Imagine settling in for dinner and digging into a bowl of rich, creamy soup that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger ground beef, sharp cheddar, bacon, and savory broth all in one comforting spoonful. This Easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup With 41G Protein turns burger night into a cozy, spoon-ready meal without the bun or mess. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chill weekend, this recipe gives you all the flavor and protein you need.
What Is Easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup / Why It’s Special
This soup captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger juicy beef, melted cheese, bacon bits, and comfort transformed into a creamy, warm one-pot meal. What makes it special is its simplicity and protein power: you get roughly 41 g of protein per serving, plus the ease of slow-cooker prep. It’s comfort food that’s serious about nutrition and effortless to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb (≈ 450 g) lean ground beef (e.g., 90/10)
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz (≈ 226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sliced dill pickles, extra cheddar, crispy bacon bits
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (for extra veggies and low-carb bulk)
- ½ cup diced pickle (for classic cheeseburger tang)
- A handful of chopped spinach or kale stirred near the end
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon & Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove bacon bits and drain all but about 1 Tbsp of bacon fat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown until fully cooked, breaking it into chunks. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef and bacon bits into your crockpot.
Step 2: Add Aromatics & Seasonings
Stir the chopped onion and minced garlic into the crockpot with the beef and bacon. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Set your crockpot to LOW and cook for 4–5 hours, or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the flavors have melded and the onions are tender.
Step 4: Finish with Creaminess & Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth. Then sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated. If using cauliflower rice or greens, add them now and allow them to gently soften.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and dill pickle slices (if desired). Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
- Tip: Let your cream cheese come to room temperature so it melts smoothly into the soup.
- Tip: For a creamier texture, slightly stir the soup 5 minutes before serving and keep the crockpot on Warm.
- Variation: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version; adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Variation: Add 1 cup of riced cauliflower or chopped zucchini in Step 4 for extra veggies and volume without changing the cheeseburger flavor.
- Why You’ll Love It: This soup delivers cheeseburger satisfaction in a bowl. You’ve got beef, bacon, cheese, and hearty flavor all the comfort of a burger with minimal fuss and serious protein punch.
FAQs
Q1. How accurate is the “41G protein” claim?
Protein content is approximate and based on ~1 lb beef plus cheddar and cream cheese across 4–5 servings. You can adjust portion size or ingredients for exact numbers.
Q2. Can I make this in a regular pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes. Brown bacon and beef in a pot, add all ingredients, bring to a simmer, then cook on low for ~30-40 minutes, then add cheese and cream and heat through.
Q3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool the soup completely, store in freezer-safe containers by portion, exclude garnish. Thaw overnight in fridge, reheat on stovetop, and add fresh cheese or toppings.
Q4. Is this suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
Absolutely. With no pasta or potatoes, and using heavy cream and cheddar for thickeners, it works well for low-carb or keto plans. Adjust toppings accordingly.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup With 41G Protein brings burger night to your soup bowl rich, cheesy, full of beefy flavor and bacon crunch, but easier than building sliders and baking fries. Whether you’re prepping ahead or just want a cozy dinner, this one pot has you covered.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!