Cheeseburger Soup
If you’re craving something warm, indulgent, and packed with comforting flavors, then this Cheeseburger Soup recipe is exactly what you need. Whip up creamy, hearty Cheeseburger Soup fast with simple ingredients, turning everyday basics into a dish that feels like your favorite cheeseburger in a cozy bowl. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want home-cooked goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, this soup fits perfectly in busy weeknight dinners.
- Rich and Creamy: The blend of cheese and cream gives it a velvety texture that satisfies deep comfort-food cravings.
- Family Favorite: The familiar burger flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike, making dinner easy for everyone.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with beef, potatoes, and veggies, it serves as a complete meal on its own.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the flavorful, creamy Cheeseburger Soup you’ll love. From the savory ground beef to the cheesy goodness, these simple staples combine to create a soup that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- Ground beef: The base protein adds hearty, meaty flavor essential for that cheeseburger taste.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics infuse the soup with a savory depth and a touch of sweetness.
- Potatoes: Provide comforting texture and help make the soup filling.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy richness that defines this soup.
- Milk and cream: Keep the broth smooth, balancing richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory liquid base, enhancing the meaty taste of the dish.
- Mustard and Worcestershire sauce: Add a subtle tang and complexity that replicate classic burger flavoring.
- Carrots and celery (optional): Introduce a slight crunch and brighten the dish colorfully and flavor-wise.
Variations for Cheeseburger Soup
This Cheeseburger Soup is incredibly easy to customize, so feel free to adjust ingredients or seasoning depending on what you have on hand, your dietary preferences, or just to mix things up and keep dinner exciting.
- Vegetarian swap: Use plant-based ground burger or extra mushrooms for a meaty texture without beef.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a flavor boost.
- Low-carb option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbs and keep the texture.
- Different cheeses: Try pepper jack, smoked gouda, or Swiss instead of cheddar for unique twists.
- Dairy-free: Substitute dairy with coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives to keep it creamy.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, and drain off excess fat for a cleaner soup base.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add finely chopped onions, garlic, and if using, diced carrots and celery to the same pot. Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, roughly 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Dairy and Seasonings
Lower the heat and slowly add milk and cream. Stir in mustard and Worcestershire sauce to enhance that classic cheeseburger flavor. Let it warm through gently without boiling.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and fully combined, resulting in a creamy and smooth soup consistency.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Taste your soup and season with salt, pepper, or additional Worcestershire sauce as needed. Remember to keep it balanced and rich without overwhelming the flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup
- Choose sharp cheddar: Sharp cheese adds more depth and better melts for creaminess.
- Don’t boil after adding cheese: High heat can cause cheese to separate or get grainy.
- Dice potatoes uniformly: This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use fresh aromatics: Fresh onions and garlic give a brighter, fresher flavor than powders.
- Allow soup to rest: Letting it sit for a few minutes after cooking improves the flavor meld.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
Top your Cheeseburger Soup with crisp bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for color and texture contrast. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool creaminess that complements the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up the cheesy broth. A simple green salad balances the richness while keeping the meal light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a fun, impressive touch or offer a build-your-own topping bar with cheese, pickles, diced onions, and ketchup to recreate the full cheeseburger experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it before sealing to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze Cheeseburger Soup in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Because of the dairy, thaw gently in the refrigerator and stir well to prevent separation.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures to keep the soup creamy and prevent cheese from clumping.
FAQs
Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté veggies first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cheese at the end to melt gently.
Is Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you avoid adding any thickening agents containing gluten or serve with gluten-free bread on the side.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative—just brown it and follow the same steps for a lighter yet still flavorful soup.
What cheese is best for Cheeseburger Soup?
Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with Colby, Monterey Jack, or a blend for varied flavor profiles.
How spicy is this recipe?
By default, this soup is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced peppers if you want a bit more heat.
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite burger, blended into a fulfilling and creamy soup that’s quick to make and sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or simply craving something cozy, this recipe is a warm hug in a bowl that’s just waiting for you to dig in!
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PrintCheeseburger Soup
This comforting and creamy Cheeseburger Soup combines classic cheeseburger flavors into a hearty, warming bowl. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features ground beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a rich broth, making it a perfect quick family meal with a velvety texture and crowd-pleasing taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced uniformly
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Vegetables
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Garnishes (Optional)
- Bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Dollop of sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, and drain off excess fat for a cleaner soup base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onions, garlic, and if using, diced carrots and celery to the same pot. Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, roughly 10-15 minutes.
- Incorporate Dairy and Seasonings: Lower the heat and slowly add milk and cream. Stir in mustard and Worcestershire sauce to enhance that classic cheeseburger flavor. Let it warm through gently without boiling.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and fully combined, resulting in a creamy and smooth soup consistency.
- Final Adjustments: Taste your soup and season with salt, pepper, or additional Worcestershire sauce as needed. Remember to keep it balanced and rich without overwhelming the flavors.
Notes
- Choose sharp cheddar for deeper flavor and better melting.
- Do not boil soup after adding cheese to prevent graininess.
- Dice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use fresh onions and garlic for a brighter, fresher taste.
- Allow soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking to meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheeseburger soup, comfort food, creamy soup, quick dinner, family meal, gluten free soup
