Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe to Warm You Up

Cozy up with this easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe—a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines all the satisfying elements of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting bowl. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave indulgent comfort food, this soup is packed with hearty ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, tender potatoes, and a luscious creamy base that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests who love familiar flavors, this Cheeseburger Soup delivers pure comfort with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together effortlessly for a delicious meal.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, potatoes, and creamy cheese to satisfy hunger.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it great for busy days.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves the familiar cheeseburger flavors in a cozy soup form.
• Customizable: Adapt easily with variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this easy Cheeseburger Soup truly shine. Each element plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and creaminess, from the savory ground beef to the sharp cheddar cheese that melts perfectly throughout the soup.

• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the base.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the savory profile.
• Potatoes: Use russet or Yukon gold for a creamy, satisfying bite.
• Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
• Celery stalks: Adds mild earthiness and crunch.
• Beef broth: Builds the flavorful liquid foundation.
• Milk and heavy cream: Give the soup its indulgent creaminess.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is key for that iconic cheeseburger flavor.
• Tomato paste: Brings a hint of tang and color.
• Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and depth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.

Variations for Cheeseburger Soup

Feel free to play around with this recipe to find your perfect bowl of comfort. This Cheeseburger Soup is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary needs.

• Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to give it a little heat.
• Low-carb option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbs.
• Cheese variety: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a fun twist.
• Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers or corn for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits left from the beef for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Liquids

Stir in diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Mix in Dairy and Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly stir in milk and heavy cream. Add shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without clumps.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup warm through for a few more minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup

• Use sharp cheddar: It has bold flavor and melts better for a creamy texture.
• Don’t skip draining beef fat: It keeps the soup from becoming greasy.
• Add cheese gradually: Prevents clumping and ensures a smooth finish.
• Simmer gently: Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
• Chop veggies uniformly: Ensures even cooking and better texture.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

Top with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or extra shredded cheddar cheese to add a fresh and flavorful finishing touch that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm, buttery cornbread to complement the richness of the soup and create a perfectly balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual mini cast iron pots for a charming and fun presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy nights.

Freezing

While you can freeze the soup, keep in mind that dairy can change texture slightly. Freeze in portions without cheese, then add fresh shredded cheese when reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free beef broth and substitute any flour if used for thickening with cornstarch or another gluten-free alternative.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How long does Cheeseburger Soup last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

While you can, freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier texture without clumping.

What’s the best way to thicken this soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, mash a few cooked potatoes against the side of the pot, or stir in a cornstarch slurry made with equal parts cornstarch and cold water.

Final Thoughts

This easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a fast favorite. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and familiar flavors, it’s a soul-warming bowl perfect for any day you need a little extra cozy in your life. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and give this soup a try. You’ll be so glad you did!

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