Name: Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup heavy cream

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An Irresistible Comfort in a Bowl

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is one of those cozy recipes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. I stumbled upon this delightful concoction during a chilly winter evening, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of hearty ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese that brings everyone to the table. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself craving it time and time again.

Why you’ll love this dish

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a culinary game-changer! Not only is it rich, creamy, and utterly delicious, but it also checks all the boxes for a weeknight meal: it’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and wonderfully versatile. Imagine coming home to a bubbling pot of savory goodness after a long day. It’s comfort food at its finest, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, game days, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

“This soup is a total winner! Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. My kids couldn’t get enough of it!” – Happy Home Cook

Preparing Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Making this soup is simpler than you might think. Start with browning the beef, and from there, it’s just a matter of tossing ingredients into the crockpot. This recipe is essentially a two-step process that yields a hearty meal. You can set it and forget it, which is perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a delicious dinner without the fuss.

What you’ll need

Gather these items for a scrumptious Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or throw in any leftover veggies you have in your fridge for a personalized touch.

Step-by-step instructions

In a skillet, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat.
Transfer the browned beef mixture to your crockpot.
Add the beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the crockpot, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, basking in the mouthwatering aromas filling your home.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until creamy and melted.
Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting bowl of deliciousness!

Best ways to enjoy it

For an extra touch, consider garnishing your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. Serve it with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up all that cheesy goodness. You can also pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal.

How to store & freeze

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely, but still!), store your Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider portioning the soup into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool before sealing and freezing.

When reheating, ensure it’s heated all the way through for safety. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Pro chef tips

Browning the beef with onions and garlic in a skillet first adds depth of flavor to your soup.
For a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.
Don’t skimp on the cheese; the more, the merrier!

Creative twists

Want to give your soup a unique flair? Try swapping the beef for diced turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also toss in some spices like smoked paprika or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami. Want to go vegetarian? Easily substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the prep time for this soup?

The total prep time is about 15 minutes! With just a bit of chopping and browning, you can set the crockpot and let it do the work.

Are there any good substitutions I can make in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk or even broth can work in a pinch. For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or adding more vegetables.

How do I know if the soup is safe to eat after storing?

Always check for any off smells or changes in texture. If stored properly, the soup should be safe to eat within 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months if frozen. When reheating, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

In sum, this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Dive in, and let it elevate your weeknight dinners!

Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup