Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make meal, the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup could be your perfect answer. This delicious soup brings together all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in the form of a warm and delightful dish. Preparing this soup in a slow cooker makes it even more convenient, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a rich, creamy soup ready to serve and satisfy everyone at the table.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Ground Beef

1 pound of ground beef, cooked and drained.

Butter

3 tablespoons of butter for a rich base.

Onion

1 yellow onion, finely chopped.

Carrots

2 medium carrots, diced.

Celery

3 celery stalks, chopped into small pieces.

Potatoes

3 large peeled and diced potatoes.

Chicken Broth

3 cups of chicken broth.

Flour

1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.

Milk

2 cups of milk, preferably whole milk.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to create the cheesy flavor.

Sour Cream

1 cup of sour cream.

Salt and Pepper

Add salt and pepper to taste for seasoning.

Prep Time

With just a little preparation, you can have all your ingredients ready to go in about 20 minutes. Start by cooking the ground beef thoroughly, chopping the vegetables, peeling the potatoes, and getting all the ingredients pre-measured and in place.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup requires about 6 to 8 hours to cook on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. By the time it’s done, your house will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of warm, cheesy goodness. Including prep time, the total time to make this recipe is approximately 6.5 to 8.5 hours depending on your chosen cooking temperature.

This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, making it a perfect option for family dinners or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

In conclusion, the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful comfort food that is both easy to make and pleasing to all palates. By combining your favorite cheeseburger flavors into one warm bowl, this recipe is sure to become a treasured meal option in your household.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess grease and set aside.

Mince and Sauté Vegetables

1. Finely dice the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
2. In the same skillet used for the ground beef, add a little oil if needed and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 5-8 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.

Combine in the Crockpot

1. Transfer the cooked ground beef and sautéed vegetables to the crockpot.
2. Add in peeled and diced potatoes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth or vegetable broth.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice.
5. Cover the crockpot and set to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are soft and tender.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Half an hour before the soup is done, heat a medium-sized saucepan over low heat.
2. Add butter and allow it to melt completely.
3. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth, thick paste.
4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Continue whisking until the mixture gets thickened and creamy.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted into the sauce.

Combine the Cheese Sauce with the Soup

1. Remove the lid of the crockpot and carefully pour the cheese sauce into the pot.
2. Stir thoroughly to combine the cheese sauce with the soup.
3. Allow the soup to cook for another 10-15 minutes on low heat to blend the flavors.

Adjust Seasoning and Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or preferred spices.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls.
3. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled bacon, or extra shredded cheese.

Notes

Crockpot Settings

The low and slow cooking method is recommended for a richer flavor, but the high heat option works well if you’re short on time.

Cheese Selection

Use a good melting cheese like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination for the best texture and taste.

Make it Healthier

You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Storage Tips

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat while stirring occasionally.

Freezing Instructions

The soup can be frozen, but it may separate slightly upon reheating due to the dairy. To resolve this, reheat it slowly while whisking to bring it back together.

Cook Techniques

Preparing the Vegetables

Chop all the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Use a cutting board and a sharp knife for efficiency and safety.

Browning the Ground Beef

Cook the ground beef in a skillet on medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat before adding to the crockpot to avoid adding extra grease to your soup.

Sautéing the Onions and Garlic

Sauté the onions and garlic in a small amount of oil or butter until translucent. This step enhances their natural flavors before adding them to the crockpot.

Layering Ingredients in the Crockpot

Add the ingredients into the crockpot in layers, starting with the cooked ground beef, followed by the vegetables and liquids. This ensures even cooking and great flavor distribution.

Creamy Base Preparation

To achieve a rich and creamy soup, prepare the base separately by melting butter, incorporating flour, and adding milk slowly. Stir continuously to avoid lumps before adding to the soup.

Simmering in the Crockpot

Set your crockpot to low or high, depending on the recipe timing, and let the ingredients cook slowly to meld flavors perfectly. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain even temperature and consistent cooking.

Finalizing with Cheese

Add shredded cheese at the end, stirring continuously until it melts entirely. This ensures a smooth, cheesy texture without clumping.

Garnishing for Serving

Use garnishes like chopped green onions, cooked bacon bits, or additional shredded cheese to elevate the visual appeal and taste of your dish.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It will slightly alter the flavor, but it is a healthier alternative.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour for the creamy base or substitute with cornstarch as a thickener.

Can I prepare this soup on the stovetop instead of using a crockpot?

Yes, you can prepare it on the stovetop by combining the ingredients in a large pot and simmering them on low heat. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?

Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which can separate and create an undesirable texture when reheated.

What other cheeses can I use for the soup?

Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

How can I make the soup thicker?

You can make the soup thicker by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or by using extra cheese and flour in the creamy base.

What can I serve with this soup?

Serve the soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or crackers to complete the meal. It pairs well with hearty sides.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on low heat to avoid curdling the dairy.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently for best results.

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Conclusion

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comforting and delicious recipe to warm up your evenings. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Combining the simplicity of using a crockpot with the robust taste of a cheeseburger, this soup delivers both convenience and satisfaction. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

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