Slow Cooker Creamy Cheeseburger Potato Soup

When cold weather settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of soup simmered low and slow. This Slow Cooker Creamy Cheeseburger Potato Soup delivers everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, aromatic onions, and warm seasonings—combined with tender potatoes and vegetables in a rich, velvety broth. It’s the kind of cozy, family-friendly meal that warms you from the inside out.

With just 15 minutes of prep and a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, your slow cooker will transform simple components into a creamy, filling soup that tastes like it came from a diner-style kitchen. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, cold evenings, or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup is satisfying, nostalgic, and unbelievably easy to make.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting winter recipe or a dish that packs big flavor with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Creamy Cheeseburger Potato Soup belongs at the top of your must-make list.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It tastes like a cheeseburger—but in warm, comforting soup form.
• Everything cooks in the slow cooker after a quick stovetop sear.
• The texture is thick, creamy, and loaded with vegetables.
• It’s budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes.
• Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or freezer-friendly dinners.
• Family-approved and kid-friendly.

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the exact ingredient list you provided, organized for clarity and ease of reference.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Chopped green onions or chives, to taste (optional, for topping)

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart ideal)
• Skillet (for browning beef)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these exact steps to make this creamy, cheesy potato soup perfectly every time.

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to prevent your soup from becoming greasy.

2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, peeled and diced potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

3. Stir to Combine

Use a spoon to gently stir all the ingredients together until well mixed.

4. Slow Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Choose your cooking time:
• Low for 6–8 hours
• High for 3–4 hours

Cook until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.

5. Add Cheddar Cheese and Heavy Cream

About 30 minutes before serving, lift the lid and add the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir until fully combined. Continue cooking on low for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the soup to become rich and creamy.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once thickened and heated through, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with chopped green onions or chives if desired.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

Brown the Beef Well

Taking time to deeply brown the ground beef in the skillet boosts the flavor significantly. Browning creates caramelization, which adds a savory, meaty depth you can’t achieve by adding raw beef directly to the slow cooker.

Cut Potatoes Evenly

Evenly sized potato cubes ensure consistent texture—no mushy pieces or undercooked chunks.

Add Cheese at the Right Time

Cheddar should be stirred in once the vegetables are cooked through. Adding it too early may cause separating, while adding it at the end gives the soup a smooth, creamy finish.

Adjust Thickness

If you prefer a thicker soup, lightly mash some of the potatoes after cooking. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of extra broth.

Change Up the Cheese

While cheddar is classic, you can also use:
• Monterey Jack
• Colby Jack
• Pepper Jack (for a spicy twist)

Flavor, Texture & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Profile

This soup has a rich, savory base from the beef broth and browned meat, with layers of aromatics from garlic and onion. The cheddar and cream bring a velvety finish and classic cheeseburger warmth, while oregano and Worcestershire sauce add depth and a hint of tang.

Texture

Expect:
• Creamy broth
• Soft, tender potatoes
• Slight bite from celery and carrots
• Melted cheese throughout
• Thick, chowder-like consistency

Best Ways to Serve

Serve this soup with:
• Warm crusty bread
• Buttery dinner rolls
• Toasted garlic bread
• A simple green salad

A topping of green onions or chives adds a fresh pop of color and subtle onion flavor.

Nutritional Overview

Approximate per serving (6 servings total):
• Calories: 450
• Protein: Moderate
• Carbohydrates: From potatoes and vegetables
• Fat: Higher due to heavy cream and cheddar
• Fiber: Moderate from veggies

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

Make-Ahead

Brown the beef and chop all vegetables up to 24 hours before cooking. Store each component in an airtight container until ready.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate up to 4 days.
• Soup will thicken as it chills—add broth when reheating, if needed.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but note: soups with dairy sometimes separate when thawed. For best results:
• Freeze BEFORE adding the cheese and cream.
• Add cheese and cream only after reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

Lighter Version

• Substitute ground turkey for beef.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Add More Vegetables

Try including:
• Corn
• Peas
• Mushrooms
• Spinach (add in last 10 minutes)

Spice It Up

• Add crushed red pepper flakes
• Mix in hot sauce
• Use pepper jack cheese

Herb Alternatives

Instead of oregano, try:
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Italian seasoning

Make It Gluten-Free

All ingredients are naturally gluten-free as written, but verify that the Worcestershire sauce is labeled gluten-free if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey works well and creates a lighter version of the soup.

2. Can I add the cheese earlier?

No. Cheese should be added during the final 30 minutes for best texture.

3. How do I make the soup thicker?

Mash some of the cooked potatoes or reduce the broth slightly.

4. Can I prep this in advance?

Yes. Brown the meat and chop vegetables ahead of time. Store until ready to add to the slow cooker.

5. Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes. Replace with half-and-half, whole milk, or evaporated milk for a lighter option.

6. Does it freeze well?

It freezes best before dairy is added. Add cheese and cream after reheating.

7. How do I avoid greasy soup?

Drain the fat well after browning the beef.

Ingredient Spotlight

Potatoes

Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the creamiest texture. They break down slightly and give the soup body.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredding cheese from a block melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.

Beef Broth

A good-quality beef broth provides depth and enhances all the savory flavors.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Action	Time
Prep	Brown beef + chop vegetables	15 minutes
Cook	Slow cooker on low	6–8 hours
Cook	Slow cooker on high	3–4 hours
Finish	Stir in cheese and cream	Final 30 minutes
Serve	Ladle and garnish	5 minutes

Expanded Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Cheeseburger Potato Soup is a comforting, nostalgic bowl of goodness that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm and creamy soup. It’s incredibly satisfying, perfect for cold days, and exactly the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement.

Thanks to the slow cooker, the preparation is effortless. The vegetables soften beautifully, the beef infuses richness, and the cheese and cream turn the broth into a velvety, indulgent base. With its hearty texture and classic flavors, this is a timeless recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner, stocking up your freezer, or feeding a hungry group, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience every time.

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