Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup

Introduction

When I first made Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup, I wasn’t sure if it would be as comforting as a classic cheeseburger, but I was pleasantly surprised! This soup brings together all the flavors you love about a cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, and tangy condiments—but in a hearty, satisfying soup form. My family absolutely loved it. The beef, cheese, and seasonings meld together beautifully, and the potatoes and corn add a perfect balance of texture. We all found ourselves going back for seconds, and it quickly became one of our favorite meals for chilly evenings. It’s incredibly easy to make, especially with the slow cooker doing most of the work, and it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your comfort food rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Crispy bacon bits, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic.
3. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.

Add to Slow Cooker:

4. Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker.
5. Add the beef broth, diced potatoes, frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Cook in the Slow Cooker:

6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Add the Cheese:

7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Let them melt into the soup, stirring occasionally.

Finish with Sour Cream:

8. Just before serving, stir in the sour cream to add extra creaminess. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve:

9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400 kcal (varies based on exact ingredients used)
• Sugar: ~5g
• Sodium: ~950mg
• Fat: ~25g
• Saturated Fat: ~12g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
• Trans Fat: ~0g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Protein: ~25g
• Cholesterol: ~70mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high)
• Total Time: 4-6 hours

How to Serve

• Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting, hearty meal.
• Garnish with toppings: Top with green onions, crispy bacon bits, and even extra shredded cheese for added flavor.
• Pair with bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the cheesy goodness.
• Make it a meal: This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for added freshness.
• Enjoy with a drink: Pair the soup with a cold beverage like iced tea or lemonade, or a warm drink like hot chocolate for extra comfort.

Additional Tips

1. Use lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce the fat content in the soup, though regular ground beef will add more flavor.
2. Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
3. Use russet potatoes: Russet potatoes break down and become creamy when cooked, which adds a nice texture to the soup. Yukon golds are also a good choice.
4. For a spicy kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup base for a little heat.
5. Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas to increase the vegetable content.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: For a spicy version, stir in some diced green chilies or jalapeños to the soup along with the other ingredients.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add crumbled bacon directly into the soup for an extra bacon flavor in every bite.
• Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Top the soup with even more bacon bits for an irresistible bacon overload.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for cold nights: This cheesy, hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying.
• Great for family dinners: With its filling ingredients and delicious flavors, this soup is ideal for feeding a crowd or a large family.
• Serve for gatherings: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal gathering, this soup will make everyone feel at home and satisfied.
• Pair with chips: Serve with potato chips or tortilla chips for added crunch, which complements the creamy soup perfectly.

Freezing and Storage

• Store leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• Freezing without sour cream: For best results, freeze the soup without the sour cream. Stir it in after reheating to preserve its creamy texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option. It will alter the flavor slightly but still tastes great.
2. Can I use regular potatoes instead of russet?
   Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, like Yukon gold, but russet potatoes tend to give the soup a creamier texture.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Absolutely! This soup can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
4. How can I make the soup spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the soup for extra heat.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes! Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
6. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes, you can swap the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils to make a vegetarian version of this soup.
7. How can I make the soup thicker?
   If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker, or add a cornstarch slurry.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the soup for added flavor and texture.
9. Can I freeze this soup?
   Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat when needed.
10. What can I serve this soup with?
    This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is the perfect dish for those who crave a comforting, hearty meal. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. The combination of tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese creates a soup that’s packed with flavor and sure to warm you up from the inside out. Add your favorite toppings, and this meal becomes even more satisfying!

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