On a chilly evening, nothing welcomes you home like a slow-simmered Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup. This hearty version blends savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich sharp cheddar, all finished with a swirl of sour cream for tangy creaminess. Just let it cook low and slow while you’re out—then come back to a comforting bowl that tastes like your favorite burger in soup form.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy .
🍴 You Will Find in This Article
Ingredients for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
For the soup
- Ground beef – Browning it first adds so much flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Yellow onion – Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness that blends beautifully.
- Garlic – Minced for that classic, aromatic punch.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps the soup flavorful without being overly salty.
- Russet potatoes – Peeled and diced into small cubes for the perfect tender bite.
For the creamy base
- Unsalted butter – Used as the base for the roux, so it’s essential.
- All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the soup to that cozy, velvety consistency.
- Whole milk – Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
For seasoning
- Kosher salt – Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors.
- Black pepper – A little goes a long way for warmth and depth.
- Dried parsley – Adds a hint of herbiness to balance the richness.
- Dried thyme – Its earthy notes are perfect in this soup.
For the finishing touches
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Shredded for that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor.
- Sour cream – Stirred in at the end for a creamy, tangy finish.
Optional garnish
- Hamburger buns – Toasted and sliced into strips for a fun, crunchy topping – totally optional but highly recommended!
Cook Time for Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s the beautiful part: this is a classic set-it-and-forget-it recipe that gives you time back for the things you love. Honestly, if you’re a busy parent, this is your new best friend—just like my Sloppy Joes recipe, which also handles the hustle of weeknights like a champ.
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 6 hours 50 minutes |
Whether you choose the low or high setting, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup rewards patience with deep, slow-melded comfort—the kind of meal that fills your home with the kind of aroma that says, you’re home.
How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Recipe
My family loves this soup so much, it’s become a cool-weather ritual. Making this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is simple, but a few small steps make it shine. Trust me, it’s worth every minute.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat using a slotted spoon or by carefully pouring it into a container, then transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
Step 2: Add Veggies & Broth
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, and diced russet potatoes to the crockpot. Stir the ingredients to combine evenly. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Create the Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture turns golden and begins to bubble. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form, and continue to cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine & Season
Pour the thickened milk mixture into the crockpot and stir thoroughly to combine with the beef and vegetable mixture. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and dried thyme, stirring again to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
Step 5: Final Simmer & Add Cheese
Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the soup to heat through and thicken slightly. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. If desired, garnish with strips of toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
I’ve made this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup more times than I can count, and along the way I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better. Here’s how to make it your own:
- Flavor Swap: Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a fun twist. It reminds me of the cheesy variations in my Boursin Cheese Pasta—so versatile!
- Diet Tweak: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for lean turkey and use low-fat dairy. It still gives you that hearty hamburger soup with cheddar vibe, just a bit gentler.
- Prep Fix: To avoid grainy cheese, shred your own block instead of using pre-shredded. It melts silkier and tastes fresher, I promise.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the creamy texture intact—just like you would for my Cowboy Casserole.
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 hamburger buns toasted and sliced into strips (optional, for garnish)
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
Nutrition and Health Benefits
When I serve this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup to my family, I love knowing it’s not just comforting—it’s also packed with good nutrition. This hearty hamburger soup with cheddar provides a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and dairy all in one bowl, making it a wholesome choice for busy nights.
Ground beef offers high-quality protein and iron, while potatoes provide potassium and vitamin C. The sharp cheddar adds calcium, and using low-sodium broth helps control salt intake. For those watching their nutrition, you might find my Black Bean Burger recipe offers another protein-packed alternative that’s equally satisfying.
If you’re looking for healthy cheeseburger soup options, consider that this recipe can easily be adapted to fit various dietary needs without losing its comforting essence. The creamy potato cheeseburger stew base makes it naturally filling, and you can always add extra vegetables like carrots or spinach for more nutrients. For more balanced meal ideas, check out my Ground Beef Rice Bowl, which follows similar principles of combining protein, grains, and vegetables.
A Lighter Version of Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
I understand that sometimes we want all the comfort with a little less indulgence. Over the years, I’ve perfected a lighter version of this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup that still delivers that classic flavor without the guilt. It’s perfect for those days when you want something satisfying but still want to feel good about what you’re eating.
