Looking for a soup that’s packed with flavor, hearty ingredients, and a bit of indulgence? This cheeseburger soup combines all the best elements of a classic cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and savory seasonings—into one delicious, creamy soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or whenever you're craving something filling and cheesy. The best part? It’s easy to make and highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Follow this comprehensive guide to make the best cheeseburger soup at home, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions!

What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger soup is a creamy, cheesy, and savory soup made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a variety of seasonings. It’s thickened with a roux (flour and butter mixture) and loaded with cheddar cheese, giving it a rich, cheesy flavor similar to a classic cheeseburger. Often, the soup is garnished with ingredients like crumbled bacon, pickles, and extra cheese, making each bite taste like a fully-loaded burger. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers all the comfort of a cheeseburger in a cozy, spoonable form.
Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting cheeseburger soup:
- Ground beef – 1 pound of lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works well).
- Potatoes – 3-4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes.
- Carrots – 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced.
- Celery – 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic – 3 cloves of garlic, minced for extra flavor.
- Butter – 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to sauté the vegetables and make the roux.
- Flour – 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.
- Chicken or beef broth – 4 cups of broth to create the base of the soup. Either works, but beef broth enhances the “burger” flavor.
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Milk or heavy cream – 2 cups of whole milk or 1 cup of heavy cream for extra creaminess.
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon for depth of flavor (optional but recommended).
- Salt – 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon of smoked or sweet paprika for extra warmth and flavor.
- Dill pickles (optional) – Chopped for a tangy garnish.
- Bacon (optional) – 4 slices of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled, for garnish.
- Green onions – Chopped, for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheeseburger soup is versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some great substitutions and variations:
- Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the potatoes and add cauliflower florets instead for a keto-friendly option.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of your favorites for a unique flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the process of making the best cheeseburger soup step-by-step. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is!
How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked through. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it’s in small, bite-sized pieces. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Make the Roux
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot with the vegetables. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This roux will help thicken the soup.
4. Add Potatoes and Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken or beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in Milk and Cheese
Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your taste. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more broth or milk.
7. Serve
Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings—crumbled bacon, chopped dill pickles, extra cheddar cheese, and green onions are all great options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef Fat: If you skip draining the excess fat from the cooked ground beef, your soup may end up greasy.
- Skipping the Roux: The butter and flour roux is essential for thickening the soup. Skipping this step will result in a thinner, less creamy soup.
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Be sure to keep an eye on the potatoes. Overcooking them can make them too mushy, which can affect the texture of the soup.
- Cheese Clumping: To avoid clumps, make sure your soup is not boiling when you add the cheese. Stir it in over low heat to ensure it melts smoothly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Cheeseburger soup is hearty and flavorful, but with a few finishing touches, you can take it to the next level.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup
- Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread, soft dinner rolls, or garlic bread to dip into the creamy broth.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with extras like bacon bits, pickles, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, or avocado so everyone can customize their own bowls.
- Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad or a classic Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of crumbled bacon, a drizzle of sour cream, and a scattering of chopped green onions add a pop of color and make the soup even more enticing.
- Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in edible bread bowls, which also soak up the delicious cheesy broth.
- Cheese Pull: Top each bowl with extra shredded cheese and let it melt before serving for that ooey-gooey cheese pull effect.
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Cheeseburger soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, do so before adding the cheese and milk. Dairy can separate when frozen, so it’s best to add the creamy ingredients when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
- Blending: For a slightly smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup before adding the ground beef back in. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier base while still keeping some chunks for texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the cheese and milk in the last 30 minutes.
Q: How do I make this soup thicker?
A: If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stirring it into the soup while it’s simmering.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
Q: How long does cheeseburger soup last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, cheeseburger soup will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
A: Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the milk and cheese. When reheating, add the dairy ingredients to ensure the soup retains its creamy texture.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of both worlds: the flavors of a classic cheeseburger and the warmth of a hearty, cheesy soup. With ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and plenty of cheddar cheese, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your pot and get cooking—the best cheeseburger soup awaits! Enjoy!
PrintThe Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
The best cheeseburger soup combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a rich, creamy soup. Ground beef, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and vegetables come together for a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Keywords: Cheeseburger soup, creamy cheeseburger soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Crumbled bacon (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until soft.
- Stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cooked ground beef, milk, and shredded cheddar. Cook until the cheese melts and the soup thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth or milk if needed.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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