Description
A comforting, creamy soup that tastes like a cheeseburger in a bowl. This slow cooker recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for self-care days when you need warmth and nourishment without the stress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) lean ground beef (85/15 ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 tbsp)
- 32 oz (950ml / 4 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (200g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1 tsp dried dill weed
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). If using very lean beef, rinse to remove excess fat; otherwise, leave about a tablespoon of fat for flavor. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Scrape this mixture into the slow cooker on top of the beef.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Add the dried dill weed, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the lid. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and chopped dill pickles. Cover and cook on High for the remaining 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of paprika if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that cause graininess. Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker adds significant depth of flavor. If the soup is too thin, cook uncovered on High for the last hour or use a cornstarch slurry. If too thick, add more broth. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker cheeseburger soup, comfort food, easy dinner, self-care recipe, creamy soup, beef soup, slow cooker meals