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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!