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Easy Kid-Friendly Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

cheeseburger soup - featured image

A creamy, cheesy soup that tastes just like a cheeseburger in a bowl. Made in the Crockpot with simple ingredients, this kid-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (from a block)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper)
  • Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, extra shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired, then transfer beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onion is translucent and veggies soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Add the potatoes and broth: Toss diced potatoes into the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  4. Season and cook: Add dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir again. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Make the thickener: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk flour into whole milk until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker and stir well.
  6. Add the cheese: Turn slow cooker to high. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted. Add a handful at a time to prevent clumps.
  7. Blend a bit (optional but recommended): Scoop out about 1 cup of cooked potatoes and broth. Blend with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth, then stir back into the soup for an ultra-creamy texture.
  8. Final taste test: Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Cheese may add enough salt, so go easy at first.
  9. Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with favorite fixings. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) instead of flour. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and 2% milk. Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest melt. Add dairy at the end to prevent curdling. The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, kid-friendly, Crockpot, slow cooker, ground beef, cheddar, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal