Million Dollar Soup: Creamy Crockpot Comfort for Family Dinners
Million Dollar Soup is a creamy crockpot dinner built on ground beef, beans, corn and a block of cream cheese that melts into something rich and warm. You just dump, stir and let the slow cooker do the work while dinner takes care of itself.
With ground beef, turkey bacon, pinto beans and a ranch seasoning packet, this soup comes together in about 15 minutes of prep and 6 hours in the crockpot. It's great for Sunday dinners, potlucks or any weeknight when you want something hearty on the table. Save it for later!
| Prep | Cook | Total | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 6 h | 6 h 15 min | 6 servings | Advanced |
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One pot: Everything cooks in the crockpot, so cleanup is minimal.
- Budget friendly: Ground beef, beans and canned corn stretch into a big pot of soup.
- Kid approved: The cheesy, slightly smoky flavor wins over picky eaters fast.
- Make ahead: It reheats well, so leftovers taste just as good the next day.
- Hands off: Brown the meat, then walk away for hours while it simmers.
Million Dollar Soup Ingredients
- Ground beef: Gives the soup its base and a savory bite. Ground turkey works too, though the flavor is milder.
- Turkey bacon: Adds a smoky edge without the grease of regular bacon. Smoked beef sausage, sliced thin, is a good stand-in.
- Onion and garlic: Build the aromatic backbone of the broth. Yellow or sweet onion both work fine here.
- Pinto and black beans: Bring texture and protein, turning this into a filling meal. Swap in kidney beans if that's what's in the pantry.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color against the brown broth. Frozen corn works just as well as canned.
- Beef broth: Forms the liquid base; low-sodium lets you control the salt. Chicken broth is a fine substitute.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Delivers the herby, tangy flavor the dish is known for. A homemade blend of dried dill, garlic powder and onion powder also works.
- Cream cheese and cheddar: Melt in at the end for the soup's signature richness. Low-fat cream cheese keeps it a bit lighter.
For exact amounts, check the recipe card below.
Easy Variations
- Swap the protein: Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken both work in place of beef.
- Add vegetables: Diced bell peppers or zucchini blend in well, especially in summer.
- Turn up the heat: A diced jalapeño or extra chili powder gives it more kick.
- Lighten it up: Use ground turkey, light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar.
- Stovetop version: Brown the meat in a Dutch oven, then simmer everything together for 30 minutes instead of using the crockpot.
How to Make Million Dollar Soup
- Brown the meat: Cook the ground beef and chopped turkey bacon in a skillet until the beef is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain off excess fat.
- Soften the aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the same skillet and cook until the onion turns translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Load the crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker along with the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, broth, ranch seasoning and chili powder. Stir to combine.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the broth is fragrant and the beans are tender.
- Stir in the cheese: About 20 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir every few minutes until the soup turns smooth and creamy.
- Taste and serve: Season with salt and pepper as needed, then ladle into bowls while hot.
Forecipes Team Tips
- Cube the cream cheese: Cold cream cheese blends in faster when cut into small pieces first.
- Drain the beef well: Extra grease can make the broth look oily instead of creamy.
- Don't skip the ranch packet: It's what gives the soup its signature tang; a plain seasoning blend won't taste the same.
- Stir often near the end: Cream cheese can clump if left untouched, so give it attention once it's added.
- Rinse canned beans: This cuts down on extra sodium and keeps the broth from turning cloudy.
What to Serve With It
A basket of warm cornbread or buttery dinner rolls soaks up the broth nicely. A simple green salad with a vinegar-based dressing balances the richness of the soup. For a heartier spread, crushed tortilla chips or shredded cheese on top add crunch and extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Million Dollar Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often, or in the microwave in 1-minute bursts until heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes total.
Million Dollar Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the beef and bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped turkey bacon together until the beef is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat before continuing.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the onion turns soft and translucent.
- Transfer to the crockpot: Move the beef mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Season the soup: Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and chili powder, then stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The soup is ready when the beans are tender and the broth smells fragrant.
- Add the cream cheese: About 20 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese to the crockpot. Stir every few minutes until it melts fully into the broth.
- Stir in the cheddar: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the soup turns smooth and creamy throughout.
- Taste and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve right away.
Million Dollar Soup FAQ
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and the flavor actually deepens overnight in the fridge. Just add the cream cheese and cheddar fresh when reheating for the best texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough (at least 7 quarts) to hold the extra volume. Keep the cook time the same, but check that the beans are tender before serving.
What can I use instead of a slow cooker?
A Dutch oven or large soup pot works fine. Simmer everything together over low heat for about 30 minutes after browning the meat, then stir in the cheese at the end.