For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for 93% lean ground turkey or even lean ground chicken. The texture remains wonderfully hearty, and the spices still shine through. Instead of whole milk, try using 2% milk or even unsweetened almond milk—the roux will still thicken beautifully. Reduced-fat sharp cheddar melts just as well and provides that essential cheesy ground beef soup recipe flavor we all love.
I often add extra vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or even zucchini to boost the nutrition and stretch the servings. These additions make the savory crockpot beef chowder even more satisfying while keeping calories in check. If you enjoy lighter comfort food options, you might also love my Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken, which follows similar principles of maximizing flavor while minimizing heaviness.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
When my cousin was diagnosed as diabetic a few years back, I started paying closer attention to how recipes could be adapted for different dietary needs. It became a joyful challenge to create meals that everyone could enjoy together around our family table. For those who are sugar-conscious or looking for diabetic-friendly options, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup can be easily modified without sacrificing any of its comforting appeal.
For better glycemic control, consider swapping the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes or cauliflower florets—they both hold up beautifully in the slow cooker and offer a lower glycemic index. If you’re avoiding added sugars, check your chicken broth labels carefully, as some brands contain hidden sugars. When it comes to the dairy components, full-fat options actually have less lactose than low-fat versions, which can be helpful for blood sugar management.
Portion size matters too—I’ve found that serving this soup with a big green salad helps balance the meal beautifully. The fiber from the greens slows down digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels. Remember, making recipes work for your needs doesn’t mean giving up flavor—it just means getting a little creative in the kitchen!
How to Serve Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
I’ll never forget the first time I served this soup to my extended family during a chilly autumn gathering. My uncle, who claims he “doesn’t like soup,” went back for thirds and now requests it every time he visits. There’s something magical about how this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup brings people together around the table.
For the perfect meal, I love serving this slow-cooked beef and cheese soup with crusty whole-grain bread or those toasted hamburger bun strips I mentioned earlier—they add such a fun, crunchy texture that reminds everyone of their favorite burger. A simple side salad with crisp lettuce and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. If you’re looking for more hearty crockpot soup ideas, my Slow Cooker Recipes collection has plenty of inspiration for every season.
When it comes to drinks, I find that a cold beer or crisp apple cider pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of this soup. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a simple iced tea works just as well. And if you’re planning a full comfort food menu, this soup pairs beautifully with my Best Burger Recipe for those who want the traditional experience alongside the soup version.
Remember to let the soup sit for about 5 minutes after serving—it helps the flavors settle and makes it the perfect temperature for enjoying. There’s nothing quite like watching steam rise from a bowl of this comfort food recipes masterpiece while surrounded by loved ones.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve made plenty of mistakes with this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup myself, especially when I was first developing the recipe. Learning from these errors has helped me perfect this slow-cooked beef and cheese soup to share with you today.
One common mistake is adding the dairy too early. If you pour in the milk and cheese before the potatoes are fully tender, the dairy can curdle from the prolonged cooking. Always wait until the final 30 minutes to stir in your creamy ingredients.
Another issue I’ve encountered is using lean ground beef without adjusting for moisture. While I recommend lean meat for health reasons, extremely lean beef can sometimes make the soup less flavorful. A quick fix is to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning the meat to maintain that rich, savory crockpot beef chowder texture we all love.
Don’t forget to season properly throughout the cooking process. I once made the mistake of adding all the salt at the beginning, only to find the flavors became too concentrated as the soup simmered. Now I season in layers—some at the browning stage, more midway, and a final adjustment before serving. For more ground beef cooking tips, check out my Sloppy Joes recipe which follows similar principles.
Lastly, resist the urge to lift the lid too often! Every time you peek, you add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time as heat escapes. Trust the process—your patience will be rewarded with the perfect cheesy ground beef soup recipe. For additional slow cooker guidance, this Classic Cheeseburger Soup Recipe offers great technical advice.
How to Store Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
I’ll never forget the time I accidentally made a triple batch of this soup for a family reunion—turns out it was the best mistake ever because we enjoyed it for days afterward! Proper storage means you can savor this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup even after the initial meal.
