Save A cozy, hearty soup that tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger—loaded with savory beef, melty cheddar, tender potatoes, and smoky bacon. The crockpot makes this easy and perfect for busy weeknights. Top with pickles or tomatoes for a classic cheeseburger finish.
This soup quickly became a family favorite. I love how all the flavors blend together and how simple it is to prepare using the crockpot.
Ingredients
- Bacon strips: 4 strips
- Lean ground beef: 1 pound (450 g)
- Yellow onion: 1, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Russet potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and diced (about 1-inch pieces)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Beef broth: 4 cups (950 ml)
- Cheddar cheese soup: 1 (10.5-ounce / 300 g) can
- Heavy whipping cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese: 8 ounces (225 g), plus more for serving
- Pickle slices (optional): as desired
- Diced tomatoes (optional): as desired
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan. Once cool, chop bacon and set aside for topping.
- Step 2:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it browns, about 7 minutes. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes more until onion softens. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart crockpot. Add beef broth, diced potatoes, and cheddar cheese soup. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Step 5:
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Step 6:
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with chopped crispy bacon, extra cheddar, pickle slices, and/or diced tomatoes as desired. Serve hot.
Save This soup brings warmth and comfort to our family dinners, making chilly evenings special.
Required Tools
Large skillet, slotted spoon, 6-quart crockpot (slow cooker), cutting board and knife, cheese grater, ladle
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheddar cheese cream cheese soup), Possible Gluten (canned soup broth—check labels), Pork (bacon). Verify product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 540, Total Fat 36 g, Carbohydrates 23 g, Protein 29 g
Save This soup is easy to customize and perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy every hearty spoonful!
Common Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter substitute and will still provide a hearty texture and flavor.
- → How do I thicken the soup?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding cream and cheese to achieve a thicker, creamier consistency.
- → Can I prepare this without a slow cooker?
While a crockpot is ideal for slow cooking, you can simmer the ingredients gently on the stove for similar results.
- → What toppings pair well with this dish?
Try crispy bacon pieces, extra cheddar, pickle slices, or diced tomatoes to enhance the savory layers.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Ensure the cheddar cheese soup and broth you use are labeled gluten-free to keep the dish free of gluten.