Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cozy Homemade Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Family Dinners

Warming up a classic cheeseburger soup delivers comfort right to your kitchen table.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients combine in this delightful twist on a beloved meal.

Cold evenings call for something substantial and satisfying.

Meat lovers will appreciate the rich blend of ground beef and smooth cheese.

Weeknight dinners become exciting with this simple yet delicious creation.

Crispy bacon bits and tender potatoes make each spoonful an adventure.

Grab a ladle and savor every comforting moment of this irresistible soup.

Cheeseburger Soup Highlights

  • Devour Hearty Comfort: This cheeseburger soup delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Quick One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in a single pot, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation super simple.
  • Family Meal Magic: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, kids and adults will love every spoonful of this crowd-pleasing recipe.
  • Versatile Weeknight Champion: Perfect for busy families, this soup adapts easily to different dietary preferences and can be prepared quickly after a long day.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the soup.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic flavor base that adds depth and nutrition to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that help thicken the soup and provide a comforting texture.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, warm flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation for the soup.
  • Milk: Helps create a creamy texture and smooth consistency.
  • Flour: Serves as a thickening agent for the soup.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps sautĂ© the vegetables.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty flavor that defines the cheeseburger soup.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Crusty Bread, Crackers: Optional accompaniments for added crunch and enjoyment.

Step-by-Step Cheeseburger Soup Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully browned.

Drain away any excess grease and set the beef aside temporarily.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

Melt butter in the same pot and cook these vegetables until they become soft and fragrant:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Step 3: Create Soup Foundation

Add these ingredients to the vegetable mixture:
  • Garlic powder
  • Potatoes
  • Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes become tender, approximately 15 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

In a separate small bowl, whisk flour into milk until smooth.

Slowly pour this mixture into the pot, stirring constantly.

Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and develop a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Add Protein and Cheese

Return the previously cooked ground beef to the pot.

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

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Season the soup with salt and pepper to match your taste preferences.

Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread or crispy crackers for a comforting meal.

Helpful Tips for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a greasy soup texture and keep the dish lighter.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Add cheese off the heat and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and allow for more precise seasoning at the end.
  • For extra crunch, top the soup with crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs just before serving.

Flavor Variations for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Vegetarian Burger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the creamy soup consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to create a lactose-free soup.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup and make it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Pairing: Serve this hearty soup with a warm, crusty sourdough bread for dipping, letting the rich flavors mingle and soak into each delicious bite.
  • Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped green onions, or additional shredded cheddar cheese on top to add extra texture and flavor layers.
  • Meal Companion Delight: Pair the soup with a crisp garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheeseburger soup and create a complete, satisfying meal.
  • Leftover Magic: Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain its creamy consistency.

Storage Tips for Cheeseburger Soup

  • Transfer soup to an airtight container and cool completely before sealing. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors fresh and textures intact.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work great as substitutes for beef. They’ll give a similar hearty texture and flavor to the soup.

  • How can I make this soup lighter?

To reduce calories, use lean ground beef, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables to increase nutrition and volume without adding many calories.

  • What if I don't have fresh vegetables?

Frozen mixed vegetables are a perfect substitute. They’re pre-chopped and will work just as well in this recipe, maintaining the soup’s classic flavor and texture.

Print
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Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Hearty cheeseburger soup delivers classic American comfort in one creamy bowl. Midwest-inspired ingredients blend perfectly for a satisfying meal that warms you to the core.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Dairy and Liquids:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring complete cooking. Carefully drain excess fat and reserve meat.
  2. Using the same pot, melt butter and gently sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Incorporate garlic powder and diced potatoes into the vegetable mixture, then pour chicken broth over ingredients. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes reach a soft, fork-tender consistency.
  4. Create a smooth thickening agent by whisking flour into milk in a separate bowl. Gradually introduce this mixture into the pot, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  5. Maintain medium-low heat and cook the soup for an additional 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the liquid transforms into a creamy, rich texture.
  6. Fold in the reserved ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese completely melts and integrates with the soup.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers.

Notes

  • Customize the meat by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
  • Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra veggies like zucchini or spinach during the sautĂ©ing stage for added color and nutrients.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent and ensuring all broth ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt seasoning to make the soup more heart-healthy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 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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