Delicious Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty cheeseburger soup that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in a bowl of pure satisfaction.

Memories of backyard barbecues inspire every spoonful of this delightful dish.

Wisconsin cheddar and ground beef create a nostalgic blend that feels like a warm hug.

Crispy bacon bits add a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire experience.

Weeknight meals never looked so tempting, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it a regular in your meal rotation.

What Makes the Cheeseburger Soup a Hit

  • Craft a Comfort Classic: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy texture and beloved cheeseburger flavors.
  • Quick Kitchen Win: Prepare this satisfying meal in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner cravings.
  • Family-Pleasing Delight: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, turning mealtime into a crowd-pleasing experience.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses minimal dishes while delivering maximum flavor, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: These aromatic vegetables create a flavorful base and add nutritional depth to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that give the soup a comforting texture and make it more filling.
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for thickening the soup.
  • Flour: Works with butter to create a thickening agent that gives the soup a creamy consistency.
  • Milk: Provides a smooth, creamy base that enhances the soup's texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creates a classic cheeseburger soup experience.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid base that helps cook the vegetables and develop flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and cook ground beef until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Transfer the cooked beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, combine and cook:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Toss chopped potatoes into the vegetable mixture and pour in chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Roux

In a separate skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth base.

Slowly stream in milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken

Pour the roux into the potato and vegetable soup.

Add the previously cooked beef and let the soup simmer, allowing it to thicken and develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the soup’s taste. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness of this cheeseburger soup.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the soup lighter.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and better texture in every spoonful.
  • Create a thicker soup by using russet potatoes, which release more starch during cooking.
  • Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-packaged options for richer, more authentic flavor.
  • Consider low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance overall taste without overwhelming seasoning.

Variations to Try with Cheeseburger Soup

  • Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the creamy consistency and rich taste.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for the roux and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a creamy soup for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty cheeseburger soup alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up every delicious bite.
  • Lunch Companion Combo: Pack the soup in a thermos with a side of crispy croutons or oyster crackers for a satisfying midday meal that will keep you full and happy.
  • Game Night Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into individual bread bowls and top with extra shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits for a crowd-pleasing game day treat that everyone will love.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Pair the soup with a simple green salad and garlic toast to create a complete meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families.

Storing Cheeseburger Soup Safely

  • Store leftover cheeseburger soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Keep the soup in shallow containers to help it cool faster and maintain food safety.
  • Use freezer-safe containers to freeze soup for up to 2-3 months, leaving some space for expansion.

FAQs

  • Is this soup high in calories?

Yes, it’s a hearty soup with ground beef, cheese, and milk, making it calorie-dense and rich in flavor.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Ground turkey or chicken work great as alternative protein options for this soup.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduce cheese quantity, and add more vegetables like spinach or kale to boost nutritional value.

  • What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most robust flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar or a cheese blend for variety.

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Delicious Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Delicious Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rich cheeseburger soup from Wisconsin brings hearty comfort to winter dinner tables. Creamy potato-based broth with ground beef and melted cheese satisfies hungry families quickly.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 3 potatoes

Dairy and Liquids:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until no pink remains, then transfer to a separate dish.
  2. Use the same pot to sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften and become translucent.
  3. Add chopped potatoes and chicken broth to the vegetable mixture, increase heat to high, and bring to a rolling boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare a creamy roux by melting butter in a separate skillet, then whisking in flour until smooth and golden.
  6. Gradually pour milk into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky base.
  7. Pour the roux mixture into the soup pot, stirring constantly to integrate and thicken the liquid.
  8. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef to the pot and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  9. Reduce heat to low and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and evenly distributed.
  10. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  11. Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and reach optimal serving temperature.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier soup option.
  • Consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian version of the soup.
  • Grate cheese freshly for maximum melting potential and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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