Imagine a chilly winter evening—snowflakes gently drifting down, the world outside a quiet white. There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of something delicious bubbling away in the slow cooker. This extra creamy cheeseburger soup, rich with flavors and heartwarming comfort, is like wrapping up in a soft, cozy blanket. It’s the kind of meal that makes you think of childhood and those simple joys, like catching snowflakes on your tongue.
Steps
- Grease the slow cooker insert, then add diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, dried basil, and parsley. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables and cover with the lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the potatoes are soft.
- About 45 minutes before serving, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off the grease and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Add chopped, cooked bacon to the mixture.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk, salt, and pepper, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add shredded pepper-jack cheese to the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Serve the soup garnished with chopped green onion.
Ingredients
- 4 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small white or yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (2% recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded pepper-jack cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- Green onion, chopped (for garnish)
FAQ
- Can I use alternatives for potatoes in this soup?
- Yes, you can substitute potatoes with either a 1-pound bag of frozen hash browns or 2 to 3 cups of cooked rice. If using hash browns, add them at the beginning with the other vegetables. For rice, mix it in when you add the cooked ground beef.
- Is it possible to prepare this soup on the stovetop?
- Absolutely, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Use a large pot to cook the potatoes, onions, carrots, basil, parsley, and chicken broth until the potatoes are tender. Then, continue with the recipe as usual.
- How can I adapt this recipe to be gluten-free?
- To make this soup gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative. You can also substitute cow’s milk with almond milk. Always ensure that all ingredients are verified for gluten-free compliance.
- What is the best way to serve this soup?
- Serve the soup in individual bowls, garnished with chopped green onion to enhance its flavor and presentation.
- What are some other slow cooker soup recipes I can try?
- If you enjoy slow cooker soups, you might also like Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder, Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup, Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Soup, and Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Tips
- Use Hash Browns as an Alternative: Instead of fresh potatoes, consider using a 1-pound bag of frozen hash browns. Add them at the beginning just like you would with regular potatoes for a convenient and delicious twist.
- Stovetop Version: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Combine the potatoes, onion, carrots, basil, parsley, and chicken broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are tender, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
- Gluten-Free Modifications: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, and consider using almond milk instead of regular milk. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
- Rice Option: To switch things up, replace the potatoes with 2 to 3 cups of cooked rice. Add the rice when you incorporate the cooked ground beef for a different texture and flavor profile.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (7-quart size recommended)
- Large Skillet
- Whisk
