Pin it 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.
This is one of my go-to recipes when I want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The whole family loves it!
Ingredients
- Bacon strips: 4
- Lean ground beef: 1 pound (450 g)
- Yellow onion: 1, diced
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Russet potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and diced about 1-inch pieces
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Beef broth: 4 cups (950 ml)
- Cheddar cheese soup: 1 (10.5-ounce / 300 g) can
- Heavy whipping cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese: 8 ounces (225 g) plus more for serving
- Pickle slices: Optional
- Diced tomatoes: Optional
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 it My family gathers around the table eagerly for this soup; it has become a cherished weekly tradition that warms both heart and home.
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 in canned soup and broth check labels, pork bacon. Always verify product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 540 calories, 36 g total fat, 23 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein.
Pin it This hearty soup makes weeknight dinners effortless and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used for a lighter version while maintaining a similar texture.
- → How do I thicken this dish more?
Mashing some cooked potatoes before adding the cream and cheese helps thicken the consistency.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Ensure the cheddar cheese soup and beef broth are labeled gluten-free to suit dietary needs.
- → What toppings complement this dish well?
Pickle slices, diced tomatoes, and extra crispy bacon enhance the flavors and texture.
- → Can this be prepared without a crockpot?
While best slow-cooked, the dish can be simmered on the stovetop with careful monitoring of liquid and tenderness.