For refrigeration, let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy potato cheeseburger stew consistency.
Freezing works wonderfully for this soup too! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. It will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The potatoes may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains just as comforting. For another freezer-friendly option, my Cowboy Casserole holds up equally well to freezing and reheating.
I like to label my containers with the date and contents—it helps me remember what delicious comfort food recipes await me on busy days. There’s something so satisfying about reaching into the freezer and finding a ready-made meal that tastes just as good as the day I made it.
Try This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Yourself
The first time I served this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup to my book club, the entire conversation stopped as everyone took their first spoonful. That moment of shared comfort and satisfaction is exactly why I love sharing this recipe with you.
This hearty hamburger soup with cheddar has become more than just a meal in our household—it’s a tradition that connects us across busy schedules and hectic days. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too, creating those same moments of warmth and connection around your table.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just meal prepping for the week ahead, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup adapts to your needs beautifully. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite burger toppings or adjusting the spices to match your family’s preferences.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Boursin Cheese Pasta for another creamy comfort food option. For something with similar convenience but different flavors, try my Creamy Spinach Pasta or Pesto Pasta. If you’re looking for more cheesy goodness, my Baked Ziti with Parmesan never disappoints.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, my Spicy Garlic Penne Pasta brings the heat, while the Roasted Garlic Pasta offers mellower flavors. And if you’re looking for another tomato-based option, my Tomato Spinach Pasta makes a wonderful light meal. Don’t forget to try my Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta for a fresh herb-forward dish.
I’d love to hear how your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup turns out and what personal touches you’ve added to make it your own. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the wonderful aromas of comfort and joy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cheeseburger soup?
Cheeseburger soup is a comforting, hearty soup that captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, spoonable form. It typically contains ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and traditional burger seasonings, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
How to make lasagna soup?
While this article focuses on cheeseburger soup, lasagna soup follows a similar concept of transforming a classic baked dish into a comforting soup. You would typically use ground meat, tomatoes, pasta, and Italian seasonings, then top it with ricotta and mozzarella for that authentic lasagna experience.
What is taco soup?
Taco soup is another wonderful comfort food that shares the convenience of this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup. It features ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes seasoned with taco spices, often served with tortilla chips and cheese toppings. Both soups offer that satisfying combination of protein, vegetables, and familiar flavors we love.
How to make stuffed pepper soup?
Stuffed pepper soup transforms the beloved baked dish into an easy, one-pot meal similar to this cheeseburger soup. It typically includes ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. Like our cheeseburger version, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic flavors with the convenience of soup.
What is zuppa toscana?
Zuppa toscana is a beloved Italian-inspired soup that, like our cheeseburger soup, offers incredible comfort food appeal. It traditionally features Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and cream in a savory broth. Both soups provide that wonderful combination of hearty ingredients and creamy texture that makes them family favorites.
How to make tortellini soup?
Tortellini soup is another comforting option that shares the convenience of slow cooker preparation. It typically features cheese-filled tortellini, vegetables, and sometimes meat in a broth-based soup. Like this cheeseburger soup, it’s a complete meal in one bowl that families absolutely love.
Cozy Pasta Recipes For Every Night Of The Week
If you loved this comforting soup, you’ll adore these pasta dishes that bring the same warmth to your table.
Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta – Indulgent, velvety pasta with herbed cheese that melts into perfection.
Garlicky Creamed Spinach Pasta – Earthy spinach and rich cream sauce create a luxurious vegetarian meal.
Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta – Bright, herbaceous flavors that taste like summer in every bite.
Spicy Garlic Penne Arrabbiata – Fiery tomato sauce with garlic kick for those who love heat.
Classic Baked Ziti – Cheesy, bubbly comfort food that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Tomato Spinach Garlic Pasta – Light yet satisfying weeknight dinner bursting with fresh flavors.
[…] it was a lesson learned! Now I always keep it gentle and low. For another forgiving recipe, try my crockpot cheeseburger soup—it’s practically […]
[…] another great make ahead option, this crockpot cheeseburger soup is a crowd pleaser. If you love a good freezer meal, my chicken pot pie soup is another fantastic […]