Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines all the classic tastes of a cheeseburger, ground beef, cheddar cheese, onions, and potatoes, into a creamy and satisfying soup. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, game day gatherings, or even meal prep. It’s rich and comforting, with a thick, cheesy broth and tender chunks of meat and vegetables in every spoonful. If you’re looking for a delicious way to warm up during the colder months, this Cheeseburger Soup will become a family favorite in no time. It’s affordable, easy to make, and packed with the bold flavors of a classic American cheeseburger, served in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese, pickles
Preparation
Step 1: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and transfer the beef to a separate plate. Set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add the diced potatoes, cooked ground beef, dried basil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour this mixture into the soup pot and stir to combine.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and incorporated. Simmer for 5 more minutes, making sure not to boil. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Variation
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of regular potatoes.
- Stir in chopped pickles or a drizzle of mustard for more “burger” flavor.
- Add crumbled cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger version.
- Use Velveeta cheese for a creamier, classic diner-style soup.
- Add cooked pasta shells for a Cheeseburger Mac Soup twist.
Cooking Note
Be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. Do not let the soup boil once the cheese and cream are added, as high heat may cause the dairy to separate. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes before adding the cheese, or stir in an extra tablespoon of flour during the roux step. For best results, cook the potatoes until just tender so they don’t fall apart in the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cheeseburger Soup with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or buttery dinner rolls for dipping. A side salad with vinaigrette provides a nice balance to the richness of the soup. It’s also great topped with chopped pickles, crumbled bacon, or green onions to mimic a fully loaded cheeseburger. For a complete dinner, serve alongside baked potatoes or grilled vegetables. This soup is hearty enough to serve on its own as a satisfying main dish.
Tips
- Brown the beef well for more flavor, don’t just steam it.
- Dice potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- If soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.
- Soup thickens as it cools, reheat slowly with extra broth if needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, omit the cheese and cream. Add them fresh when reheating.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 per serving
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 920mg
FAQs
Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a crockpot?
- Yes. Brown the beef and sauté vegetables first, then add everything except the cheese and cream to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add cheese and cream during the last 30 minutes.
What’s the best cheese to use?
- Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can use a blend of cheddar and American cheese for extra creaminess.
How do I make it gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free flour substitute or cornstarch slurry instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.
Can I make it ahead of time?
- Yes. This soup reheats well. Add a little extra broth or milk to loosen the texture before serving.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
- Absolutely. It’s cheesy, creamy, and full of familiar flavors that most kids love.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Soup is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings all the best elements of a cheeseburger into a warm, comforting bowl. Loaded with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and hearty potatoes, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or anytime you’re craving something cozy. It’s easy to customize, great for leftovers, and sure to please the entire family. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for game day, Cheeseburger Soup is a winning recipe you’ll return to again and again.