Description
Welcome to the ultimate comfort food delight—Cheesy Comfort Slow Cooker Soup! This recipe blends the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy soup. Ideal for any occasion, it is not only easy to prepare but also certain to satisfy your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of how to bring this heartening dish to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or finely diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will infuse the base with flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery, pouring in the chicken broth. Stir in the dried basil, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on Low Heat: Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the Roux: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Pour the thickened mixture into the slow cooker, stirring well. Add the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the soup is smooth. For a creamier texture, stir in the optional sour cream. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors fully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours