Introduction
Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is the ultimate blend of hearty comfort and irresistible cheeseburger flavor — all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Imagine everything you love about a classic cheeseburger — savory ground beef, melted cheese, tender potatoes, and aromatic seasonings — transformed into a rich, creamy soup that warms you from the inside out.
This dish captures the soul of a diner-style cheeseburger and reinvents it as a cozy, spoonable comfort meal. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and absolutely soul-satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients Quantity
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Total Time: Up to 7½ hours
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for richer flavor)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (optional, adds sweetness and color)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sour cream (for creaminess and tang)
- Optional topping: crisp bacon pieces, chopped pickles, extra cheese, or green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant. - Add to the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, shredded carrots, broth, ketchup, mustard, paprika, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. - Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender. - Make the Cheese Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. - Combine and Finish:
Pour the cheese sauce into the slow cooker and stir well. Add the heavy cream and sour cream. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth. Heat for another 15–20 minutes. - Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra cheese, green onions, or a few chopped pickles for that true cheeseburger flair.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Cheeseburger soup is a distinctly American innovation, born from the love of the iconic diner-style cheeseburger. This creative comfort dish first gained popularity in the Midwest, where home cooks turned classic burger flavors into hearty soups for cold winters. The slow cooker version is a modern twist, emphasizing convenience without sacrificing flavor.
It reflects American ingenuity in comfort food — transforming beloved fast-food flavors into homestyle, family-friendly dishes that are nostalgic, satisfying, and cozy.
Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of cheesy, savory bliss. Each spoonful delivers rich, creamy broth infused with cheddar, tender chunks of potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and subtle hints of ketchup and mustard that give it that unmistakable “burger” essence. It’s both hearty and comforting — the perfect balance between creamy soup and cheesy cheeseburger indulgence.
Optional Additions
- 🥓 Crispy bacon – adds smoky crunch.
- 🧀 Pepper jack cheese – for a spicy variation.
- 🥒 Diced dill pickles – for authentic cheeseburger tang.
- 🍅 Chopped tomatoes – add freshness and acidity.
- 🌿 Fresh parsley or chives – for a touch of color and herbiness.
- 🍔 Crumbled hamburger buns or croutons – to mimic the full burger experience!
Tips for Success
- Brown your beef well for deeper flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar for that classic cheeseburger tang.
- Add cheese gradually to avoid clumping or curdling.
- Don’t skip the sour cream – it balances richness and adds creaminess.
- Reheat gently to preserve texture; avoid boiling after cheese is added.
- Thicken to preference: For thicker soup, mash a few potato cubes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup takes the comforting familiarity of a cheeseburger and transforms it into a creamy, spoonable delight. It’s the perfect combination of nostalgia and nourishment — hearty enough for dinner, cozy enough for cold nights, and beloved by both kids and adults alike.
Recommendation
Pair this soup with:
- Warm buttered rolls or garlic breadsticks
- A simple garden salad to refresh the palate
- Crispy oven fries for the full burger experience
Serve it on game day, during a family movie night, or as a comforting weeknight meal that makes everyone smile.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this soup feels indulgent, it can easily be lightened without losing its comforting charm. Use lean ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, or skim milk to reduce calories. Add extra veggies like cauliflower, celery, or peas for nutrition and bulk.
Healthy indulgence is about enjoying the richness of life’s simple pleasures — like this soup — in a balanced, mindful way. Each creamy spoonful is not just a taste of comfort, but a reminder that homemade warmth can nourish both body and soul.