Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup for Busy Families

When life gets busy (and let’s be honest—it always is when you’re juggling kids, work, and dinner), a bowl of Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup can feel like a warm hug at the end of the day. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all the cozy flavors of a cheeseburger, but in spoonable form. This one is a guaranteed family pleaser—even my picky eater who usually turns his nose up at carrots went back for seconds.

I grew up in Texas, where soup weather doesn’t show up often, but when it does, we take it seriously. And let me tell you, this soup has earned its spot right next to my old-fashioned vegetable beef soup and broccoli cheddar soup as a household staple.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

• It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal. Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the magic happen.
• Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—basically the food equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater.
• Kid-approved (bonus points if you let them sprinkle on the shredded cheese at the end).
• Versatile—you can swap beef for turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.

What Does Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Taste Like?

Imagine the best parts of a cheeseburger—the savory beef, the gooey cheese, the richness—and now picture it warming you from the inside out. The potatoes add substance, the carrots and celery give it balance, and the creamy cheddar sauce ties it all together. It’s like comfort food turned up to ten.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

When it comes to making a hearty pot of Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup, the ingredients are simple pantry staples—but when combined, they create a creamy, flavorful, and comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug. Let’s break down everything you’ll need:

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef – The star of this soup! Lean ground beef gives you that rich, savory cheeseburger flavor. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version (like I do sometimes when I want something closer to my turkey chili recipe).
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds a sweet and slightly sharp balance to the beef.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because every good soup needs that garlicky depth.

Soup Base

• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon gold or russet work best. These potatoes cook down into soft, tender bites that make the soup hearty and satisfying.
• 2 cups chicken broth – The flavorful liquid foundation. You could also use beef broth for a deeper taste.
• 1 cup carrots, diced – A pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the cheese.
• 1 cup celery, diced – Adds freshness and a little crunch before softening in the slow cooker.
• Seasonings – 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Together, these seasonings give the soup a cozy, home-cooked flavor that reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen on chilly evenings.

Cheesy Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – This is what helps build the creamy roux.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Whisked with butter, it thickens the soup into that creamy, dreamy texture.
• 2 cups whole milk – Whole milk makes the soup rich, but you can swap half-and-half if you want it extra indulgent.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and brings that iconic cheeseburger taste.
• 1/2 cup sour cream – Stirred in at the end for tang and creaminess that ties everything together.

Optional Garnish

• Chopped green onions – Fresh and slightly peppery, the perfect finishing touch.
• Beef bits – Sprinkle on top if you want that classic “loaded cheeseburger” vibe.

With just these simple ingredients, you’ll transform your slow cooker into the ultimate comfort food machine. One bite of this Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup and you’ll see why it has become a family favorite in my home.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

One of the best things about Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is how little hands-on time it actually takes. You’ll spend just a few minutes prepping, and then your slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Here’s exactly how to make this creamy, hearty soup:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

• Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Cook until the beef is browned all over and no pink remains.
• Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes, just until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Drain any excess grease, then transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.

💡 Tip: For an extra boost of flavor, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth and pour it right into the slow cooker with the beef.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base in the Slow Cooker

• To the slow cooker, add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, chicken broth, and seasonings (salt, pepper, basil, and paprika).
• Stir everything together so the vegetables and beef are evenly coated with the broth and spices.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

This slow cooking process allows the potatoes to soften, the vegetables to meld together, and the broth to absorb all those savory beef flavors. It’s the heart of what makes Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup taste like a big bowl of comfort.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce

• About 30 minutes before the soup is done, grab a saucepan.
• Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.
• Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth.
• Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

This cheesy sauce is what transforms your soup from a simple beef-and-vegetable stew into a decadent, cheeseburger-inspired masterpiece.

Step 4: Combine the Soup and Sauce

• Pour the cheesy sauce directly into the slow cooker.
• Stir gently to combine, making sure the sauce blends well with the beef and vegetables.
• Just before serving, stir in the sour cream for that final touch of creaminess and tang.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Ladle the Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup into bowls.
• Sprinkle with green onions or crispy beef bits if you’d like to add a little extra flair.
• Pair it with crusty bread, or serve it alongside something cozy like my garlic bread rolls—perfect for dunking!

Jessica’s Note:

The first time I made this for my kids, they compared it to eating a cheeseburger with a spoon—and honestly, they weren’t wrong! It’s cheesy, hearty, and comforting in all the right ways. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making this one of my go-to recipes for meal prep.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

• Want it lighter? Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Too thick? Add an extra splash of broth.
• Too thin? Stir in a spoonful of instant mashed potato flakes—it works like magic.
• Make it ahead: This soup reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
• Freezer friendly: Cool completely, store in freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Personal note: I once doubled this recipe for a football game potluck, thinking I’d bring leftovers home. Nope. The slow cooker was scraped clean—even my neighbor asked for the recipe!

Storage for Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the slow cooker to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use Velveeta instead of cheddar?
Yes, though I prefer real cheddar for a richer flavor.

Is it gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce.

What’s the best side dish?
Crusty bread or garlic bread rolls are perfect for dunking.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table, spoons in hand, sharing stories and second helpings. If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dinner that’s simple yet full of flavor, this soup is it.

Give it a try, then come back and tell me—did your crew go back for seconds too? 💛

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