese goodness. Perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you, this soup brings together all your favorite burger toppings in a creamy, cozy bowl. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a weeknight favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and satisfying textures, from the hearty ground beef to the creamy cheeses that make this soup utterly irresistible.
- 1 lb ground beef: The meaty base that gives the soup its robust flavor and satisfying heartiness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when browned with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic kick.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid foundation that enhances the burger flavor.
- 2 cups diced potatoes: Provide comforting, tender bites that soak up all the delicious soup juices.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Adds a natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings that classic sharp cheeseburger orange cheesiness to the bowl.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for silky texture and extra cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang for balance.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the umami and burger-like savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Gives a subtle sweetness and familiar burger tang.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Introduces a mild bite reminiscent of classic burger condiments.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Adds a smoky depth to elevate the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and softening the onions.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Fantastic garnish for a fresh, crisp finish.
- Crispy bacon bits (optional): The ultimate burger topping to sprinkle on top.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onions become tender and translucent. Browning these ingredients first develops rich, complex flavors that will make your soup taste like a homemade burger in a bowl. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep it from getting greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef mixture into your slow cooker. Next, add beef broth, diced potatoes, frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika if using, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so all those flavors can meld together during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The low and slow method lets the potatoes soften perfectly while allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen. This step is where the magic happens—the broth becomes infused with cheesy burger flavor, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. They will melt smoothly into the soup, creating an irresistibly creamy texture that feels indulgent yet homey. This cheesy transformation is what really makes this Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe stand out.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Just before serving, stir in the sour cream for added creaminess and a slight tang that brightens all the rich flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your piping hot soup into bowls and sprinkle chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits on top for that classic burger flair. The garnishes add great texture and an extra flavor boost that will wow everyone at the table.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! Chopped green onions bring a fresh, crisp bite while crispy bacon bits add crunch and smoky richness that echo your favorite burger toppings. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese can elevate the presentation and taste even more.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A crisp side salad can also bring a refreshing contrast to the cheesy creaminess of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in bread bowls for a fun, classic twist. Layer some extra shredded cheese on top and broil it until bubbly and golden for a mouthwatering cheesy crust. You can also let guests customize their bowls with different toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as the soup rests, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling of the cheese and sour cream.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
While the ground beef is key to that classic cheeseburger flavor, you can swap it out for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty vegetarian version. Just keep in mind the flavor will be different but still delicious!
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are perfect because cheddar adds sharpness and color, while mozzarella melts beautifully for creamy texture. You can experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda to personalize your soup.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a wonderful sweetness and crunch. Just cut kernels off about 1 cup of fresh cob and add it in at the same time as the frozen corn in the recipe.
Is it possible to make this in a regular pot on the stove?
Yes! Brown the beef and veggies as directed, then combine everything in a large pot and simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes until potatoes are tender. Add the cheeses and sour cream at the end just like in the slow cooker version.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot or add a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings or feeding a hungry crowd without fuss. The combination of cheeseburger flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients makes it a standout dish you’ll want to make over and over. So fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a truly satisfying meal that feels like your favorite burger turned into a soul-warming soup!
Print
Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (slow cooker low) or 2 to 3 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining browned ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a flavorful soup perfect for cozy dinners, finished with a creamy swirl of sour cream and optional garnishes like crispy bacon bits and green onions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, diced potatoes, frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have fully melded together, creating a rich and savory broth.
- Add the Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Continue cooking uncovered in the slow cooker to allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the soup, adding creamy texture and flavor.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Just before serving, stir in the sour cream to give the soup a deliciously creamy finish. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle the cheesy burger soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits if desired for extra flavor and texture. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker before adding the cheese.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or use a substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
