Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Cook the Beef:
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  2. Add Onion:
    • Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Drain Excess Grease:
    • If needed, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Dice the Potatoes:
    • Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Add them to the slow cooker.
  2. Add Carrots and Celery:
    • Grate the carrots and dice the celery, then add them to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.

Step 3: Assemble the Soup Base

  1. Add Broth and Seasonings:
    • Pour in the chicken or beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  2. Set the Slow Cooker:
    • Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter:
    • About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Create a Roux:
    • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
  3. Add Heavy Cream:
    • Gradually pour in the heavy cream or milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.
  4. Melt the Cheese:
    • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until it’s fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine the Cheese Sauce with the Soup

  1. Add the Cheese Sauce:
    • Pour the cheese sauce into the slow cooker and stir to combine with the soup base.
  2. Heat Through:
    • Allow the soup to cook for another 20-30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

  1. Taste Test:
    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.
  2. Optional Additions:
    • Stir in more shredded cheese for extra cheesiness or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle into Bowls:
    • Serve the soup hot in individual bowls.
  2. Add Toppings:
    • Garnish with crumbled bacon, diced pickles, extra cheese, or fresh parsley/chives for a burger-inspired finish.

Tips for Success:

  1. Use Quality Cheese: Shred your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Dairy: Add the cheese sauce near the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
  3. Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk for a lighter version.
  4. Thicken if Needed: If the soup is too thin, mash a few potato chunks or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Variations:

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or turnips.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Why This Soup is a Winner

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It brings together the best parts of a cheeseburger—savory beef, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings—in a warm, satisfying bowl. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple side salad to complete the meal. Once you try it, this recipe will become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!