Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that combines the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth of a soup? This easy cheeseburger soup recipe is perfect for you! It's a rich, creamy dish packed with ground beef, cheese, and simple vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something flavorful and satisfying, this cheeseburger soup will hit the spot. Dive into this recipe and learn how to make the ultimate cozy meal with just a few simple steps.

What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a creamy, savory soup that mimics the taste of a classic cheeseburger. It includes key ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, and common burger toppings, such as onions and pickles. The result is a comforting, cheesy broth loaded with familiar flavors, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups chicken or beef broth
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup carrots, diced
½ cup celery, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, pickles, or croutons

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to tweak this cheeseburger soup recipe to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. If you don’t have ground beef on hand, ground turkey or ground chicken work well as substitutes. For a lighter version of the soup, you can swap out heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. Vegetarians can replace the meat with plant-based ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. If you love extra heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the spice level. For those who prefer low-carb options, you can skip the potatoes and use cauliflower florets instead.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once done, drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef to a bowl. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
Add the Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to coat in the butter and vegetable mix.
Create the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup later. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Mix in the Dairy and Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard (if using). Let the soup simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Reintroduce the Ground Beef: Add the cooked ground beef back into the soup. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once you're satisfied with the taste, your cheeseburger soup is ready to serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the flour: The flour acts as a thickening agent. Skipping it can result in a thin, runny soup. If you want a rich, creamy consistency, don’t forget this step.
Not melting the cheese properly: Add the shredded cheese in small increments and stir continuously to prevent it from clumping. Adding too much cheese at once can create a greasy texture.
Overcooking the potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can turn mushy. Test them with a fork before moving on to the next step.
Using low-fat cheese or cream: To get the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to use full-fat cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Substitutes may cause the soup to be less rich and creamy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cheeseburger soup is best served hot, straight from the pot, with plenty of fun toppings to allow everyone to customize their bowl. You can offer toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, chopped green onions, or crunchy croutons to add a bit of texture and extra flavor. A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce can take your bowl of soup to the next level. Serve it with crusty bread or soft rolls to soak up the creamy broth.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

When serving cheeseburger soup, think about how you can enhance the cheeseburger experience. For example, serving it with classic burger sides like fries or onion rings can make the meal feel more fun and complete. You could also top the soup with a small dollop of ketchup or mustard for a true cheeseburger vibe. If you want to make it more of a main course, pair the soup with a green salad for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

To present cheeseburger soup beautifully, use wide, shallow bowls that give you plenty of surface area to add toppings. Garnish each bowl with a handful of bacon bits, a sprinkle of green onions, and a few crunchy croutons for contrast. You could even serve the soup in bread bowls for a unique presentation that also adds to the comfort-food appeal. A wedge of pickle on the side or a toasted bun slice as a dipping tool can also give your presentation a fun, thematic touch.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of your soup. Freshly grating your cheese will help it melt more smoothly into the broth.
Make it ahead of time: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors often develop and taste even better the next day. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk if needed.
Add bacon for extra flavor: Fry up a few strips of bacon, chop them into small pieces, and either mix them into the soup or use them as a crispy topping. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon adds another dimension to this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze cheeseburger soup, but the texture may change slightly when reheated due to the dairy content. To prevent graininess, reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, and avoid boiling it.

Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
A: You can make cheeseburger soup gluten-free by omitting the flour or using a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use gluten-free broth as well.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda to change up the flavor profile.

Q: How long does cheeseburger soup last in the fridge?
A: Cheeseburger soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to maintain its creamy texture.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the milk, cream, and cheese in the last 30 minutes to avoid curdling.

Conclusion

This easy cheeseburger soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s both filling and flavorful. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a warm, cheesy bowl of soup that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite toppings, serve it alongside bread or fries, and enjoy a meal that brings the taste of a cheeseburger right to your spoon. Give it a try today and watch it become a new favorite in your home!