Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe makes 6 servings. Ingredient quantities are given for the original yield, and cooking times remain the same regardless of adjustments.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
Directions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your cooking area.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and yellow onion. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Add beef broth, potatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, Cheddar cheese soup, tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on Low for 9 to 10 hours, or on High for 4 1/2 to 5 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Serve portions garnished with dill pickles, red onion, additional shredded cheese, ketchup, and mustard as desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 23g (30% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 11g (53% DV)
- Cholesterol: 96mg (32% DV)
- Sodium: 1343mg (58% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 29g (11% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 5g (17% DV)
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 32g (63% DV)
- Vitamin C: 22mg (24% DV)
- Calcium: 283mg (22% DV)
- Iron: 4mg (24% DV)
- Potassium: 1178mg (25% DV)
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

The Story Behind Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is a modern comfort food creation inspired by the all-American cheeseburger. Its origins can be traced back to the late 20th century when home cooks began experimenting with traditional burger ingredients in new, hearty formats. By combining ground beef, cheese, potatoes, and a medley of condiments into a warm, creamy soup, this dish transforms a casual fast-food favorite into a cozy meal suitable for any season.
Regional Variations
While Cheeseburger Soup is enjoyed across the United States, regional touches vary. In the Midwest, where dairy production is prominent, recipes often emphasize extra sharp cheddar and cream. Southern adaptations may include a touch of spice or smoked paprika, while Northeastern versions sometimes incorporate onion and celery for a more robust vegetable base. Despite these differences, the essence of the soupa rich, cheesy broth with tender beef and potatoesremains consistent.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Although it shares ingredients with other American favorites, such as cheeseburger casseroles or beef and potato chowders, Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is unique due to its creamy consistency and slow-cooked depth of flavor. Unlike a standard cheeseburger casserole, it is fully liquid and served in bowls, making it more of a soup than a baked dish. Compared to potato chowder, the inclusion of tomato, ketchup, mustard, and pickles gives it the unmistakable taste of a cheeseburger, rather than a simple potato soup.
Typical Serving Locations
This soup is most commonly enjoyed at home as a hearty family dinner, particularly during colder months. It is also featured in casual eateries or diners that specialize in comfort food. Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is popular at potlucks, community gatherings, and even game-day events, where its familiar flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser.
Interesting Facts
- Many cooks enhance the flavor by topping it with garnishes reminiscent of a classic burger: shredded cheddar, chopped pickles, diced red onion, and a drizzle of mustard or ketchup.
- It is a flexible recipe; some versions include beans or additional vegetables, while others experiment with different cheese varieties for richer flavor.
- The slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld gradually, creating a comforting depth that quick stovetop cooking cannot achieve.
- Despite being a soup, it retains the essence of a cheeseburger, making it a favorite for both kids and adults who enjoy nostalgic flavors in a new format.
- Cheeseburger Soup has inspired other burger-inspired soups and dishes, demonstrating its influence on contemporary American comfort cuisine.
Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a meal; it is a creative reinterpretation of a classic American icon, combining convenience, flavor, and nostalgia in every bowl.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Comments
Nicole Flores
07/19/2024 06:55:16 PM
The idea behind this soup is excellent, but I personally prefer not to use canned condensed soups. Next time, I plan on adding 2.5 pounds of chopped potatoes, as I did this time, but with a twist. I'll partially blend some of the soup using an immersion blender to release the potato starches as a thickener. I will also incorporate an extra cup of cheese and skip the canned soup to keep it all-natural. I found that adding more mustard really made the flavors pop. To elevate the dish even further, topping it with pickles, mustard, extra cheese, and red onions adds an extra layer of deliciousness. My husband even joked that he could eat a whole oil tanker of it! Haha. Just a heads up, I made this in my Instant Pot using the slow cooker function, but it took around 15 hours on low to fully cook the potatoes. Next time, I'll try using medium or high temperature settings to see if I can reduce the cooking time to 8 hours or less.
Nicholas Collins
06/21/2023 05:17:22 AM
Wonderful taste, make sure to follow their recommendation and load up on the toppings for the best experience!
Stephanie Gonzalez
08/26/2023 12:17:15 AM
I prepared my meat using the same seasonings I typically use for burgers: salt, pepper, garlic powder, burger seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Adding beans gave the dish a heartier texture, and I had to extend the cooking time by about two hours to ensure the potatoes were fully cooked (initially on medium for six hours, then on high for the remaining two hours). The mustard provided a pleasant kick, and to enhance the spiciness (as we enjoy heat in our household), I included red pepper flakes. Without these extra seasonings, the dish might have been too bland for our liking, but it serves as an excellent foundation. For the next batch, I plan to incorporate sun-dried tomatoes as well.
Jason Thompson
06/10/2024 07:56:54 PM
This recipe is amazing, I absolutely love it!