Description

Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy soup to warm you up and fill you with comfort. While chicken noodle soup has its place in our hearts, sometimes we crave something with more decadence and a burst of flavor. That’s where this slow cooker cheeseburger soup comes in. It’s an indulgent, hearty dish that takes the best parts of a cheeseburger—savory beef, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings—and transforms them into a smooth, satisfying soup that’s perfect for any cold day.

This recipe is an updated version of a classic slow cooker cheeseburger soup, with a key change that makes all the difference: the cheese. Instead of using cheddar, which can be delicious but sometimes a bit stringy when melted, we opted for Velveeta. This choice may be a bit controversial, but it ensures a silky smooth broth without any clumps or separation. The result is a soup that’s not only rich in flavor but also perfectly creamy and smooth.

In addition to the cheese, we used a roux—a mixture of butter, flour, and mil to thicken the soup to the perfect consistency. The addition of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion adds depth and balance to the rich flavors of beef and cheese. This slow cooker cheeseburger soup is a true comfort food that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (16 oz.) package Velveeta, cubed
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 4 small potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Bacon bits, for garnish
• Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish

Preparation Method

Brown the Ground Beef:

Start by heating a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Prepare the Roux:

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with a bit more salt and pepper, then remove the roux from the heat and refrigerate it until you’re ready to add it to the soup.
Set Up the Slow Cooker:

In your slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring that the vegetables and beef are well submerged. Season the mixture with dried basil and dried parsley for added flavor. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Finish the Soup:

After the initial cooking time, remove the refrigerated roux and add it to the slow cooker. Stir well to incorporate it into the soup. Next, add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir again, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the soup. Cover the slow cooker once more and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is thick and creamy.
Serve:

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. A sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits make for the perfect finishing touch, adding extra flavor and texture. Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting, cheeseburger-like flavors that make this dish so special.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

If you prefer a little kick in your soup, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. For a more traditional cheeseburger flavor, you could also stir in some mustard or ketchup right before serving.

Conclusion:

This slow cooker cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth and satisfaction of a creamy soup. The use of Velveeta cheese ensures a smooth, velvety broth that coats your palate with every spoonful, while the roux adds the perfect thickness to the dish. The added vegetables bring a subtle sweetness and depth that balance the richness of the beef and cheese. Topped with bacon bits and extra cheese, this soup is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it as leftovers on a cold day, this cheeseburger soup is comfort food at its finest.