crockpot cheeseburger soup is my go to dinner for those nights when everyone is hungry, the sink is full, and I just cannot deal with anything fussy. You toss a few simple ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and later your house smells like a cozy diner in the best way. It is creamy, cheesy, and filling without feeling like you spent all day cooking. I started making it when the weather turned cold one year, and now it is basically a regular in our rotation. If you love comfort food that feels familiar, this one hits the spot.
What You’ll Need to Make Cheeseburger Soup
This soup is built from everyday ingredients, which is a big reason I love it. Think classic cheeseburger flavors, but in a bowl with a spoon. If you have ever made my slow cooker soups before, you will recognize the vibe. I keep a running list of cozy ideas over on my soups page when I need a little dinner inspiration.
Here is what I typically use. You can adjust a bit based on what is in your fridge, but this is the sweet spot for flavor and texture.
- Ground beef (lean is easiest)
- Onion, diced small
- Garlic (fresh or jarred, both work)
- Potatoes (Yukon gold or russet), peeled and diced
- Carrots, diced (optional but adds a little sweetness)
- Celery, diced (also optional, but nice)
- Chicken broth or beef broth
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, a pinch of mustard powder if you have it
- Cream or half and half
- Cheddar cheese, freshly shredded melts best
- Cream cheese (my little trick for extra creamy soup)
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese, pickles on the side
If you are a potato soup person too, you will probably also love this crockpot potato soup because it has that same creamy, comforting thing going on.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
This is the part where you get to feel like a genius later. The slow cooker does most of the work, and you just finish it off with dairy and cheese at the end.
Step by step (the way I actually do it)
1) Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain any extra grease. I know, this is an extra step, but it keeps the soup from getting oily.
2) Add the beef to your slow cooker along with onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots and celery if using, broth, and your seasonings.
3) Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are soft.
4) About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream cheese until it melts. Then pour in the cream or half and half.
5) Turn the slow cooker to LOW if it is not already, then stir in the shredded cheddar a handful at a time. Keep stirring gently until it is smooth and creamy.
That is it. And yes, it really does taste like a cheeseburger, just cozier. If you like hearty slow cooker meals, you might also like these comfort food crockpot recipes for busy weeknights.
“I made this for my kids and they ate two bowls each. I never get that kind of win on a weeknight. It is officially in our regular dinner rotation.”
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
I have made crockpot cheeseburger soup enough times to know where things can go a little weird. Here are the little fixes that make a big difference.
Shred your own cheese if you can. Bagged shredded cheese works, but it sometimes melts a little grainy because of the coating. Fresh shredded cheddar gives you the smoothest finish.
Do not add the dairy too early. Cream, milk, and cheese can separate if they sit in the slow cooker too long on high heat. Add them near the end for that rich, creamy texture.
Want it thicker? Mash some of the potatoes right in the slow cooker with a potato masher. You can also stir in a quick cornstarch slurry (cornstarch plus a little cold water), but the potato mash trick feels more natural.
Season at the end. Broth and cheese both bring salt, so I go light early on, then taste and adjust right before serving.
Make it feel like a real cheeseburger. Put out toppings like crumbled bacon, diced pickles, and chopped onions. It sounds silly, but it makes dinner feel fun. If you are craving more cozy soup ideas in general, this roundup of best cozy soup recipes is honestly a lifesaver in winter.
Can You Make Cheeseburger Soup on the Stove?
Yes, totally. If you forgot to start the slow cooker (been there), you can still have this on the table in about 40 minutes.
Here is the quick stove top version:
Brown the beef in a soup pot, drain it, then add onion and garlic and cook for a couple minutes. Add potatoes, carrots, celery if using, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until the potatoes are soft, usually 15 to 20 minutes depending on how small you cut them. Lower the heat, stir in cream cheese until melted, then add cream and shredded cheddar a little at a time until smooth.
The flavor is very similar. The slow cooker version is just more hands off, and it gives the ingredients more time to hang out together. If you like easy soups with big payoff, my 5 ingredient taco soup is another fast option when you want bold flavor without a long ingredient list.
Cheeseburger Soup Variations
This is where you can really make it your own. I keep the basic method the same, then swap small things depending on what we are craving.
Easy swaps and fun add ins
Bacon cheeseburger style: Stir in cooked crumbled bacon at the end, plus a little extra cheddar. You can also use bacon grease to saute the onion if you are feeling fancy.
Spicy version: Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne. Pepper jack is also really good here.
Extra veggie version: Add corn, diced bell pepper, or even a handful of spinach at the end. It wilts right in.
Turkey cheeseburger soup: Swap ground beef for ground turkey. Just add a touch more seasoning since turkey is milder.
Gluten free: This recipe is usually gluten free as written, as long as your broth and seasonings are gluten free. If you thicken it with flour, switch to cornstarch instead.
If you want another cozy twist that feels like comfort food in a bowl, you might like my easy crockpot lasagna soup. Different flavors, same cozy energy.
A Cozy Bowl Worth Repeating
If you are craving something warm, filling, and low effort, crockpot cheeseburger soup is one of those recipes that just makes life easier. You get that classic cheeseburger flavor, but in a creamy soup that feels perfect for chilly nights. If you want to compare a couple other takes, check out Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Life In The Lofthouse and Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home. Now go grab your slow cooker, throw everything in, and let dinner basically cook itself. And if you do make this crockpot cheeseburger soup, I hope you come back and tell me what toppings you used because I am always looking for new ideas.
Can I prep crockpot cheeseburger soup ingredients the night before?
Yes. Brown the beef, chop the veggies, and store everything in the fridge. In the morning, dump it into the slow cooker with the broth and seasonings, then add dairy and cheese at the end.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave at lower power, stirring often so the cheese stays smooth.
Can I freeze it?
You can, but creamy soups sometimes change texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing the soup before adding the dairy, then adding cream and cheese fresh when you reheat it.
What should I serve with it?
We love it with toasted buns, crackers, or a simple side salad. If you want full comfort mode, do garlic bread and call it a day.
Why did my cheese get grainy?
Usually it is heat that is too high or pre shredded cheese not melting as smoothly. Turn the heat down, add cheese slowly, and shred it fresh if you can.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, cheesy soup that captures the classic flavors of a cheeseburger, perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 onion, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 potatoes (Yukon gold or russet), peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, diced (optional)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (optional)
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- 1 cup cream or half and half
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese, pickles
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain any extra grease.
- Add the beef to your slow cooker along with onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery (if using), broth, and seasonings.
- Cook on LOW for 360 minutes or on HIGH for 240 minutes until the potatoes are soft.
- Stir in the cream cheese about 20-30 minutes before serving until it melts.
- Pour in the cream or half and half, then turn the slow cooker to LOW (if not already) and stir in the cheddar a handful at a time until smooth and creamy.
Notes
Shred your own cheese for a smoother finish and add toppings for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American