Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort In A Bowl

Comfort arrives through this hearty cheeseburger soup that captures pure midwestern warmth.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly into a creamy concoction promising delicious satisfaction.

Robust ground beef melts into rich broth, creating depth and complexity.

Chunky potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese dance together, promising rich flavor profiles.

Memories of summer backyard cookouts emerge with each spoonful of this comforting meal.

Crisp bacon bits add unexpected crunch and smoky undertones to the soup texture.

We bet you’ll want seconds before finishing your first bowl.

Tips for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version of the soup.
  • Customize thickness by adjusting flour amount or adding extra broth if soup becomes too dense.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.
  • Enhance flavor by using sharp cheddar or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
  • Boost nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the simmering process.

Flavor Variations for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Vegetarian Comfort Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Edition: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets and use heavy cream instead of milk to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Cozy Bread Bowl Buddy: Ladle the creamy soup into a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a rustic, comforting presentation that lets diners enjoy every delicious spoonful.
  • Loaded Potato Twist: Top the soup with crispy potato skins, extra shredded cheddar, and green onions to create a hearty loaded potato-style cheeseburger soup experience.
  • Salad Sidekick: Pair the rich soup with a crisp garden salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and provide a fresh contrast.
  • Movie Night Champion: Serve in mugs with extra crispy bacon bits and soft dinner rolls for the ultimate comfort food companion during a cozy movie marathon or game night.

Storage Advice for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before storing.
  • Keep soup in shallow containers to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze the soup without potatoes for best texture, storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes, this cheeseburger soup is perfect for children. It has familiar flavors like ground beef, cheese, and potatoes that most kids enjoy, and the texture is smooth and comforting.

  • Can I make this soup healthier?

Absolutely! Use lean ground beef, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.

  • What's the best type of potato to use?

Russet potatoes work best for this soup because they hold their shape well and have a starchy texture that helps thicken the soup naturally. Yukon gold potatoes are also a great alternative.

The Best Cheeseburger Soup Essentials

  • Dive into Comfort: A hearty soup that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with every spoonful, perfect for satisfying those deep comfort food cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick swaps like ground turkey or vegetarian alternatives, making it a flexible meal for different dietary preferences.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, saving precious time and reducing kitchen mess for busy home cooks.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar flavors kids and adults love, this soup transforms classic cheeseburger elements into a delightful, nutritious meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the soup.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix blend that creates a deep, savory flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor that complements the beef.
Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds depth to the soup's overall taste.
  • Milk: Provides creaminess and helps create a smooth texture.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a rich consistency.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creates a creamy, cheesy profile.
Optional Garnish:
  • Bacon: Offers a crispy, smoky topping that enhances the soup's flavor.
Cooking Fats and Seasonings:
  • Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds richness to the soup.
  • Salt and Pepper: Standard seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Transfer the cooked beef to a separate plate, keeping those delicious meaty bits ready for later.

Step 2: Dance with Vegetables

Melt butter in the same skillet and toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced carrots
  • Sliced celery

Sauté these veggies until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Sprinkle Garlic Magic

Add minced garlic and flour to the vegetable mixture.

Stir and cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste and create a slightly thickened base.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

This creates the perfect soup backdrop for our delicious ingredients.

Step 5: Potato Party

Drop in diced potatoes and let them simmer until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Creamy Cheese Transformation

Gently stir in milk and cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky smooth texture.

Step 7: Reunite the Beef

Return the browned beef to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together until the soup reaches a perfect thick consistency.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Optional: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for an extra layer of flavor. Serve piping hot and enjoy your comforting cheeseburger soup!

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Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

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

Description

Hearty cheeseburger soup brings classic American comfort to your dinner table with rich, creamy flavors. Simmering beef, potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal for cold evenings, promising warmth and deliciousness you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound bacon (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups potatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high and thoroughly brown ground beef, then transfer to a separate dish.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and sprinkle flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux and prevent burning.
  4. Gradually pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, whisking to prevent lumps, and bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
  5. Add diced potatoes to the broth, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency when pierced with a fork.
  6. Lower the heat and slowly incorporate milk, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth texture.
  7. Gradually blend in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely while stirring to create a creamy consistency.
  8. Reintroduce the previously browned ground beef into the soup, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. If desired, crisp and crumble bacon as a final garnish before serving the hot soup in warm bowls.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt added during seasoning to make the soup more heart-healthy.
  • Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor, or experiment with a blend of cheeses like Gruyère and white cheddar for complexity.
  • Thicken soup naturally by using less flour or substituting with cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative that keeps the soup creamy and rich.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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