Looking for a rich, indulgent dish that captures the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup? This Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup combines everything you love about cheeseburgers—ground beef, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and even pickles—into a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Best of all, it’s made in a slow cooker, so you can let it simmer to perfection while you go about your day.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to prepare something delicious for the family, this slow cooker cheeseburger soup is sure to become a hit. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, flavorful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
This soup is packed with all the classic cheeseburger ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, and potatoes, but it’s the creamy texture that sets it apart. It’s comforting and rich without being too heavy, making it perfect for any season. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify over several hours of low, slow cooking. Plus, the optional garnishes like bacon bits and green onions take this dish to the next level.
The soup is also highly customizable, allowing you to add or swap ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy a touch of smokiness from bacon or the tangy flavor of pickles, this soup delivers all the comfort food vibes you’re looking for.
Ingredients for Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredibly creamy and flavorful soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
This list of ingredients brings together all the essential flavors of a cheeseburger, but in a unique and extra creamy soup form. You can easily adjust the recipe depending on your dietary needs or personal preferences. For example, swap the almond milk and almond flour with regular milk and all-purpose flour if you’re not concerned with making it gluten-free or dairy-free.
How to Make Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s completely cooked through. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks to create a nice texture for the soup. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook it over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The aroma of garlic and onions is essential to building flavor in this dish.
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth, and give everything a good stir to combine. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the soup base is cooking, it’s time to prepare the creamy cheese sauce that will give this soup its rich texture. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the almond flour to create a roux. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and golden.
Slowly pour in the almond milk, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Once the sauce has reached the desired thickness, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Once the potatoes in the slow cooker are tender, pour the cheese sauce into the slow cooker and stir to combine. At this point, add the ketchup, mustard, and chopped pickles (if using). These ingredients give the soup its signature cheeseburger flavor, adding both tang and richness.
Allow the soup to cook for another 15-30 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the creamy cheeseburger soup into bowls and top each serving with cooked bacon bits and chopped green onions, if desired. These garnishes not only add flavor but also bring a touch of crunch and freshness to the dish.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Use High-Quality Cheddar Cheese
The key to achieving the best flavor and texture in this soup is using sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts, so it’s best to shred your own cheese for a smooth, creamy finish.
Don’t Skip the Roux
Making a roux with butter and almond flour is crucial to thickening the soup and giving it that extra creamy texture. If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can substitute it with regular all-purpose flour, but make sure to whisk it thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Add Pickles for a Tangy Kick
If you enjoy the tanginess of pickles on your cheeseburger, don’t hesitate to add them to this soup. They add a subtle zing that complements the richness of the cheese and beef. If you’re not a fan, simply omit them.
Customize Your Soup
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version or use regular milk and flour if you’re not following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. For added texture and flavor, you can also throw in additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
Make It Ahead of Time
This slow cooker cheeseburger soup is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you plan to freeze the soup, consider freezing it without the cheese sauce, then adding the sauce after reheating to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency.
Why This Cheeseburger Soup Stands Out
This extra creamy cheeseburger soup takes all the best elements of a cheeseburger and turns it into a satisfying, hearty meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The ground beef adds a meaty richness, the cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the almond milk and flour base, and the potatoes provide just the right amount of heartiness. It’s a meal that feels like comfort in a bowl.
The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, giving you tender potatoes and well-developed flavors with minimal effort. Whether you choose to top it with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or even more shredded cheese, this dish is endlessly customizable and incredibly flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for almond milk if you’re not following a dairy-free diet. The texture and flavor will remain just as creamy.
How long can I store leftover soup?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop for best results.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the cheese sauce. Once reheated, you can add the cheese sauce for a smoother texture.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad for a complete meal.