The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The Best Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty cheeseburger soup that reimagines your favorite classic sandwich.

Melted cheese and savory ground beef dance together in a creamy broth packed with rich flavors.

Classic diner vibes emerge from each spoonful, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

We’ve crafted a recipe that captures the essence of a perfectly grilled burger in liquid form.

Crispy bacon bits and tender potatoes add unexpected texture and depth to every bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary that will make you the hero of dinnertime.

Grab a ladle and get ready to transform an ordinary evening into a delicious memory.

Cheeseburger Soup Worth Every Savory Spoonful

  • Craft Comfort Cuisine: Create a hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table with minimal kitchen stress.
  • Speed Meets Flavor: Prepare a delicious one-dish wonder that combines multiple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves something filling and packed with flavor combinations.
  • Customize with Ease: Add personal touches like broccoli or jalapenos to make the casserole match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Cheeseburger Soup Ingredient Checklist

For the Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the base of this cheeseburger-inspired soup.
  • Bacon: A crispy and salty topping that adds extra crunch and rich flavor to the soup.
For the Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides the signature cheeseburger taste and creamy texture.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and velvety consistency in the soup.
  • Sour Cream: An optional creamy topping that adds richness and tanginess.
For the Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic aromatic vegetable base that builds depth of flavor in the soup.
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that add substance and help thicken the soup.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall savory profile.
  • Pickles: A tangy and crunchy optional garnish that mimics traditional cheeseburger toppings.
  • Green Onions: A fresh and mild onion variety that provides a light, crisp garnish.
  • Chicken Broth or Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid base that adds richness to the soup.
  • Flour: Used to thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
  • Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds richness.
  • Paprika, Mustard Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavor.

Stepwise Directions For Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large pot and cook ground beef over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned. Get rid of any extra fat by draining it completely.

Set the cooked beef aside for later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

In the same pot, melt butter and toss in a mix of:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery

Cook these veggies until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Throw in minced garlic and let it dance around for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Introduce diced potatoes to the pot along with:
  • Chicken broth
  • Paprika
  • Mustard powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Bring everything to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat.

Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Create a Silky Texture

Whip up a quick slurry by whisking flour with milk in a small bowl.

Pour this magical mixture into the soup and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Watch as the soup transforms and thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Cheese Heaven

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy consistency. Reunite the cooked beef with the soup, mixing everything together.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the soup into bowls and go wild with toppings:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Extra cheddar cheese
  • Chopped pickles
  • Sliced green onions
  • A dollop of sour cream

Handy Tips For Cheeseburger Soup Wins

  • Melt butter slowly to prevent burning and achieve a golden, rich base for the soup. Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish. Choose high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness in the soup. Whisk flour and milk thoroughly to prevent lumps when creating the thickening slurry, guaranteeing a smooth, creamy consistency. Shred cheese fresh for optimal melting and avoid pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents which can affect the soup's smoothness.

Flavorful Options For Cheeseburger Soup Bowls

  • Southwestern Burger Soup: Enhance the soup with diced green chiles, black beans, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with crispy tortilla strips and cilantro.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Soup: Replace ground beef with ground lamb, add oregano and diced tomatoes. Incorporate feta cheese and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
  • Veggie Burger Soup: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Mix in extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach. Sprinkle nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
  • Spicy Korean Burger Soup: Add gochujang paste, kimchi, and ginger. Use gochugaru instead of paprika. Garnish with green onions and a soft-boiled egg.

Sides To Pair With Cheeseburger Soup

  • Create a cozy dinner experience by serving this soup with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping. The crispy bread complements the rich, cheesy soup perfectly.
  • Transform the soup into a complete meal by adding a side salad with tangy ranch dressing. Fresh greens balance the hearty soup's creamy texture.
  • Set up a toppings station with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream. Let everyone customize their soup bowl for a fun, interactive dining experience.
  • Pair the soup with mini sliders or cheeseburger-inspired appetizers to enhance the burger theme. Guests can enjoy a playful twist on classic comfort food.

Store Cheeseburger Soup For Another Day

  • Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with the date and contents.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup seems too thick. Heat until the soup reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

  • Why use both chicken and beef flavors in this soup?

The combination creates a richer, more complex taste profile that mimics the classic cheeseburger experience while adding depth to the overall flavor.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The familiar cheeseburger flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with children, and it’s an easy way to get them to eat vegetables hidden in the soup.

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The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

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

Description

Hearty cheeseburger soup delivers classic American comfort with creamy, rich flavors from ground beef and melted cheese. Home cooks can easily craft this satisfying meal in under an hour for family dinners you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
  • 3 cups diced potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional, for a burger flavor)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat and set aside.
  2. Using the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Incorporate diced potatoes, chicken broth, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper into the vegetable mixture. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
  4. Create a smooth slurry by whisking flour with milk in a separate bowl. Gradually pour the mixture into the soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes until the soup thickens.
  5. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and the soup achieves a creamy texture. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef, mixing thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Carefully ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with optional toppings such as crispy crumbled bacon, extra cheese shreds, chopped pickles, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
  • less flour for a lighter soup, more for a heartier consistency.
  • Enhance flavor depth by using homemade beef or chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
  • Prep vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 383 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 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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