Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
If you have ever dreamed of combining all the best parts of a cheeseburger into a comforting, creamy bowl of soup, then this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich with melted cheddar cheese, tender ground beef, and hearty potatoes, it captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger with the cozy warmth of a homemade soup. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a filling, delicious meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe; each one brings a unique flavor, texture, or color that makes this soup truly special and satisfying. From the savory ground beef to the creamy cheese and tender veggies, these simple staples come together beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The savory heart of the soup providing rich, meaty flavor and protein.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): Helps soften the veggies and prevents sticking if the beef doesn’t release much fat.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it sautés with garlic.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings a fragrant warmth that enhances every bite.
- Carrots, diced (2 medium): Introduces natural sweetness and a bright pop of color.
- Celery stalks, diced (2): Offers a crisp, fresh texture and classic soup base flavor.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of herbal perfume that complements the beef perfectly.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Brings a fresh, green note to brighten the hearty soup.
- Peeled and diced potatoes (3 cups): Make the soup wonderfully filling and add a creamy texture as they cook down.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Creates a savory cooking liquid that blends all the flavors together.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps thicken the soup into a luscious, velvety texture.
- Milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and balances out the richness from the cheese and beef.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The star ingredient for that unmistakable cheeseburger taste and gooey texture.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Lends tang and extra creaminess, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients to life.
- Optional toppings: Crumbled bacon, pickles, shredded lettuce, and extra cheese to dress the soup like your favorite burger.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks for even texture. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily, then set the meat aside. This step builds the deep meaty flavor foundation that’s essential for this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies
If your pan looks dry after draining the beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften, about 5 to 6 minutes. This mixture creates that classic soup base flavor and brings a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory beef. Don’t forget to stir in the dried basil and parsley here to let their aroma bloom.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, add the peeled, diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let this cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. This step adds thickness and hearty substance to the soup, making it a full meal in a bowl.
Step 4: Thicken with a Milk-Flour Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the milk until perfectly smooth. Gradually pour this into your simmering soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop that creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting and irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Meat and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the cooked ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, giving the soup a luscious, smooth consistency and that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor. This is the moment the soup truly transforms into the hearty comfort food you’ve been craving.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Seasoning
Finally, remove the soup from the heat and stir in the sour cream for an extra layer of creaminess and tang. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve the soup piping hot, inviting everyone to dig into this bowl of cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While the soup is delicious as-is, adding some toppings really elevates the experience. Crumbled bacon adds smoky crunch, pickles bring a sharp tanginess, shredded lettuce offers a fresh crispness, and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese creates a melty, decadent finish. These garnishes mimic the classic burger toppings and make every spoonful exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve your cheeseburger soup with some crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping, or alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the soup. A few oven-roasted potato wedges could also echo the flavors and textures while keeping the meal fun and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for a playful twist. You can also layer garnishes in individual bowls so guests can customize their soup experience. The bright colors of the veggies and toppings make it visually appealing and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the soup in a suitable container for up to 3 months. To avoid texture changes, add the sour cream fresh when you reheat. This way, you keep the creamy texture and rich flavor intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a little milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving rapidly as it may cause cheese to separate, but if you do use a microwave, heat in short bursts with stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharp taste and meltability, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky gouda. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses will change the flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein, lentils, or mushrooms to mimic the meaty texture while keeping it meat-free. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Why do I need to whisk the flour into the milk first?
Whisking the flour into the milk before adding it to the soup ensures a smooth mixture without lumps. It acts as a slurry to thicken the soup evenly and prevent clumps from forming in your creamy base.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
You can swap milk for heavy cream or half-and-half if you want a richer, more decadent soup. Just be mindful that it will also increase the overall fat content and calorie count, but it will definitely add a luxurious texture.
What are some good make-ahead tips for this recipe?
Prepare the soup up to the point before adding sour cream, then refrigerate. Add sour cream fresh when reheating to keep the soup silky. You can also chop veggies and brown the beef ahead of time to speed up the cooking process on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is hands-down one of the coziest, most satisfying meals you can make with everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to sit down, relax, and enjoy moments of pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I encourage you to try this recipe and discover how easy and rewarding making a cheeseburger-inspired soup can be.
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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Cheeseburger Soup combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, hearty soup. Ground beef, tender potatoes, and savory vegetables are simmered in a cheesy broth, making it an ideal main course for a cozy meal. Topped with bacon, pickles, or extra cheese, it offers a deliciously rich and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Crumbled bacon
- Pickles
- Shredded lettuce
- Extra cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: If the pot is dry, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add herbs and potatoes: Stir in the dried basil and parsley. Add the peeled and diced potatoes along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Create the thickening mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour into the milk until completely smooth to avoid lumps.
- Thicken the soup: Gradually add the milk and flour mixture into the simmering soup while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken slightly.
- Finish the soup: Reduce heat to low. Stir the cooked ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese into the soup until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy and smooth.
- Add sour cream and season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream for extra creaminess. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and offer optional toppings like crumbled bacon, pickles, shredded lettuce, and extra cheese to customize the flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half or add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.
- This soup is substantial enough to serve as a complete dinner.
- It reheats well, making it great for leftovers the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
