Cheeseburger Soup

Introduction

Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty soup. Imagine a bowl filled with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and a rich cheese base—it’s like enjoying a cheeseburger in spoonable form. Each bite has the savory satisfaction of a burger, paired with the warmth and coziness of homemade soup.

This dish originated as a creative twist on classic cheeseburgers, designed for colder months when a hearty soup feels like the perfect meal. Over time, it has become a beloved family favorite, especially in the Midwest and American home kitchens. What makes Cheeseburger Soup truly special is its balance: it’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being overpowering, and endlessly customizable with toppings like bacon, pickles, or extra cheese.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Cheeseburger Soup because it’s comfort food at its best. It takes something familiar and universally loved—the cheeseburger—and transforms it into a warm, satisfying soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. The creamy broth paired with melty cheese makes it indulgent, while the addition of vegetables and potatoes makes it hearty and filling.

I also love how flexible this recipe is. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks, and it can be adapted to different tastes—mild for kids, spiced up for adults, or made lighter with lean meat and low-fat cheese. The fact that it’s easy to make in one pot makes it even better, because you get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it combines the best of two worlds: the beloved flavor of a cheeseburger and the comforting warmth of soup. It’s ideal for anyone who craves hearty, satisfying meals, and it’s a great way to bring family and friends together around the table.

Another reason to try it is its versatility—you can dress it up with crispy bacon, dill pickles, or spicy jalapeños, or keep it simple with just beef, potatoes, and cheese. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal, as the flavors deepen when reheated.

If you’ve never experienced Cheeseburger Soup before, it will surprise you with just how delicious and satisfying it is. One bowl is never enough!

Recipe Details

• Course: Main Course / Soup
• Cuisine: American
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp mustard (optional, for tang)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Crispy bacon crumbles
• Extra shredded cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Pickle slices
• Fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
2. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pot, melt butter.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).

Step 3: Cook Potatoes

1. Stir in diced potatoes.
2. Add broth, paprika, and thyme.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender (10–12 minutes).

Step 4: Make Creamy Base

1. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine.
2. Slowly pour in milk while stirring to prevent lumps.
3. Simmer until the soup thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add Beef and Cheese

1. Return cooked beef to the pot.
2. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
3. Add sour cream and mustard for tang.

Step 6: Final Touch

1. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
2. Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings of your choice.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep bowls with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread on the side.
• Garnish with bacon, cheese, and pickles for a true cheeseburger flavor.
• Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Recipe Tips

1. For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk.
2. Make it lighter by using lean beef or ground turkey and low-fat cheese.
3. Add bacon during cooking for smoky depth.
4. Cheese tip: Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
5. For thicker soup, mash a few potatoes in the pot before adding cheese.

Variations

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Add cooked bacon to the soup and use smoked cheddar.
2. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
3. Cheeseburger Mac Soup – Stir in cooked macaroni noodles.
4. Double Cheeseburger Soup – Use a mix of cheddar and American cheese for extra creaminess.
5. Vegetable Cheeseburger Soup – Add peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (without sour cream, add it fresh when reheating).
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent cheese from separating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon and ladle
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, family-friendly recipe that transforms a classic American favorite into a warm and comforting meal. With its creamy texture, cheesy richness, and burger-inspired flavor, it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for cozy nights in. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe whenever you need a little comfort in a bowl.