Cozy Up with a Simple Cheesy Comfort Slow Cooker Soup Recipe

Soup lovers rejoice as this cheesy comfort slow cooker soup recipe promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Cold days demand hearty meals that wrap you in pure deliciousness.

Rich, creamy textures blend with melted cheese to create an irresistible comfort dish.

Every spoonful delivers a burst of flavor that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

The slow cooker works its magic, turning simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this soul-soothing soup.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 495 kcal

Servings: 7

Cheesy Comfort Slow Cooker Soup Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and robust flavor, select lean cuts for a cleaner taste and less grease.
• Chicken Broth: Builds deep, savory foundation, choose low-sodium version for better control of salt levels.

• Onion, Garlic: Creates aromatic flavor base, select fresh, firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste.
• Potatoes, Carrots, Celery: Adds texture and nutritional depth, choose firm, fresh vegetables without soft spots or blemishes.

• Dried Basil, Parsley, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Delivers complex layered seasonings, use fresh dried herbs for most vibrant flavor.
• Butter, Flour: Creates silky roux for thickening, use unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth texture, select full-fat dairy for most luxurious mouthfeel.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, melty goodness, opt for sharp variety for more intense cheese flavor.
• Sour Cream: Optional creamy finish, adds tangy richness to soup's overall profile.

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Comfort Slow Cooker Soup

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Slow Cooker: Centerpiece for creating this comforting soup, allowing ingredients to simmer and develop rich flavors.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for making the roux and creating a creamy base.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break up beef and stir ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavor.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing onions, potatoes, carrots, and celery.
• Whisk: Critical for blending roux and creating smooth, lump-free sauce.

How to Make Cheesy Comfort Slow Cooker Soup Easily

• Beef Preparation

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking into small pieces. Set aside on a plate.

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until soft and fragrant, creating a rich base for the soup.

• Slow Cooker Assembly

Transfer beef and sautéed aromatics into slow cooker. Add chopped vegetables and seasonings, then pour in chicken broth.

• Gentle Simmering

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours until vegetables become tender and flavors meld together.

• Creamy Transformation

Create a smooth roux by melting butter, adding flour, and gradually whisking in milk and cream. Pour this mixture into slow cooker.

• Cheesy Finale

Stir in cheddar cheese until completely melted. Add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Let soup simmer an additional 15 minutes to develop deep, comforting flavors.

Tips for Richness in Cheesy Comfort Slow Cooker Soup

• Beef and Potato Soup Secrets: Insider Tips & Twists
• Meat Magic: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor. For a protein boost, swap beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken.
• Veggie Variety: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash to add unexpected depth and nutrition to your soup.
• Cheese Champion: Try different cheese combinations like sharp white cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles. Grate cheese fresh for maximum melting and taste.
• Texture Tricks: Want extra thickness? Add instant mashed potato flakes or cornstarch slurry during the final cooking stage. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
• Spice Sensation: Enhance the soup's warmth by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked chipotle powder, or fresh chopped jalapeños for a subtle kick that complements the creamy base.

Serving Cheesy Comfort Slow Cooker Soup Hot

• Cozy Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this hearty soup as a comforting main dish that brings everyone together for a warm, satisfying meal.
• Bread Pairing Paradise: Complement the soup with crusty sourdough, garlic bread, or warm cheese biscuits to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on top to elevate the soup's flavor and create a personalized dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, knowing the flavors will continue to develop and taste even more delicious with each reheat.

Saving Cheesy Comfort Soup for Later Meals

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, cooling completely before refrigerating. This method keeps flavors intact and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick after refrigeration. Microwave works well in short intervals, stirring between each.
• Freshness Tip: Consume refrigerated soup within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Discard if any unusual odor or appearance develops. Dairy-based soups benefit from careful temperature management to maintain quality.

Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Tuscan potato and cheddar slow cooker soup combines creamy potatoes with sharp cheese for maximum comfort. Rich ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that warms from within and invites you to savor each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chicken broth
• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 4 cups (600 g) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) milk
• 1 cup (150 g) carrots, shredded or finely diced
• 1 cup (150 g) celery, diced
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream (optional)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling into small pieces until fully cooked and no pink remains.
2. Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft and translucent, developing a rich flavor foundation.
3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer beef and aromatic vegetables to the slow cooker, then layer in potatoes, carrots, and celery, covering with chicken broth.
4. Seasoning Blend: Integrate dried basil, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables reach perfect tenderness.
6. Creamy Transformation: Craft a velvety roux by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, then gradually incorporating milk and heavy cream until smooth.
7. Final Enrichment: Pour the creamy roux into the slow cooker, stirring to combine, then fold in cheddar cheese until completely melted and sour cream for added richness.
8. Finishing Touch: Allow the soup to meld for a final 15-20 minutes, ensuring all ingredients harmonize into a luxurious, comforting dish.

Notes

• Meat Browning Technique: Thoroughly cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces to ensure no pink remains, which enhances flavor and food safety.
• Vegetable Sautéing Tip: Don’t clean the skillet after browning beef; use the same pan to sauté onions and garlic, capturing delicious browned bits for extra depth of flavor.
• Slow Cooker Timing Strategy: Adjust cooking time based on your schedule – low setting for 6-8 hours works best for tender vegetables and rich flavor development.
• Creamy Texture Secret: Whisk roux carefully and add dairy gradually to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth base that transforms the soup from good to extraordinary.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg