Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess grease and set the beef aside. This step adds great flavor and ensures that your soup doesn’t have too much fat. You want your soup to be rich but not greasy!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. The onion will begin to caramelize, which will enhance the soup’s depth of flavor. Once the onions are softened, transfer them to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Assemble the Soup in the Slow Cooker
Now it’s time to build the base of your soup. Add the browned ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, diced potatoes, carrots, corn, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, basil, and parsley to your slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the vegetables will tenderize, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. Check the soup after the cooking time to ensure the potatoes and carrots are soft and fully cooked. If needed, you can add a little extra broth for desired consistency, but be careful not to thin it too much.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the soup is cooking, prepare the cheesy goodness that will elevate this soup to burger flavor heaven. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and add the flour (if using) to make a roux. Stir constantly to cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes. Then, slowly whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. As the mixture thickens, add the cream cheese and stir until fully incorporated. Once the cream cheese is smooth, gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Tip: If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup before adding the cheese sauce. This will give you a creamier base with a velvety texture.
Step 6: Combine the Cheese Sauce and Soup
Once your soup has finished cooking and the vegetables are tender, pour the prepared cheese sauce into the slow cooker. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and the soup is rich and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if desired.
Step 7: Add the Toppings
Now comes the fun part—toppings! Crumble the crispy bacon and sprinkle it over the top of each serving of soup. For an extra pop of flavor, add a spoonful of pickles or pickle relish. This gives the soup that classic cheeseburger flavor that will have everyone asking for more. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, an additional sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy burger-flavored soup with a side of warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. For an added treat, consider making homemade garlic bread to dip into the rich, cheesy broth. A simple green salad on the side balances out the meal, providing some freshness alongside the indulgent soup.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup
- All the Comfort, None of the Work: The slow cooker does all the work for you, infusing the soup with deep flavors and tender vegetables without constant attention.
- Cheeseburger-Inspired Flavors: With savory beef, tangy pickles, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy base, this soup brings the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger to your bowl.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or serving guests at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the flavor to suit your preferences. If you prefer extra spicy, add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños for a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is truly the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, savory beef, and rich broth will make every spoonful an indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a game-day appetizer, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And with minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the delicious results!
So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to fall in love with this easy, cheesy, and utterly delicious soup! You won’t be disappointed.