If you’re craving something that wraps all the comfort of a cheeseburger into a cozy, spoonable meal, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe. Imagine tender ground beef simmered low and slow with potatoes, sweet corn, and a heavenly blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses that melt into a creamy, rich base bursting with classic burger flavors. It’s like your favorite diner comfort food, but in soup form, and effortlessly made in your slow cooker while you go about your day. Every bite is a celebration of hearty, cheesy goodness that warms both the stomach and the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build on flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheesy finish. From the savory depth of beef broth to the mellow sweetness of corn and the creamy tang of sour cream, these components come together like old friends to create something truly special.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein, providing rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth, perfectly balancing the savory elements.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic quality that enhances every bite.
- 4 cups beef broth: Forms the flavorful base, infusing the soup with savory richness.
- 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes): Adds heartiness and a creamy bite once tender.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Injects sweetness and a slight pop of texture that brightens the soup.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives that classic cheeseburger sharpness and melty cheese appeal.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey stretchiness and a subtle creaminess to the mix.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that perfectly rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Layers in umami depth and a hint of tangy complexity.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Gives a slight sweetness and tomatoey tang replicating burger sauce vibes.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Introduces subtle sharpness and warmth traditional to cheeseburgers.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Offers a gentle smoky note that’s a lovely background flavor addition.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef): Helps develop a savory, caramelized crust on the beef.
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish): Adds fresh, crisp bursts of flavor and color when serving.
- Crispy bacon bits (optional, for garnish): Delivers a crunchy, smoky finish that complements the cheesy soup beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic. Cooking this mixture until the beef is fully browned and the onions soften creates a flavorful foundation filled with savory richness and aromatic appeal. Don’t forget to drain excess fat to keep your soup hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer your browned beef mixture to the slow cooker. To this, add beef broth, diced potatoes, frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika if using, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything gently so the ingredients meld, making sure every potato cube and kernel of corn gets a touch of that burger-flavored magic.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Ultimate Comfort
Cover the slow cooker and pop it on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking process melts the flavors together and makes those potatoes nice and tender, while tenderizing the beef to perfection. This is the heart of the Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe where patience pays off with every savory spoonful.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Watch as these cheeses melt smoothly into the soup, transforming it into an ultra-creamy, cheesy delight that truly embodies the essence of a cheeseburger in liquid form.
Step 5: Stir in the Sour Cream
Just before serving, gently fold in the sour cream. This step adds a luscious tang and velvety texture that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed — this soup loves a little seasoning love.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle your delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup into bowls, and top with crunchy bacon bits and fresh chopped green onions if you like. These garnishes add pops of texture and extra flavor that make every bite even more exciting.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions not only brings color but adds contrasting textures and savory crunch that enhance the cheesy burger flavor profile. For a fun twist, try a dollop of sour cream or even some sliced pickles on the side to mimic burger toppings.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even a simple green salad for a lighter counterpoint. Garlic bread or toasted sandwich-style bread can also add an extra dose of comfort and heartiness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in bread bowls for a rustic, hearty presentation that’s sure to impress family or guests. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheese and a few pickled jalapeno slices on top for a spicy kick. Presentation is all about making your meal feel festive and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as enjoyable — if not more so — the next day.
Freezing
The soup freezes well! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that potatoes and dairy can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid reheating too quickly to keep the cheese creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this soup. Just brown it thoroughly and adjust seasonings as needed, since turkey has a milder flavor.
What’s the best way to shred cheese for this soup?
Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese helps melt better and creates a creamier texture. If you’re short on time, pre-shredded is fine, but freshly shredded is worth the effort.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can substitute cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for the ground beef to keep that meaty texture.
Is smoked paprika necessary?
Smoked paprika is optional but highly recommended because it adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the burger flavors beautifully. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or a tiny pinch of chipotle powder can be good alternatives.
Can I prepare this slow cooker soup ahead of time and cook later?
You can mix all the ingredients (except the cheese and sour cream) in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just add cheese and sour cream when you’re ready to finish cooking and serving.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, capturing all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of your favorite cheeseburger with ease and a touch of creativity. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this soup brings warmth and smiles with every delicious spoonful. Give it a try—your slow cooker and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef and melted cheeses with tender potatoes and sweet corn. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is easy to prepare with minimal prep and slow cooking, delivering rich taste and creamy texture all in one bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
Cheese and Cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, diced potatoes, frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Cooking time depends on your schedule, but ensure the potatoes are tender and all flavors meld together.
- Add Cheeses: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheeses to melt fully into the hot soup, enriching the texture and flavor.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Just before serving, stir in the sour cream for creaminess and tang. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits if desired for added texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños during slow cooking.
- Make sure to brown the beef thoroughly to develop deeper flavors in the soup.
- If using the high slow cooker setting, check the soup occasionally to avoid overcooking the potatoes.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use full-fat sour cream for best creaminess; low-fat versions may alter the soup’s texture.
- Garnishes like crispy bacon and green onions are optional but add great flavor and texture contrast.
