Ret Soup
Introduction
Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that provides a warm, comforting experience with every spoonful. This hearty soup combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, and a medley of nutritious vegetables, making it the perfect choice for a cozy night in. With minimal effort and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can have a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g ground beef
1 small onion, diced (about 100g)
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 10g)
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 450g)
2 medium carrots, shredded (about 120g)
500ml chicken broth
250ml whole milk
200ml heavy cream
200g processed cheese, cubed
100g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
30g unsalted butter
30g all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried parsley
Prep Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Enjoy creating this delicious Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup and savor the delightful blend of flavors in every bowl!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook 500g of ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to the crock pot.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add 1 small diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 peeled and diced medium potatoes, and 2 shredded medium carrots into the crock pot.
Step 3: Pour in Broth
Pour in 500ml of chicken broth and add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp dried parsley. Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients well.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt 30g of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 30g of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in 250ml of whole milk and 200ml of heavy cream until the mixture thickens.
Step 6: Add Cheeses
Add 200g of cubed processed cheese and 100g of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until both cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 7: Combine Cheese Mixture
Pour the cheese mixture into the crock pot and stir well to combine with the soup. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low to heat through.
Step 8: Serve the Soup
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits if desired.
Notes
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Variations
Feel free to add additional vegetables such as corn or bell peppers for more flavor. You can also use different types of cheese, like gouda or mozzarella, for a variation in taste.
Consistency Adjustment
If the soup is too thick, stir in a little more chicken broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
Storage Instructions
Cooling and Storing
Allow the Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigeration
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. It’s recommended to freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup has thickened, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits. Pair it with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal. A side salad can also complement the soup perfectly. For a fun twist, consider topping with your favorite burger toppings like pickles or diced tomatoes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately):
– Calories: 360
– Protein: 20g
– Fat: 24g
– Carbohydrates: 21g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 2g
– Sodium: 650mg
Note that these values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
– Chicken Broth: Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
– Whole Milk: Use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter alternative.
– Heavy Cream: Coconut cream or a thicker non-dairy cream can be used for a dairy-free version.
– Processed Cheese: Substitute with a non-dairy cheese or skip it altogether if avoiding processed foods.
– Potatoes: Cauliflower can be used for a low-carb alternative.
– Carrots: You can replace carrots with celery or bell peppers for a change in flavor and texture.
Cook Techniques
Brown the Beef
Cooking ground beef in a skillet until browned helps to develop rich flavors. Be sure to drain any excess grease before transferring the meat to the crock pot for a healthier dish.
Layering Ingredients
When adding ingredients to the crock pot, layer them according to cooking times, starting with heartier vegetables like potatoes and carrots, followed by broth and seasonings.
Creating a Roux
To thicken the soup, melt butter and whisk in flour until slightly golden. This roux helps achieve a creamy texture in the finished dish.
Cheese Melting Technique
Add the processed cheese and cheddar to a saucepan with the roux mixture to allow for even melting. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
Cooking Time
Cook the soup on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing all flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Final Mixing
After adding the cheese mixture, let the soup cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low to fully incorporate the flavors before serving.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different kinds of cheese, but keep in mind that processed cheese is recommended for a creamy texture.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used for a lighter or vegetarian version of the soup.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
How can I make this soup spicy?
Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup an extra kick.
Is Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup freezable?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Use airtight containers and be sure to leave some space for expansion. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the comforting elements of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl of soup. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe not only brings out the robust flavors of beef and cheese but also warms the soul during chilly days. Enjoy this hassle-free meal with friends and family for a cozy night in!
Cheeseburger Chili
Try a zesty twist by incorporating beans, diced tomatoes, and chili spices for a hearty cheeseburger chili.
Cauliflower Cheese Soup
For a lighter option, substitute potatoes with cauliflower and blend until smooth for a creamy cauliflower cheese soup.
Buffalo Chicken Soup
Switch things up by using shredded chicken and buffalo sauce for a spicy, flavorful buffalo chicken soup complete with cream and cheese.
Vegetable Beef Soup
Add mixed vegetables and keep the ground beef for a nutritious vegetable beef soup, full of vitamins and minerals.
Mac and Cheese Soup
Combine the flavors of mac and cheese with this soup by adding cooked pasta and adjusting the cheese for a comforting mac and cheese soup.
Italian Meatball Soup
Replace ground beef with Italian meatballs and add Italian herbs for an Italian meatball soup that will satisfy your craving for pasta and tomato flavors.
Cheesy Potato Soup
Focus on the creamy potato aspect by eliminating the ground beef and doubling up on the cheese to create a deliciously cheesy potato soup.
