Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort arrives with this hearty cheeseburger soup that captures the essence of a classic burger in a warm, satisfying bowl.

Fragrant herbs and rich beef create an irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with savory ground meat and tender vegetables.

Sharp cheddar melts smoothly into each spoonful, promising deep flavor in every bite.

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry crowds.

Crisp potato chunks and smooth cream base make this soup feel like a complete meal.

You’ll want to ladle this incredible recipe into bowls and watch everyone smile with delight.

Why Cheeseburger Soup Deserves a Spot on Your Table

  • Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheeseburger soup delivers comfort and convenience in one delicious pot.
  • Ready in just 30 minutes, the recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that satisfies hunger with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Combines classic cheeseburger flavors in a creamy soup that appeals to both children and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.
  • Easily adaptable with optional toppings like bacon or green onions, allowing each person to personalize their bowl and make the meal more exciting.

What Goes into Cheeseburger Soup

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein that gives the soup a classic cheeseburger flavor, choose lean beef for less grease.
  • Bacon (Optional): Crispy topping that adds smoky crunch and extra flavor.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Sweet base that builds depth of flavor, yellow onions work best.
  • Garlic: Aromatic that provides warm, intense background notes.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that makes the soup thick and comforting, waxy varieties hold shape well.
  • Carrots: Sweet vegetable that adds color and subtle earthiness, shredded for easy cooking.
Dairy and Thickeners:
  • Butter: Rich fat for sautéing vegetables and adding smooth texture.
  • Flour: Thickening agent that helps create soup's creamy consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
  • Milk: Liquid that creates smooth, silky soup base, whole milk recommended for richness.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy finish that adds creaminess and slight tang.
  • Cheese: Melty component that creates signature cheeseburger flavor, sharp cheddar preferred.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup the Way

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked. Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking. Drain excess fat completely and set meat aside on a plate.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

In the same pot, melt butter until it sizzles. Add:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until onions turn translucent and fragrant, stirring continuously.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Incorporate into the pot:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Shredded carrots
  • Chicken or vegetable broth

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes become fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Texture

In a separate bowl, blend flour with milk until completely smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add remaining milk and return to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheese into the soup, stirring until completely melted and integrated. Return cooked beef to the pot and mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove pot from heat. Swirl in sour cream until well combined. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Top with optional garnishes like:
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra cheese shreds

Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips for Rich and Cheeseburger Soup

  • Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
  • Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually off direct heat and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Low and Slow Simmering: Maintain a gentle simmer when adding flour mixture to prevent scorching and ensure proper thickening without lumps.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground turkey for beef, use gluten-free flour, or opt for low-fat cheese to adapt the recipe for different nutritional requirements.

How to Keep Cheeseburger Soup Fresh and Tasty

  • Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing portions with sour cream to prevent separation.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore original consistency if needed.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Watch carefully to prevent overheating and potential cheese separation.

What to Eat with Cheeseburger Soup

  • Amber ales or brown ales complement the rich, meaty flavors of the cheeseburger soup perfectly. Their malty sweetness balances the savory elements and cuts through the creamy texture.
  • Serve crispy garlic toast or buttery croutons alongside the soup. These golden, crisp additions provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, velvety soup.
  • Create a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness. Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sharp mustard dressing for a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. These wines offer enough acidity and fruit notes to enhance the soup's robust beef and cheese flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Variations That Make Cheeseburger Soup Even Better

  • Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup. Use gluten-free broth and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content. Use heavy cream instead of milk for added richness and lower carb count.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Utilize dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut milk. Replace sour cream with cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt to maintain creamy consistency.

Cheeseburger Soup FAQ Roundup

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and nutrition profile.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild flavors and cheesy texture make this soup a hit with children. Most kids love the combination of potatoes, beef, and cheese.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and swap some whole milk for skim milk. You can also add more vegetables like celery or bell peppers to boost nutritional value.

  • Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Just be careful when reheating to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.

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Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

Description

Hearty cheeseburger soup brings classic American comfort to your kitchen with rich, creamy flavors that dance between burger nostalgia and warm soup satisfaction. Quick weeknight dinners become extraordinary when home cooks blend ground beef, cheese, and potato into one delightful bowl you can savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken or beef broth
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups (340 grams) potatoes, peeled and diced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (110 grams) shredded carrots

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 grams) sour cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a spacious pot over medium flame until fully cooked, eliminating any excess fat. Transfer the meat to a separate dish.
  2. Utilize the identical pot to melt butter, then incorporate diced onions and sauté until translucent. Introduce minced garlic and allow to release its aromatic essence briefly.
  3. Combine diced potatoes, shredded carrots, and broth into the aromatic mixture. Elevate to a boil, then reduce heat, creating a gentle simmer. Cover and allow vegetables to tenderize for approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Prepare a smooth thickening agent by whisking flour with milk until no lumps remain. Gradually integrate this mixture into the simmering soup, stirring consistently to prevent clumping.
  5. Introduce remaining milk and continue simmering, allowing the soup to gradually thicken and develop a creamy consistency.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese into the soup, stirring until completely melted and creating a uniform texture.
  7. Reintroduce the previously cooked ground beef into the pot, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in sour cream, creating a luxurious and velvety finish. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
  9. Serve piping hot, garnishing with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or additional cheese. Accompany with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Boost Flavor by browning beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep meaty undertones that enhance the overall soup complexity.
  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more balanced soup texture without sacrificing taste.
  • Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting milk and flour quantities – less liquid creates a thicker, heartier soup while more creates a lighter broth-like version.
  • Make it diet-friendly by substituting ground turkey for beef, using low-fat cheese, and incorporating cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the comforting cheeseburger soup experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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