The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cozy Up with Our Comforting Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty cheeseburger soup that promises to warm every corner of your heart.

Rich, creamy, and packed with robust flavors, this soup captures the essence of a classic burger in a delightful liquid form.

Beef simmered to perfection blends seamlessly with tender potatoes and a velvety cheese base that will make your taste buds dance.

Each spoonful carries the nostalgic memories of backyard barbecues and cozy family dinners.

The ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a soul-satisfying meal that’s both simple and extraordinary.

Loaded with chunks of ground beef and melted cheese, this soup transforms an all-time favorite into a comforting winter staple.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this cheeseburger soup has become a go-to recipe for those seeking delicious, no-fuss comfort food.

Cheeseburger Soup That’s All Flavor

  • Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty soup that brings the classic cheeseburger flavor into a warm, satisfying bowl perfect for hungry families.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this delicious soup in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal solutions.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe with various toppings like crispy bacon, fresh green onions, or extra cheese, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack in vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes while enjoying a protein-rich meal that delivers both flavor and nutrition in a single pot.

Everything Needed for Cheeseburger Soup

Meat:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: A classic mirepoix that provides a flavorful and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Potatoes: Soft, starchy vegetables that add thickness and comfort to the soup.
Dairy and Seasonings:
  • Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and creates a rich, smooth foundation.
  • Flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the soup and adds body.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smoothness to the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the soup its signature cheesy flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's taste.
Optional Toppings:
  • Bacon, Green Onions, Extra Cheese: Garnishes that add extra texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

Cooking Instructions for Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no pink remains.

Transfer the beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Vegetable Base

In the same pot, melt butter and sauté the following ingredients until they become soft and fragrant:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery
  • Minced garlic

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir to create a roux.

Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4: Cook Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Slowly stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine and Season

Return the previously cooked ground beef to the pot.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings.

Tips for a Hearty Cheeseburger Soup Bowl

  • Drain excess fat after browning to keep the soup lighter and prevent greasiness.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version of this comforting soup.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the depth of the soup's savory profile.

Fun Swaps for Cheeseburger Soup Night

  • Vegetarian Burger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version packed with protein and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup while keeping it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, keto-friendly soup that still delivers rich, creamy goodness.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners while maintaining the soup's signature cheesy taste.

Ways to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Hot

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, inviting meal that hugs your soul.
  • Burger Lover's Dream: Top with crispy burger-style toppings like diced pickles, crumbled bacon bits, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for a nostalgic cheeseburger experience.
  • Bread Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread, toasted sourdough, or buttery croutons to add delightful crunch and soak up the rich, creamy soup.
  • Family Style Feast: Create a toppings bar with chopped green onions, extra cheese, and crispy bacon so everyone can customize their perfect bowl of comfort.

Storage Tips for Cheeseburger Soup Leftovers

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Seal and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with potatoes for best texture.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • What makes this cheeseburger soup different from other soups?

This soup uniquely combines classic cheeseburger ingredients like ground beef and cheese into a creamy, comforting soup that tastes just like a burger in liquid form.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, the soup includes protein from beef, vegetables like carrots and celery for nutrients, and dairy for calcium, making it a well-rounded meal.

  • Can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can substitute the regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour to create a similar roux without gluten.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and reduce the amount of butter and cream to create a lighter version of the soup.

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The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty cheeseburger soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending classic burger flavors with creamy potato-packed goodness. Rich with ground beef, melted cheese, and warm spices, this soup promises pure culinary satisfaction for hungry families seeking delicious home-style comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles, diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)

Base and Dairy:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Condiments:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sear the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, then transfer to a separate dish.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter and gently sweat the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that coats the ingredients evenly.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
  5. Add diced potatoes to the pot and increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Lower the heat and incorporate heavy cream, stirring slowly while gradually adding shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
  7. Reintroduce the reserved ground beef into the pot, gently folding to distribute throughout the soup.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing flavors to meld for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  9. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or extra cheese shreds.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of flour or using cornstarch as a gluten-free alternative.
  • For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based protein and use low-fat cheese.
  • Create a vegetarian option by replacing beef with mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 416 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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