Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The Coziest Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Comfort arrives with this easy cheeseburger soup that captures the classic diner experience right in your kitchen.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly into a creamy masterpiece.

Memories of childhood lunches rush back with each spoonful.

Rich beef and melted cheese create a satisfying meal for cool evenings.

Savory notes dance through this simple yet delicious recipe.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this crowd-pleasing bowl of goodness.

You’ll want to keep this recipe close for those moments when pure deliciousness calls.

FAQs

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes, cheeseburger soup is perfect for children. The mild flavors and cheesy texture make it appealing to kids, and they often enjoy the familiar ground beef taste.

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.

  • How do I prevent the soup from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the roux and milk mixture slowly and continuously, ensuring smooth incorporation. Use room temperature milk and add it gradually to avoid clumping.

  • What's the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar cheese works best for rich flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar, monterey jack, or a cheese blend for variety in taste and texture.

Why Cheeseburger Soup Will Be Your New Favorite

  • Savor Family Comfort: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps everyone in warmth and deliciousness.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings to match your family's taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a satisfying meal in less than an hour, perfect for busy households craving something delectable and filling.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack multiple food groups into a single pot, delivering protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness without complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Cheeseburger Soup

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Carrots, Potatoes: These vegetables provide a savory base and add nutritional value to the soup.
  • Garlic: Offers a deep, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Butter: Helps create a smooth base and adds richness to the soup.
  • Flour: Works as a thickening agent to give the soup a creamy consistency.
  • Milk: Provides a smooth, creamy texture to the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup, creating a classic cheeseburger flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the final dish.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Chicken or Beef Broth: Serves as the liquid base for the soup.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor throughout the soup.
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the soup.
  • Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright finish to the soup.

How To Prepare Cheeseburger Soup Like A Pro

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large pot and heat it up over medium flame. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and fully done.

Make sure to drain away any extra fat, then set the beef aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggie Medley

In the same pot, melt butter and create a fragrant base.

Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
SautĂ© these until they’re soft and wonderfully aromatic. Add in the chopped vegetables and sprinkle with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

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

Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. The potatoes will become tender and delicious in about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Roux

In a separate small pan, melt butter and create a silky roux. Whisk in flour and cook briefly.

Slowly stream in milk, whisking constantly until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thick sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the creamy mixture into the soup pot.

Return the cooked beef to the pot and let everything mingle for about 5 minutes. Gradually fold in:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream

Stir until the soup becomes incredibly smooth and decadent.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Grab some crusty bread or crackers on the side for the ultimate comfort meal.

Insider Tips To Elevate Cheeseburger Soup

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup version. Swap out regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative that still maintains creamy texture. Customize heat levels by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for extra kick. Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like celery or bell peppers during the simmering stage. Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by removing soup from direct heat before adding shredded cheese and stirring gently until completely melted.

Flavorful Variations For Cheeseburger Soup

  • Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with earthy flavors and protein.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining a creamy, comforting texture and rich cheesy taste.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for the roux and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, kick-up-the-heat version of the classic soup.

Serving Recommendations For Cheeseburger Soup

  • Cozy Dinner Night Delight: Pair this hearty cheeseburger soup with warm, buttered sourdough slices for a comforting meal that hugs your taste buds.
  • Lunchtime Twist: Transform leftovers into a thermos-packed lunch by adding extra cheese and crispy bacon bits for a midday flavor explosion.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in small bread bowls with extra cheese sprinkled on top, perfect for sports gatherings or casual weekend get-togethers.
  • Veggie Lover's Option: Top with fresh chopped green onions, crispy roasted broccoli florets, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to add extra nutrition and crunch.

Storage Tips To Keep Cheeseburger Soup Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, keeping it sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • For freezing, transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion, and store for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even temperature distribution.
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Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

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

Description

Midwest comfort classic cheeseburger soup delivers hearty flavors in one satisfying bowl. Home cooks can quickly prepare this creamy Wisconsin-inspired dish with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Thickeners:

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Broth and Garnish:

  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until thoroughly browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate excess grease and reserve meat separately.
  2. Utilize the same pot to melt butter, then introduce diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Incorporate potatoes, carrots, and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour broth into vegetable mixture, escalating temperature to achieve boiling point. Reduce heat and allow ingredients to simmer, ensuring potatoes become fork-tender, roughly 10-12 minutes.
  4. Prepare creamy roux in a separate small pan by melting butter and whisking flour. Cook mixture for 1-2 minutes, then gradually integrate milk while continuously stirring until sauce thickens, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. Merge milk-based sauce with vegetable soup, reintroducing previously cooked ground beef. Allow components to meld together for an additional 5 minutes over gentle heat.
  6. Progressively blend shredded cheddar and sour cream into soup, stirring until achieving a smooth, luxurious consistency.
  7. Transfer to serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley. Accompany with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal experience.

Notes

  • Enhance meat flavor by using grass-fed ground beef for richer taste and better nutritional profile.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, leaner protein options that maintain the soup’s hearty character.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium broth and reducing added salt, making the recipe more heart-friendly without compromising deliciousness.
  • Boost vegetable content by adding extra diced vegetables like celery or zucchini to increase nutritional value and provide more texture variation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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