There is something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm, cheesy soup that tastes like a juicy, flavorful burger. The Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of soul-soothing meal, packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, melty cheeses, and a splash of umami-rich Worcestershire sauce. This recipe beautifully blends all the classic burger flavors into a creamy, crowd-pleasing soup that’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner to practically make itself, but still deliver on taste and comfort. It’s a guaranteed new favorite you’ll be excited to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a starring role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color.
- Ground beef: The rich, savory foundation that brings authentic burger flavor to the soup.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that melts into the broth.
- Garlic: Provides a subtle punch of warmth and depth.
- Beef broth: Creates a flavorful, meaty liquid to carry all the ingredients.
- Diced potatoes: Adds hearty substance and a tender texture that soaks up the cheesy sauce.
- Frozen corn: Offers bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Cheddar cheese: A sharp, melty element that lends richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Brings creamy stretch and smoothness.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and silky creaminess that balances the flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a savory, slightly tangy depth.
- Ketchup: Brings a touch of sweetness and classic burger flavor.
- Mustard: Adds a gentle kick and brightness.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Provides a smoky warmth that elevates the overall profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the beef to develop rich caramelized flavor.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Fresh garnish adding color and mild bite.
- Crispy bacon bits (optional): A crunchy, smoky topping that makes it extra special.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. This step builds the critical base for your soup, layering in rich, caramelized flavors that only develop through browning. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your soup from getting greasy.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker. Then add beef broth, diced potatoes, frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika if using, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently so the flavors have a chance to mingle and marry during cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The potatoes become tender and soak up all the delicious seasonings while the broth thickens into a hearty, comforting base. This slow simmer is where the magic happens and your kitchen will start to smell utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt fully, stirring occasionally to ensure a creamy, gooey texture throughout the soup. This step transforms the dish into the perfect cheesy comfort food your soul craves.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream for Extra Creaminess
Right before digging in, stir in the sour cream to give the soup an extra layer of creamy silkiness and a tiny bit of tang to brighten the rich flavors. Give the soup one last taste to adjust salt and pepper as needed, ensuring every spoonful is balanced and delicious.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Ladle your Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe into bowls and add your favorite garnishes like chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor bursts. It’s now ready to enjoy straight from the pot—comfort in a bowl!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make this soup pop with extra flavors and textural contrasts. Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild bite while crispy bacon bits contribute smoky crunch. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream can also give your presentation a lovely finishing touch that excites both the eyes and the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This cheesy burger soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping and sopping up every last drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a fresh counterbalance. For a fuller meal, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or even into large bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. You could also top each serving with homemade croutons or sprinkle with pickled jalapeños for a surprising burst of flavor that complements the burger-inspired soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the soup sits, the flavors actually meld more, making your next meal just as tasty — if not more so!
Freezing
This soup freezes well and is perfect for meal prep. Just let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, add any sour cream fresh after reheating to preserve its texture and brightness.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage. Stir in fresh sour cream at the end to revive that creamy richness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will work fine in this soup. Just be aware that the flavor will be a little milder, so you might want to bump up the seasoning and Worcestershire sauce a bit to keep that classic burger taste.
Is it necessary to brown the ground beef first?
Browning the beef is highly recommended because it builds deep, savory flavors that make this soup stand out. It also improves the texture by caramelizing the meat and vegetables before slow cooking.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can certainly try using plant-based ground meat substitutes and vegetable broth as a swap. Adjust seasoning to taste since plant-based ingredients typically have less natural umami, and consider adding mushrooms for an earthy boost.
What cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?
While mozzarella adds great creaminess and stretch, feel free to use all cheddar or even a mild Monterey Jack for a similar melt and flavor. Avoid strong or crumbly cheeses that won’t smooth out well in the soup.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef with onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients except cheese and sour cream. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, use quick release, and then stir in cheese and sour cream off heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that’s both cozy and bursting with classic burger flavor, this Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple to prepare, comes together while you relax, and delivers a creamy, cheesy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to experience how this soup brings everyone to the table, smiling and satisfied. Give it a go, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker low) or 2-3 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is a comforting and hearty dish combining the rich flavors of ground beef, melted cheeses, and tender vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal, it simmers slowly to develop a rich, savory taste reminiscent of a cheeseburger in soup form, finished with creamy sour cream and optional garnishes.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
Soup Base and Vegetables
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat before proceeding.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add 4 cups of beef broth, 2 cups diced potatoes, 1 cup frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have fully melded together, creating a rich, hearty base.
- Add the Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheeses to melt into the soup, stirring occasionally to create a smooth and creamy texture.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Just before serving, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream to add extra creaminess and tanginess. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth slightly or mash some of the potatoes before adding cheese.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños during cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well over low heat.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup used are certified gluten-free.
