Pin 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.
I first served this soup on a cold winter evening, and my family couldn't get enough of the creamy, cheesy goodness combined with savory bacon. It's become a household favorite for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 bacon strips: cooked crisp and chopped for topping
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef: browned with onion and garlic
- 1 yellow onion, diced: adds sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: enhances flavor
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1-inch pieces): for heartiness
- ½ teaspoon salt: seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: seasoning
- 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth: soupy base
- 1 (10.5-ounce / 300 g) can cheddar cheese soup: creaminess
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream: rich texture
- 8 ounces (225 g) freshly grated cheddar cheese, plus more for serving: cheesy flavor
- Pickle slices: optional topping
- Diced tomatoes: optional topping
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.
Pin 
This recipe quickly became our family's comfort food favorite, perfect for cozy evenings together.
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 if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 540, Total Fat 36 g, Carbohydrates 23 g, Protein 29 g
Pin This cheeseburger soup is a delicious way to warm up any night while packing all the flavors of your favorite burger bowl.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used for a lighter variation, maintaining the dish's texture and taste.
- → How can I thicken the soup?
Mashing some of the cooked potatoes before adding cream and cheese helps achieve a thicker, creamier consistency.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Ensure the cheddar cheese soup and beef broth are labeled gluten-free to keep this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What toppings complement the dish best?
Classic toppings include crispy bacon, extra grated cheddar, pickle slices, and diced tomatoes for added freshness.
- → Can this be prepared without a crockpot?
While designed for a crockpot, you can simmer the ingredients on the stove, adjusting cooking times until potatoes are tender.