Indulge in Comfort: Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Are you ready to elevate your soup game to a whole new level of comfort and creaminess? Look no further than our Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup! Packed with savory flavors and velvety cheese, this hearty soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a gathering with friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the delicious world of cheeseburger soup!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (16 oz.) package Velveeta, cubed
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 4 small potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Bacon bits
- Cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to a slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: To the slow cooker, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and diced potatoes.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried parsley, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the cheese sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and garnish with bacon bits and grated cheddar cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or shredded lettuce for extra flavor and texture.
- Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content of the soup by adding additional vegetables such as peas, corn, or broccoli.
- Make it Spicy: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the soup.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips. Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use heavy cream instead of whole milk. Additionally, opt for a keto-friendly cheese alternative instead of Velveeta.
- Low-Carb Version: Reduce the carb content by using fewer potatoes or omitting them altogether. You can also thicken the soup with xanthan gum or a small amount of cornstarch slurry instead of flour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup? A: Yes, Cheeseburger Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Feel free to use whichever protein you prefer or have on hand.
Q: How can I make this soup vegetarian? A: To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables or plant-based protein such as tofu or beans for added texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop preparation. Simply follow the same instructions, but cook the soup in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined, stirring occasionally.
Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and hearty ingredients, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it’s sure to be a hit. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of cheesy, comforting goodness that will warm you from the inside out!