1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients:
- Dice the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes into even pieces. Uniform cuts ensure they cook evenly.
- Mince the garlic.
- Drain the diced tomatoes to prevent excess liquid.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
While this step is optional, browning the beef adds a depth of flavor to the soup:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
Tip: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth to scrape up the flavorful browned bits and pour this into the slow cooker for an extra boost of taste.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add the following to your slow cooker:
- Diced potatoes, carrots, and celery.
- Drained diced tomatoes.
- Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings (smoked paprika, mustard powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper).
Stir everything gently to combine.
4. Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to:
- Low: Cook for 6-8 hours.
- High: Cook for 3-4 hours.
During this time, the vegetables will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
5. Add the Creaminess
About 30 minutes before serving, it’s time to make the soup extra creamy and cheesy:
- Stir in the milk or half-and-half.
- Gradually add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Finish and Serve
Once the soup is thickened and creamy, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings:
- Crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch.
- Sliced green onions for freshness.
- Extra shredded cheese for indulgence.
- Croutons for texture.
Tips for Perfect Burger-Flavored Soup
- Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier texture.
- Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for bold flavor, and always shred your cheese fresh for the best melting quality.
- Make it Your Own: Add a splash of pickle juice for a tangy burger-like twist or serve with toasted buns on the side for dipping.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger-Flavored Soup is more than a meal; it’s a warm, nostalgic embrace of classic burger flavors in a comforting soup form. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Grab your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and let the magic unfold. Enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness of this incredible soup!