**Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup with Bacon and Feta:**
For those craving the comfort of a smoky, cheesy cheeseburger in a soup form, this recipe is for you! The indulgence of ground beef, rich broth, warm spices, a generous sprinkle of cheese, all topped with crispy bacon and feta, will have you coming back bowl after bowl. Not to mention, it needs a prep time of few minutes and gets ready in a slow cooker!
**Why Make This Recipe**
Experience the joy of a delicious cheeseburger in a comforting soup format! That’s the magic this recipe brings to your table. And the best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and allow the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day.
**How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup with Bacon and Feta**
**Ingredients**
1. Ground Beef: 1 lb
2. Small Onion, chopped: 1
3. Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
4. Beef Broth: 4 cups
5. Diced Tomatoes, undrained: 1 can (14.5 oz)
6. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
7. Chopped Celery: 1 cup
8. Chopped Carrots: 1 cup
9. Heavy Cream: 1 cup
10. Diced Potatoes: 2 cups
11. Salt and Pepper: to taste
12. Cooked Bacon, crumbled: 6 strips
13. Crumbled Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup
14. Dried Oregano: 1 tsp
15. Fresh Parsley, chopped: Optional for garnish
**Directions**
1. Start with browning the ground beef along with onion and garlic over medium heat. Cook until beef turns color and is no longer pink. Ensure to drain the excess fat.
2. Next, carefully transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker.
3. Time to add in the hearty beef broth, diced tomatoes, crispy celery, juicy carrots, the sinus-clearing onions, delightful diced potatoes, aromatic oregano and seasoning it with salt and pepper according to taste. Simple stir to combine all these ingredients, then cover and let it cook on low for about 5-6 hours till the vegetables tenderize and the flavors infuse.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Right before serving, add a generous serving of crumbled bacon and feta cheese to elevate the taste!
6. If you prefer, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve this cheesy delight while it’s still hot.
**How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup with Bacon and Feta**
This soul-warming soup is best served hot, right from the slow cooker. You can enjoy this wholesome soup with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a nourishing meal that delights the senses!
**How to Store Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup with Bacon and Feta**
A well-sealed container in the refrigerator would keep this soup fresh for about 3-4 days. For consuming the stored soup, just warm it in a pan before serving.
**Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Burger Flavored Soup with Bacon and Feta**
1. Choose a leaner cut of beef to avoid excess fat.
2. Customize your soup’s consistency by choosing to add more or less broth.
3. Remember to cut your vegetables into even pieces for consistent cooking.
**Variations**
For an even richer flavor, consider using smoked cheddar!
**FAQs**
1. **Can I make this soup with turkey instead of beef?**
Definitely! You can easily replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner variant.
2. **Can I add other vegetables?**
This soup is versatile and allows for addition of various other vegetables like peas, bell peppers or corn according to your preference.
3. **Can this soup be made without a slow cooker?**
While a slow cooker brings out the flavors best, you can also make the soup in a large pot over medium heat.