Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup combines tender ground beef and hearty potatoes in a rich, cheesy broth for a comforting weeknight meal. A smooth roux of butter and flour gives it that creamy, satisfying texture, slow-simmered to perfection. Loaded with shredded cheddar and a touch of sour cream, this soul-warming bowl brings the flavors of a classic burger right to your table.
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Ingredients for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
For the soup
- Ground Beef – A classic base for that cheeseburger flavor. Be sure to drain the excess fat for a less greasy soup.
- Yellow Onion – Finely chopped for a mellow sweetness that blends perfectly.
- Garlic – Minced fresh for the best aromatic punch.
- Chicken Broth – Low-sodium lets you control the saltiness of the soup.
- Russet Potatoes – Peeled and diced into small cubes for bite-sized comfort.
For the creamy base
- Butter – Unsalted to keep the flavor balanced.
- All-Purpose Flour – The key to thickening the soup and giving it that rich texture.
- Whole Milk – Adds creaminess and richness; don’t skimp on the whole milk here.
For seasoning
- Kosher Salt – Adjust to your taste if needed.
- Black Pepper – Adds a subtle warmth to the dish.
- Dried Parsley – A simple herb that ties everything together.
- Dried Thyme – Just a pinch for a touch of earthiness.
For the cheesy finish
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Shred your own for the best melt and flavor.
- Sour Cream – Stirred in at the end for a tangy, creamy finish.
For garnish (optional)
- Hamburger Buns – Toasted and sliced into strips for a fun, crunchy topping that brings the cheeseburger vibe full circle.
Cook Time for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
One of my favorite things about this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is how little hands-on time it requires. It’s the kind of recipe I can start on a busy morning and come home to a kitchen that smells like pure comfort. Here’s the full breakdown for your meal planning.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time (Low) | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Time (Low) | 6 hours 50 minutes |
| Cook Time (High) | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Time (High) | 3 hours 50 minutes |
This hearty stovetop to crockpot cheeseburger chowder is worth the wait, I promise! If you love recipes that do most of the work for you, you’ll want to browse our other slow cooker recipes for more inspiration.
How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Making this comforting soup is a breeze. Let me walk you through each simple step to create that creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave. Just follow along, and you’ll have a pot of happiness ready in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook 1 pound of ground beef for 7–10 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat using a colander, then transfer the beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
Step 2:Combine the Base Ingredients
Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and 2 cups of diced russet potatoes to the crockpot. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Roux
Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ½ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden and forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, ensuring no lumps remain, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Pour the milk mixture into the crockpot and stir until fully incorporated. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 30 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly. Stir in 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup of sour cream until completely melted and smooth. Serve hot, garnished with toasted hamburger bun strips if desired.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets to making this soup truly exceptional. Here are my favorite ways to customize this comfort food soup and make it your own.
- Flavor Swap: Try using smoked cheddar or gouda instead of sharp cheddar for a deeper, richer flavor that will make this rich and cheesy hamburger soup recipe even more memorable.
- Diet Tweak: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey and use low-fat milk and cheese. It still delivers that savory satisfaction without the guilt!
- Texture Fix: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender briefly before adding the cheese. For more ideas on working with ground meats, check out our ground beef tacos recipe.
- Storage Tip: This soup stores beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dairy from separating.
Remember, this slow cooked creamy potato cheese soup is incredibly forgiving. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy burger flavors in different forms, you might love our best burger recipe for your next grilling adventure.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 pieces hamburger buns, toasted and sliced into strips (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- skillet
- crockpot
- saucepan
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, and diced potatoes to the crockpot. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain, and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the milk mixture into the crockpot and stir to combine. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and dried thyme. Stir again.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the soup is hot and slightly thickened. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and smooth.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toasted hamburger bun strips if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
This rich and cheesy hamburger soup recipe isn’t just soul-warming comfort food—it also packs some surprising nutritional value. While it’s definitely an indulgence, it’s loaded with protein, vitamins, and hearty ingredients that keep you full and satisfied for hours.
Ground beef provides a solid source of iron and protein, while potatoes offer potassium and fiber, especially if you leave the skins on. The cheese and milk contribute calcium for bone health. For more ideas on balancing indulgence with nutrition, browse our collection of healthy soup recipes that the whole family will love.
Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving to help you plan your meals. Keep in mind that values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
You can easily lighten up this slow cooked creamy potato cheese soup by using lean ground beef or turkey and reduced-fat dairy. For another family-friendly ground meat option, try our chicken burgers recipe—it’s one of our go-to weeknight dinners.
If you’re curious about other classic takes on this comfort food, the Taste of Home Cheeseburger Soup offers another well-loved version that’s stood the test of time.
A Lighter Version of Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
I completely understand that sometimes we want all the comfort of this cheesy ground beef soup without all the heaviness. Over the years, I’ve perfected a lighter version that still delivers that soul-warming satisfaction while being a bit kinder to your waistline.
Start by swapping the ground beef for lean ground turkey or even extra-lean ground beef. You’ll still get that savory protein base with significantly less fat. Instead of whole milk, try using 2% or even unsweetened almond milk—just make sure to whisk your roux well to maintain that creamy texture.
For the cheese, reduced-fat sharp cheddar works beautifully, and Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream to add tang with more protein. These simple tweaks transform this easy cheeseburger soup into a meal you can enjoy more often. If you enjoy lighter burger-inspired meals, you might also love our spinach and feta turkey burgers for another healthy twist on classic flavors.
Don’t be afraid to boost the vegetables either—add extra onions, throw in some chopped carrots or celery, or even stir in a handful of spinach at the end. These additions stretch the recipe further while adding nutrients and fiber. For more creative ways to use ground meats in healthy dishes, check out our ground beef rice bowl recipe that’s become a weekday staple in our home.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
When my cousin was diagnosed as diabetic a few years back, I started paying closer attention to how we could enjoy our family favorites without compromising taste or tradition. This crockpot cheeseburger soup recipe is surprisingly adaptable for various dietary needs, including those watching their sugar intake or managing blood sugar levels.
For a diabetic-friendly version, consider using cauliflower florets instead of potatoes to lower the glycemic impact while maintaining that comforting texture. You could also try a sugar alternative in any added elements—though this savory ground beef and cheddar chowder doesn’t need much sweetening to begin with.
If you’re sugar-conscious, remember that many store-bought broths contain hidden sugars, so always opt for low-sodium, no-sugar-added varieties. Portion control is another simple strategy—serve this rich soup as a starter rather than a main, or pair it with a large green salad to balance your meal. These small tweaks help make this comfort food soup enjoyable for everyone at the table, no matter their dietary preferences or needs.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
I’ll never forget the first time I served this hearty stovetop to crockpot cheeseburger chowder to my extended family during a chilly autumn gathering. My uncle—who claims he “doesn’t really do soup”—ended up having three bowls and asked for the recipe. There’s just something magical about how this dish brings people together around the table.
For the full burger experience, set up a topping bar with crispy bacon bits, diced dill pickles, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheese. Those toasted hamburger bun strips I mentioned earlier make the perfect crunchy garnish that completes the flavor journey. A simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
If you’re serving a crowd, this creamy shredded potato and beef soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, or for something different, try our favorite black bean burger as a side—the flavors complement each other surprisingly well. For drinks, I love serving this with an iced tea or a light beer that cleanses the palate between bites.
This slow cooker cheeseburger soup also freezes remarkably well, making it perfect for meal prep or future cozy dinners. Whatever way you choose to serve it, this dish always feels like a warm hug in a bowl—comfort food at its very best.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way while perfecting this crockpot cheeseburger soup recipe. I’ll never forget the time I added the cheese too quickly and ended up with a grainy, separated mess instead of that velvety smooth texture we all love.
First, always brown your ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Skipping this step leaves behind excess grease that can make your soup overly oily. For another ground beef recipe that handles browning perfectly, try our favorite ground beef tacos recipe—it’s become a Tuesday night tradition in our house.
Another common mistake involves dairy curdling. To prevent this, always temper your milk or cream by whisking in a ladle of hot broth first. Then stir it back into the pot gradually. Also, add cheese off the heat and stir until just melted—overheating causes separation. For more slow cooking wisdom, the Pioneer Woman Hamburger Soup offers great tips on maintaining perfect soup consistency.
Finally, don’t overlook seasoning throughout the cooking process. I like to season the beef while browning, then adjust again at the end. Potatoes especially absorb salt, so tasting before serving ensures your savory ground beef and cheddar chowder tastes perfectly balanced every time.
How to Store Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
This hearty stovetop to crockpot cheeseburger chowder actually improves in flavor after a day in the fridge—the ingredients meld together beautifully. I often make a double batch on Sunday afternoons while prepping meals for the week ahead.
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You might need to add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
For freezing, omit the dairy or your soup may separate upon thawing. Instead, freeze the base and add fresh milk and cheese when reheating. This easy cheeseburger soup freezes beautifully for up to three months. If you enjoy meal prepping, our slow cooker recipes collection includes plenty of freezer-friendly options.
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I love having individual portions ready for quick lunches—they remind me of the care packages my grandmother used to prepare for busy weeks. For another freezer-friendly favorite, try our Mexican sweet potato chicken soup that stores just as well.
Try This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Yourself
I truly hope this creamy shredded potato and beef soup becomes a cherished recipe in your home just like it has in mine. There’s something magical about how this comfort food soup brings everyone to the table—even my pickiest nephew always asks for seconds.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this crockpot cheeseburger soup recipe delivers that soul-warming satisfaction we all crave. Don’t forget to set up that topping bar with all the burger fixings—it turns dinner into a fun, interactive experience.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love our crack burgers for another indulgent treat, or perhaps our sweet potato chicken soup recipe for something slightly lighter. For more slow cooker inspiration, our slow cooker French onion chicken is another family favorite that practically makes itself.
Most importantly, make this recipe your own. Cooking should always be an expression of love and creativity—just like my grandmother taught me all those years ago in her sun-drenched Provençal kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put raw hamburger meat in a crockpot?
While you technically can add raw ground beef to your slow cooker, I always recommend browning it first. Searing develops deeper flavor and allows you to drain excess grease, resulting in a richer, less oily soup. For more ground beef tips, check out our best burger recipe that uses similar techniques.
What goes in cheeseburger soup?
The essentials include ground beef, potatoes, onions, broth, and cheese—but the magic happens with additions like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and those delicious burger-style toppings. This rich and cheesy hamburger soup recipe balances savory beef with creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar perfectly.
How to make hamburger soup in a slow cooker?
Start by browning your beef with onions, then transfer everything to your crockpot with broth, potatoes, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, then stir in cheese and dairy at the end. This slow cooked creamy potato cheese soup couldn’t be simpler to prepare.
How do you keep cheeseburger soup from curdling?
The key is temperature control! Always temper dairy by whisking with some hot broth before adding, and stir cheese in off the heat. Avoid boiling after adding dairy—gentle heat keeps this cheesy ground beef soup smooth and velvety.
More Cozy Comfort Food Recipes
If you loved this crockpot cheeseburger soup, you’ll adore these other hearty recipes that warm both kitchen and soul.
Classic Chicken Soup – This timeless recipe delivers comforting broth with tender chicken and vegetables that feel like a warm hug.
Tom Kha Gai Soup – Experience Thai comfort food with creamy coconut broth, fragrant lemongrass, and tender chicken.
Weeknight Ground Beef Tacos – These quick tacos bring festive flavor to busy evenings with minimal cleanup.
Black Bean Burgers – Hearty plant-based burgers packed with Southwest spices and satisfying texture.
