There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of soup on a chilly day, and when you combine the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting texture of soup, you’ve got the perfect dish: Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. This indulgent, hearty soup brings all the delicious elements of a cheeseburger into one easy-to-make meal that’s packed with flavor. Thanks to the slow cooker, it’s a hands-off recipe that will have your kitchen smelling delicious all day long. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this cheeseburger soup is sure to be a hit.
What Makes Cheeseburger Soup So Special?
Cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger — such as ground beef, cheese, ketchup, and mustard — and turns them into a creamy, velvety soup. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does most of the work. The rich, creamy broth, combined with chunks of potatoes, tender ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese, makes each spoonful incredibly satisfying.
In this version, we’ve taken it up a notch by making the soup extra creamy and incorporating almond milk for a lighter base, along with almond flour to thicken the broth, creating a wonderfully velvety texture. Plus, the addition of bacon bits and pickles as optional garnishes gives this soup a delightful twist that elevates it beyond your usual soup recipes.
Ingredients for Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Before you start, gather all of the ingredients for this mouthwatering soup. Here’s what you’ll need to make extra creamy cheeseburger soup in your slow cooker:
- 1 Pound of ground beef (lean beef works best for a balanced flavor)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (for added flavor and sweetness)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (adds depth and aroma)
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (a hearty base for the soup)
- 3 cups chicken broth (rich and savory, for a flavorful base)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (a must for that cheeseburger flavor)
- 2 cups almond milk (a creamy and dairy-free alternative to regular milk)
- 1/2 cup almond flour (for thickening the soup and creating a smooth texture)
- 1/4 cup butter (adds richness to the soup)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (adds a tangy, sweet flavor)
- 1/4 cup mustard (a tangy kick to enhance the cheeseburger taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional, for that pickle garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
These ingredients combine to create a soup that’s rich, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors, just like a classic cheeseburger.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pan set over medium heat. Stir the meat occasionally, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. This step helps to reduce the grease in your soup, ensuring it doesn’t get too oily.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook them over medium heat until they become translucent and soft. This will take about 3-5 minutes. After the onions are cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Garlic adds a depth of flavor that enhances the soup’s overall richness. Once done, transfer the cooked beef, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Chicken Broth
Next, add the peeled and diced potatoes to the slow cooker, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory broth while the potatoes soften and absorb the flavors of the beef and seasonings.
Step 4: Make the Roux and Cheese Mixture
While the soup is cooking, it’s time to prepare the creamy cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the almond flour to create a roux. Stir the mixture constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly and thicken. Slowly pour in the almond milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and has thickened into a creamy sauce.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese has completely melted and blended into the sauce. This cheesy mixture will bring a rich, creamy texture to the soup that perfectly mimics the feel of a cheeseburger.
Step 5: Combine the Cheese Sauce with the Soup
Once the cheese mixture is ready, carefully pour it into the slow cooker with the beef and potatoes. Stir the soup to combine the cheese sauce with the broth and meat. Add the ketchup, mustard, and chopped pickles (if using) for that signature cheeseburger flavor. Stir everything thoroughly, making sure the soup is well-mixed and creamy.
Step 6: Let the Soup Simmer and Blend Flavors
Allow the soup to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low heat so the flavors can fully combine. This is the perfect time to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with cooked bacon bits and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture. The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
Why This Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Is the Ultimate Comfort Meal
This cheeseburger soup is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory, and the slow cooker makes it effortless to prepare. With ground beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a medley of seasonings, this soup offers the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in every spoonful. The almond milk and almond flour make it slightly lighter without sacrificing any of the creamy indulgence, and the addition of bacon and pickles gives the soup that extra special touch.
The soup is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences (such as using regular dairy milk or gluten-free flour if necessary) and serve it alongside bread, salads, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra indulgent meal.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger than in the form of this Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. This recipe combines convenience, flavor, and comfort in one delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a warm, hearty meal, this cheeseburger soup will surely satisfy your hunger and leave everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that only a slow cooker can deliver.