Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup – Easy Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup with Potatoes
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all the delicious flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger! Made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, onions, garlic, cheddar cheese, and a creamy, flavorful broth, this easy slow cooker soup is the ultimate comfort food.
If you love a juicy bacon cheeseburger with melted cheese and all the fixings, you’re going to love this hearty homemade soup!
Everything comes together in the crockpot, where the potatoes, ground beef, onions, garlic, and seasonings slowly cook in a savory broth until tender. Then, toward the end of cooking, we add cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon to create a rich, velvety soup that’s absolutely delicious.
It’s thick, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for chilly fall evenings, cozy winter dinners, busy weeknights, and family gatherings.
And the best part? You can top each bowl with even more shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, chopped green onions, or even diced pickles for that classic cheeseburger flavor!
Serve this delicious Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup with warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or toasted hamburger buns for an easy dinner everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- Easy slow cooker dinner: Let the crockpot do most of the work.
- Loaded with cheeseburger flavor: Ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, onion, and garlic make this soup irresistible.
- Creamy and comforting: Tender potatoes and a rich, cheesy broth create a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Family-friendly: A delicious dinner that combines two favorites: cheeseburgers and homemade soup.
- Perfect for cold weather: A cozy fall or winter recipe that’s wonderful for busy evenings.
- Great for leftovers: The flavors are just as delicious the next day.
- Customizable: Add your favorite cheeseburger toppings for a fun finishing touch.
Ingredients for Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Servings: 6–8
For the Soup
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Optional Toppings
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions
- Diced dill pickles
- Fresh parsley
- Crushed buttery crackers
- Toasted hamburger bun croutons
How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 7–10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
Drain any excess grease.
Transfer the browned ground beef to the crockpot.
Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker gives the soup a wonderful savory flavor and prevents excess grease from collecting in the broth.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble it once cooled.
Set the bacon aside for later.
You can add a little bacon to the crockpot during cooking, but I prefer saving most of it until the end so it stays nice and crispy.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes, Onion, and Garlic
Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot with the browned ground beef.
The potatoes make this soup extra hearty, while the onion and garlic add wonderful flavor to the broth.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour the beef broth over the ground beef and vegetables.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Soup
Place the lid on the crockpot.
Cook on LOW for approximately 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the potato pieces.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Base
About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently.
This creamy mixture helps give the cheeseburger soup its rich, velvety consistency.
Step 7: Add the Creamy Mixture to the Crockpot
Pour the warm cream mixture into the crockpot.
Gently stir until everything is combined.
Allow the soup to warm through for approximately 10 minutes.
Step 8: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Turn the crockpot to LOW, if it was cooking on HIGH.
Gradually add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring gently until melted.
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese, because high heat can cause the cheese sauce to become grainy.
Step 9: Add the Bacon
Stir about half of the crumbled bacon into the soup.
Reserve the remaining bacon for topping each bowl.
Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or seasonings as needed.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup into bowls.
Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, chopped green onions, or your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
Serve warm with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or toasted hamburger buns.
Enjoy!
Jennie’s Thoughts
I absolutely love making homemade soup in the crockpot, especially when the weather starts getting cooler!
And this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is one of those recipes that has everything you could want in a cozy, comforting dinner.
It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and loaded with delicious ingredients like seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, onions, and garlic.
I wanted this soup to taste like a really good bacon cheeseburger, but with the rich, creamy texture of homemade potato soup.
And I think the combination of potatoes, ground beef, bacon, and cheddar cheese is just wonderful!
One thing I really like to do is brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot.
It gives the beef a much better flavor, and you can drain off the extra grease so the finished soup isn’t oily.
I also love adding Worcestershire sauce and a little mustard powder because they give the broth that delicious savory cheeseburger flavor.
And, of course, you can’t have cheeseburger soup without plenty of cheddar cheese!
I like using freshly shredded sharp cheddar because it melts beautifully into the creamy broth and gives the soup a rich, cheesy flavor.
The bacon is another favorite addition. I save some to sprinkle over the top of each bowl so you get a little crispy bacon with every bite.
And if you really want to make this soup fun, add a few diced dill pickles or toasted hamburger bun croutons!
It’s such a delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a warm, comforting bowl of soup.
This is definitely one of those easy crockpot dinners you’ll want to make all fall and winter!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Brown the ground beef first. This adds flavor and allows you to drain away excess grease before adding it to the slow cooker.
