Creamy Slow Cooker

Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup: A Bowlful of Comfort

Prepare to embark on a journey of pure comfort with our Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup. This hearty and indulgent dish is a celebration of all things cozy, blending the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the warmth of a comforting soup. As the ingredients meld and simmer in your slow cooker, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of a home-cooked masterpiece. Join us as we delve into the art of creating this soul-soothing bowl of goodness that promises to elevate your soup game to new heights.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Blend:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For Garnish:

  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sour cream

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
  2. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Saute Onions and Garlic

  1. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Broth

  1. Add diced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour in beef broth and add diced tomatoes with their juice.
  3. Season with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

  1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Blend

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Gradually whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Soup and Cheese Blend

  1. Pour the creamy cheese blend into the slow cooker, stirring well to combine.
  2. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Cook Notes

  • For a time-saving option, you can use pre-diced frozen vegetables.
  • Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more milk if needed.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends for a personalized touch.

Variations

Spicy Jalapeño Twist

  • Add diced jalapeños to the soup for a spicy kick.

Loaded Potato Fusion

  • Top each serving with additional baked potato toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives.

Beer and Pretzel Adventure

  • Substitute a cup of beer for some of the broth for a beer cheese flavor. Serve with pretzel croutons.

Keto Version

For those on a keto journey, savor the flavors with these modifications:

For the Soup Base:

  • Increase the amount of ground beef for added fat content.

For the Creamy Cheese Blend:

  • Opt for a keto-friendly flour substitute like almond flour.
  • Use heavy cream instead of whole milk.

For Garnish:

  • Choose keto-friendly toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions.

Additional Variations:

  • Incorporate keto-friendly vegetables like cauliflower instead of potatoes.

Low-Carb Version

Trim down the carbs without sacrificing taste:

For the Soup Base:

  • Increase the amount of ground beef for added richness.

For the Creamy Cheese Blend:

  • Opt for a low-carb flour substitute like almond flour.
  • Use heavy cream instead of whole milk.

For Garnish:

  • Choose low-carb toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions.

Additional Variations:

  • Incorporate low-carb vegetables like cauliflower instead of potatoes.

In conclusion, the Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup is a testament to the joy of combining the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of a hearty soup. Whether you follow the classic recipe, venture into keto or low-carb adaptations, or explore unique variations, the result is a soup that beckons you to savor each spoonful. Share this creamy delight with friends and family, serve it at gatherings, or indulge in it as a satisfying weeknight meal. Let the richness of the cheese blend, the heartiness of the vegetables, and the savory goodness of the ground beef envelop you in a warm, comforting embrace. Bon appétit!