Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
This easy slow cooker cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening. Made with just five simple ingredients—lean ground beef, russet potatoes, chicken broth, Velveeta, and whole milk—it delivers the creamy, cheesy flavor of a classic cheeseburger in a warm and hearty bowl of soup.
The slow cooker does most of the work, making this an excellent easy crockpot dinner for busy weeknights. Tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef simmer slowly in broth before being finished with creamy melted cheese and milk. The result is a rich, satisfying soup that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
- Only 5 ingredients: A simple grocery list makes this recipe easy to prepare.
- Easy slow cooker meal: Most of the cooking happens unattended.
- Budget-friendly dinner: Ground beef and potatoes create a filling meal without expensive ingredients.
- Creamy and cheesy: Velveeta melts smoothly into the broth for a rich texture.
- Family-friendly comfort food: Mild flavors make it a great choice for both kids and adults.
- Perfect for cold weather: This hearty beef and potato soup is especially comforting during fall and winter.
- Great for leftovers: Store extra soup in the refrigerator for an easy lunch the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz Velveeta, cut into cubes
- 1 cup whole milk
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
1. Brown the ground beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Start the slow cooker
Transfer the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Add the cheese and milk
During the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the cubed Velveeta and whole milk. Keep the slow cooker on LOW and stir occasionally until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Serve
Give the soup a final stir and serve hot. For an extra-comforting meal, pair each bowl with crackers, toasted bread, or a simple green salad.
Easy Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
Cut the potatoes evenly: Similar-sized potato cubes cook at the same rate and help prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain firm.
Don’t rush the cheese: Add the Velveeta and milk near the end of cooking and keep the slow cooker on LOW. Gentle heat helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Make it thicker: Lightly mash some of the tender potatoes directly in the slow cooker before adding the cheese and milk. This creates a thicker, chowder-like consistency without adding flour.
Prep ahead: Brown the ground beef and prepare the potatoes the night before. Store cut potatoes submerged in cold water in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Add extra flavor: Black pepper, diced onion, garlic powder, or shredded cheddar can easily be added to customize the soup.
Easy Variations
Turn this simple crockpot cheeseburger soup into your own family favorite with a few additions:
- Add diced onions for extra savory flavor.
- Stir in shredded cheddar for an even cheesier soup.
- Add cooked beef bacon as a topping if desired.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over each serving.
- Add a little black pepper for extra seasoning.
- Serve with toasted bread or buttery crackers for dipping.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Soup
This creamy beef and potato soup is filling on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try it with:
- Toasted sandwich bread
- Buttery crackers
- Garlic toast
- Green salad
- Dill pickles
- Steamed vegetables
- Extra shredded cheddar
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within a few days.
When reheating, use gentle heat and stir frequently. Because this is a creamy cheese-based soup, reheating it slowly helps maintain its smooth consistency.