Cut the potatoes evenly. Dice the potatoes into approximately 1/2-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate.
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking ingredients that can affect how smoothly it melts.
Add the dairy toward the end. Milk, cream, and cheese are best added after the potatoes have cooked to help prevent separation.
Use sharp cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar gives the soup a wonderful cheesy flavor that stands up to the ground beef and bacon.
Save some bacon for topping. This keeps the bacon crispy and adds delicious texture.
Don’t boil the soup after adding cheese. Gentle heat helps keep the broth smooth and creamy.
Adjust the thickness. Add a little extra broth if the soup becomes too thick, or mash a few potatoes into the broth for a thicker consistency.
Delicious Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Variations
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Add extra crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and diced pickles to each bowl for a fully loaded cheeseburger-inspired soup.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup with Velveeta
For an extra-smooth, creamy cheese sauce, replace 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese with approximately 8 ounces of cubed Velveeta.
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.
Cheeseburger Soup with Carrots and Celery
Add 1 cup of diced carrots and 1/2 cup of chopped celery with the potatoes for extra vegetables and flavor.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Stir in 1–2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni just before serving for a delicious cheeseburger macaroni variation.
Cheeseburger Soup with Ground Turkey
Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter version of this creamy soup.
What to Serve with Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
This soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it’s also delicious with a few easy sides.
Some of my favorite ideas include:
- Homemade garlic bread
- Soft dinner rolls
- Toasted hamburger buns
- Buttery biscuits
- Homemade cornbread
- Garden salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Crispy oven-baked potatoes
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
For a fun cheeseburger-inspired dinner, cut toasted hamburger buns into small cubes and sprinkle them over the soup like croutons!
How to Store Leftover Cheeseburger Soup
Allow the soup to cool slightly, then transfer it to airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over low heat and stir frequently until hot.
You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
The soup may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Avoid boiling the soup during reheating, because the cheese sauce can separate.
Can You Freeze Cheeseburger Soup?
Because this soup contains potatoes, milk, cream, and cheddar cheese, freezing isn’t ideal.
The potatoes may become grainy, and the creamy broth can separate after thawing.
For the best texture, I recommend enjoying this soup fresh or storing leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days.
If you’d like to prepare it ahead for freezing, you can freeze the cooked ground beef, broth, vegetables, and seasonings before adding the dairy and cheese.
Then thaw, heat thoroughly, and finish with the creamy ingredients when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make Cheeseburger Soup in the Crockpot?
Absolutely! The slow cooker is a wonderful way to make cheeseburger soup because the ground beef, potatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings have time to blend together into a rich, flavorful broth.
Do I Need to Brown the Ground Beef First?
Yes, I recommend browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot. This improves the flavor and allows you to drain away excess grease.
What Kind of Potatoes Are Best for Cheeseburger Soup?
Russet potatoes are wonderful because they become tender and help thicken the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes are also delicious and hold their shape a little better.
What Cheese Is Best for Cheeseburger Soup?
Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese is my favorite. It has a rich, cheesy flavor and melts beautifully when added over gentle heat.
Can I Use Velveeta Instead of Cheddar Cheese?
Yes! Velveeta creates a very smooth, creamy cheese sauce. You can use it in place of some or all of the cheddar cheese.
How Do I Thicken Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup?
The butter and flour mixture helps thicken the soup. You can also mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly into the broth for an even thicker consistency.
Can I Make Cheeseburger Soup Without Heavy Cream?
Yes. You can replace the heavy cream with additional whole milk or half-and-half, although the finished soup won’t be quite as rich.
Can I Add Pickles to Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! Diced dill pickles are a fun topping that gives the soup a delicious classic cheeseburger flavor. I recommend adding them to individual bowls rather than cooking them in the soup.
More Easy Crockpot Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, be sure to try more delicious homemade soup recipes like:
- Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- French Onion Chicken Soup
- Crockpot Taco Soup
- Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect combination of creamy potato soup and a delicious bacon cheeseburger!
With seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, onions, garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, velvety broth, every spoonful is packed with incredible flavor.
It’s easy to make in the slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights, and wonderful for cozy fall and winter dinners.
Top each bowl with extra cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and your favorite cheeseburger toppings for a hearty, comforting meal the whole family will love!
Save this delicious Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup recipe for later!
