If you love the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger, you’ll adore this rich and creamy cheeseburger soup. Packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and aromatic vegetables, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s perfect for cold weather, busy weeknights, or whenever you’re in need of a hearty and satisfying meal. Let’s explore why this dish is a family favorite and how to make the best cheeseburger soup at home.
What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger soup captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger — including ground beef, cheddar cheese, and potatoes — in a warm, creamy soup. It’s a fun and comforting twist on traditional soups, combining the heartiness of a burger with the coziness of a creamy chowder.
The soup typically features a base of ground beef, onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, with potatoes for added texture. It’s all simmered in a creamy broth made from chicken stock, milk, or cream, and finished with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese.
Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Soup
All the Flavor of a Cheeseburger in a Bowl
This soup delivers the savory, cheesy goodness of a cheeseburger, but in a creamy, spoonable form.
Quick and Easy to Make
Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
Hearty and Filling
With ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese, this soup is a meal in itself.
Customizable
Add your favorite burger toppings like bacon, pickles, or even a dollop of sour cream to make it your own. For another twist on comfort food, check out this recipe for Creamy Chicken Carbonara.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup
To make this delicious and comforting soup, gather these ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20) for rich flavor.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for creaminess.
- Vegetables:
- Onion (diced)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Celery (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Broth: Chicken broth for a flavorful base.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Milk or Cream: For a creamy texture.
- Butter and Flour: To make a roux for thickening.
- Seasonings:
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
- Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
- Optional Toppings:
- Bacon bits, pickles, or green onions
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cheeseburger Soup
1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large pot, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat and set aside.
2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add:
- 1 diced onion
- 2 sliced carrots
- 2 chopped celery stalks
- Sauté until the vegetables are soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3: Add Potatoes and Broth
- Peel and dice 3-4 potatoes.
- Add the potatoes to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
4: Thicken the Soup
- In a small skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
- Stir the roux into the soup to thicken it.
5: Add Cheese and Cream
- Stir in:
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of milk or heavy cream
- Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6: Serve and Garnish
- Return the browned ground beef to the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Serve hot and garnish with bacon bits, chopped green onions, or pickles.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Simmer until just tender to avoid mushiness.
- Add Toppings: Customize with toppings like crispy bacon, jalapeños, or sour cream.
- Make it Healthier: Swap out heavy cream for evaporated milk for a lighter version.
For more ideas on creamy dishes, try this recipe for Healthy Creamy Mushroom Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cheeseburger soup with these sides:
- Garlic Bread: Try this Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread for a flavorful side.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- Pickle Spears: Serve with crunchy dill pickles for a classic burger experience.
Delicious Variations of Cheeseburger Soup
One of the best things about cheeseburger soup is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some creative variations to try:
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Add crispy bacon bits to the soup for a smoky, savory twist. The combination of bacon, ground beef, and melted cheese makes this an irresistible dish. Try pairing it with these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a protein-packed meal.
️ Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
For those who love a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This version pairs perfectly with a cool and refreshing side like Cucumber Salad.
Loaded Veggie Cheeseburger Soup
Boost the nutrition by adding broccoli florets, bell peppers, peas, or corn. This variation is both colorful and hearty. For more veggie-packed ideas, check out this recipe for Hearty Butternut Squash Stew.
Extra Cheesy Cheeseburger Soup
If you can’t get enough cheese, add a combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta for an ultra-creamy texture. Serve it with a side of Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Bites for an extra cheesy experience.
Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup
Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb option. It maintains the creamy texture while reducing the carbs. Pair this with a healthy side like Refreshing Watermelon Fries for a balanced meal.
Perfect Pairings for Cheeseburger Soup
Complement the rich flavors of cheeseburger soup with these delicious sides and drinks:
Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor of Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread pairs perfectly with this creamy soup.
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Ideal for soaking up the cheesy broth.
Fresh Salads
- Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Coleslaw: Try this crunchy and refreshing Healthy Spring Roll Salad for a light contrast to the richness of the soup.
Beverage Pairings
- Iced Tea: Enjoy a glass of Homemade Mango Iced Tea for a sweet and tangy drink.
- Lemonade: This zesty, refreshing Mint Lemonade perfectly balances the creamy richness of the soup.
Storing and Reheating Cheeseburger Soup
Storing Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. If using cream, note that the texture might change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until warmed through.
For more tips on meal prep and storage, check out these Easy Mini Meatloaf and Potato Bake ideas.
FAQs About Cheeseburger Soup
❓ Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
❓ Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this recipe.
❓ What’s the Best Cheese for Cheeseburger Soup?
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack or American cheese for extra creaminess.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger soup is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines the best of burgers and comfort food. Quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. For more delicious and comforting recipes, visit AM Recipe. Happy cooking!