Discover the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cheeseburger Soup—a warm, comforting bowl perfect for cozy meals any day of the year. This hearty soup blends the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one satisfyingly rich dish, making it a favorite for family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave something familiar yet special. Loaded with ground beef, melty cheese, tender potatoes, and a smooth, flavorful broth, Cheeseburger Soup captures that just-made feel in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: Every spoonful delivers the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting, creamy soup form.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, making it an easy recipe to prepare any night of the week.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this soup brings everyone to the table with smiles.
- Versatile and Filling: Hearty enough for a main course yet customizable to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Cozy warmth for chilly days and satisfying richness on cooler evenings year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and inviting color. From tender potatoes to sharp cheddar cheese, every piece works together to create the perfect bowl.
- Ground Beef: Adds meaty richness and authentic cheeseburger flavor that’s the heart of the soup.
- Potatoes: Provide a tender, hearty texture that makes the soup filling and comforting.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly to give the soup that creamy, cheesy goodness everyone loves.
- Onion and Garlic: Build a flavorful base that enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Beef Broth: Deepens the taste and adds nourishing warmth to the soup.
- Milk or Cream: Creates the creamy, smooth texture that makes each bite creamy.
- Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce: Boost the cheeseburger flavor with subtle tang and umami.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional paprika or dried herbs bring everything together perfectly.
Variations for Cheeseburger Soup
Feel free to customize your Cheeseburger Soup to fit your taste or dietary needs. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so you can experiment with ingredients for different textures, flavors, or nutrition boosts.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version that’s just as hearty.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to bring some heat to the comforting mix.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in shredded carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added color, crunch, and nutrients.
- Cheese Variations: Try gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different cheesy flair.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to keep it keto-friendly without sacrificing texture.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by cooking the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it’s fully browned and crumbly, then drain any excess fat to keep the soup rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook them until soft and fragrant, laying the foundation of flavor that will carry through the soup.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in peeled and chopped potatoes, then pour in the beef broth. Bring everything to a simmer so the potatoes cook until tender and soak up those lovely flavors.
Step 4: Mix in Seasonings and Cream
Once the potatoes are soft, add your seasonings like salt, pepper, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, followed by milk or cream to create that rich, velvety base.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce heat to low and gently stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup, creating that signature creamy cheeseburger texture.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup
- Brown Meat Thoroughly: Properly cooked beef seals in flavor and prevents greasy soup.
- Choose Sharp Cheddar: Aged cheddar brings a robust, tangy cheese flavor that shines through.
- Mind the Heat: Melt cheese on low heat to avoid curdling or grainy texture.
- Customize Creaminess: Adjust milk or cream quantities to suit your preferred soup thickness.
- Potato Size Matters: Chop potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking and appealing bite.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra texture and fresh flavor that heightens the cheeseburger vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm dinner rolls, crusty bread, or a crisp green salad to balance the soup’s richness with some light freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun occasions, serve Cheeseburger Soup in bread bowls or mini cast iron skillets, making each bowl feel like a cozy, special treat that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Freezing
This soup freezes well—just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese and cream from separating, restoring its smooth, creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the Soup?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, gouda, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses can add a delicious twist to your Cheeseburger Soup.
Is Cheeseburger Soup suitable for a family with kids?
Yes, this soup is a kid favorite because it tastes like cheeseburgers in a warm, spoonable form, plus you can adjust the seasonings to keep it mild.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply replace ground beef with lentils, beans, or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How thick should the soup be?
Cheeseburger Soup should be creamy and substantial but not too thick; you want a consistency that’s easy to eat with a spoon without being heavy or gloopy.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Cheeseburger Soup?
Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep the cheese melted perfectly and the soup rich and smooth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, give Cheeseburger Soup a try. It’s easy to make, irresistibly creamy, and packed with all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger but in a cozy, comforting bowl. Gather your ingredients, set some time aside, and enjoy this timeless comfort food with those you love.
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Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, comforting soup that combines the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, hearty bowl. Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful broth, this soup is perfect for cozy meals any time of the year. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, it’s loved by families and versatile enough for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups beef broth
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or dried herbs
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat to ensure the soup is rich but not greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until soft and fragrant to build the soup’s flavorful base.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the peeled and chopped potatoes, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Mix in Seasonings and Cream: Once the potatoes are soft, add salt, pepper, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Then stir in the milk or cream to create a rich, velvety base.
- Melt in the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
Notes
- Brown Meat Thoroughly: Properly cooking the beef seals in flavor and prevents the soup from being greasy.
- Choose Sharp Cheddar: Aged cheddar provides a robust and tangy cheese flavor.
- Mind the Heat: Melt cheese over low heat to avoid curdling or a grainy texture.
- Customize Creaminess: Adjust the amount of milk or cream to achieve your preferred soup thickness.
- Potato Size Matters: Chop potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking and a pleasant bite.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
