Hearty Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup for Easy Dinners (Print Version)

Warm up with our easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup! This creamy, savory recipe brings classic burger flavors to a comforting bowl, perfect for busy weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Beef, Contains Gluten (optional, with bread)

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base & Protein

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 - 1 large onion, chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 cups beef broth
05 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Creamy Goodness & Flavor Boosters

06 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 2 tbsp ketchup
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasonings & Spices

11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Garnish & Toppings

14 - 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
15 - 2 green onions, sliced
16 - 1/4 cup diced dill pickles (optional, but recommended!)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, grab your biggest skillet and brown that ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s all browned up, drain off any excess grease – seriously, don't skip this like I did that one time! Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and smelling absolutely incredible. This step really lays the foundation for your amazing Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, so take your time and enjoy the fragrant kitchen vibes.
02 - Now, transfer that beautiful beef and onion mixture into your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic starts to happen without much effort. I love how simple this part is, honestly. Just dump and stir! Make sure all the ingredients are nestled in nicely for your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup to simmer perfectly.
03 - Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The beauty of the crockpot is how it lets all those flavors meld together into something truly special. You’ll start smelling it after an hour or so, and it’s pure comfort. I usually peek a few times, just to admire the bubbling goodness. This hands-off cooking time means you can actually get things done, or just, you know, relax! That’s the dream with this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup.
04 - Once the soup has cooked and the flavors are deep, it's time for the creamy magic! Stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. This can take a few minutes, so be patient. Then, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it's fully incorporated and melted into a luscious, cheesy dream. Don't just dump it all in; a slow addition prevents clumping, a lesson I learned the hard way with a lumpy cheese sauce once. This step makes your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup truly irresistible.
05 - Taste your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Maybe it needs a little more salt, or a dash more pepper? Trust your taste buds! If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or even a little milk to reach your desired consistency. I like mine thick and hearty, almost stew-like. This is where you make it exactly *your* kind of soup.
06 - Ladle the hot Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup into bowls. Now for the fun part: toppings! Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and if you’re brave enough, some diced dill pickles. The pickles add an unexpected tang that really brightens the whole dish and makes it feel even more like a cheeseburger. I didn’t expect that, but it’s a game-changer! Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in. It's truly satisfying!

# Notes:

01 - Drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning; it makes a big difference for the soup's texture.
02 - This soup stores wonderfully in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days; perfect for meal prep!
03 - Try adding a dash of liquid smoke for an extra 'grilled' flavor if you're feeling adventurous.
04 - Serve with crispy croutons or a side of crusty bread for dipping, it's so good!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
02 - Large skillet
03 - Cutting board
04 - Chef's knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 25g