If you’re craving the ultimate comfort in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. It’s hearty, cozy, and packed with all the crave-worthy flavors of a classic cheeseburger, gently simmered together into a rich, cheesy soup. Imagine every spoonful brimming with tender potatoes, savory beef, gooey cheese, and a velvety broth that simply warms you from the inside out. With just a bit of chopping and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a fuss-free meal that’s bound to become a new family favorite.

Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward, with every ingredient bringing its own magic—whether that’s savory depth, creamy texture, a pop of color, or a cheesy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty flavor and a boost of protein, just like a real burger.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy quality helps thicken the soup and keeps every bite satisfyingly chunky.
Carrots: Bring a touch of sweetness and lovely color, balancing the richness.
Celery: Adds earthy, aromatic notes and a subtle crunch.
Onion: Offers classic aromatics that tie the flavors together beautifully.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base without overpowering saltiness.
Garlic powder: Infuses gentle, savory warmth—no mincing required.
Onion powder: Deepens the savory profile in perfect harmony with fresh onion.
Dried parsley: Adds freshness and a lovely pop of green.
Paprika: Delivers a mild, smoky undertone that amplifies the comfort factor.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for making all the flavors shine.
Unsalted butter: Lends luscious richness when making the creamy roux.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the base without clumping, making the soup indulgently velvety.
Whole milk: Keeps the soup extra creamy and robust in body.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The signature melted cheesiness that makes this soup truly irresistible.
Sour cream: Offers welcome tanginess and supreme smoothness.
Chopped green onions: For garnish and a fresh hit right before serving.
Crispy bacon bits: The delicious, crunchy topping every cheeseburger-inspired soup deserves.

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once it’s nicely browned and fragrant (and your kitchen smells amazing), carefully drain off any excess fat. This step gives your Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup that signature, craveable flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices to the Slow Cooker

Transfer your cooked beef to the slow cooker, then add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This colorful mix will turn into the hearty base of your soup, with veggies becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender as they soak in all that flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the soup will work its magic—softening the vegetables and letting all those familiar cheeseburger flavors meld together into pure comfort.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Roux

About 30 minutes before serving, it’s time for the classic creamy upgrade. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a rich, fragrant roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens into a silky, luscious sauce. This step is the secret behind that dreamy Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup texture.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish the Soup

Pour your creamy roux into the slow cooker, stirring it into the soup along with the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Mix well until everything is fully melted and the soup takes on an irresistibly cheesy, velvet-smooth finish. Taste for seasoning, add more salt or pepper if you’d like, then let your soup heat through until piping hot.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your homemade Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup into big bowls and finish with generous sprinkles of green onions and crispy bacon bits. Each spoonful will deliver pure cheeseburger bliss—no buns required!

How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

This soup loves a little something extra on top. A handful of chopped green onions offers a burst of brightness, while crispy bacon bits add smoky crunch (and serious cheeseburger vibes). You can even sprinkle on a little extra shredded cheese if you’re feeling decadent!

Side Dishes

Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is a meal all on its own, but it’s also fantastic with a side of crusty bread—perfect for dipping and scooping up every last bit of cheese. If you’re after something lighter, a crisp green salad brings a refreshing contrast, or you could serve classic pickles and potato chips for a playful, diner-inspired twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get a little whimsical with your presentation! Try ladling the soup into bread bowls for maximum cozy factor, or serve in small mugs at a game day gathering. You could even set up a toppings bar with different cheeses, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes so everyone can customize their own bowl of Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making your soup even richer and more satisfying on day two!

Freezing

Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that soups with dairy sometimes change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze in individual portions in well-sealed containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the smoothest consistency.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure even reheating and to prevent the dairy from separating. If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or broth to revive that signature creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! While ground beef gives you that authentic cheeseburger flavor, ground turkey, chicken, or even a half beef/half sausage combo can be delicious variations. Feel free to use what you have on hand.

Is there a way to lighten up Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes! You can opt for reduced-fat cheese, low-fat milk, and swap in leaner ground meat to cut down on calories and fat, all while keeping the soup hearty and comforting.

Can this soup be made ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. This soup actually tastes even better the next day! Store the cooled soup in airtight containers in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve for a cozy meal anytime.

What’s the best way to make it gluten-free?

Simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend when making the roux. Make sure your chicken broth is also labeled gluten-free to be safe.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Of course! Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra volume, and allow for a little additional cooking time so everything becomes perfectly tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup—whether you’re sharing it with a crowd or cozying up for a quiet night in. This easy, irresistible soup is comfort food at its finest, and I truly hope it becomes a new family tradition in your kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready for lots of happy spoonfuls!

Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 3 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the hearty and comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm and creamy soup form with this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, this cheeseburger soup is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 pound ground beef
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 small onion, chopped
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Base:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Prepare the Soup: Transfer the beef to the slow cooker along with the vegetables, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Make the Creamy Base: Thirty minutes before serving, prepare a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in milk until thickened. Add this mixture to the slow cooker with cheese and sour cream.
Serve: Stir until creamy and well combined. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and bacon bits.