If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and bursting with classic burger flavors, dig into comforting Cheeseburger Soup. This delicious blend of savory beef, melted cheese, and familiar ingredients delivers all the joy of a cheeseburger without the bun, making it the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a filling, flavorful meal that’s easy to whip up and share.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-one comfort: Combines the satisfying flavors of a cheeseburger into a rich, creamy soup that warms you up from the inside out.
- Simple and quick: Uses everyday ingredients so you can get dinner on the table fast without fuss.
- Family-friendly: Mild, cheesy, and packed with familiar tastes everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with veggie or protein swaps to fit your dietary preferences.
- Perfect leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making great meal prep or lunch options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheeseburger Soup plays a key role, whether adding richness, texture, or that comforting cheeseburger flavor you love. These simple staples come together to create an unforgettable bowl of yum.
- Ground beef: The foundation for savory flavor and hearty protein.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Gives a punch of aromatic warmth.
- Potatoes: Provide a creamy, tender texture that makes the soup filling.
- Carrots: Bring a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Beef broth: The savory liquid base that ties everything together.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly for rich, cheesy indulgence.
- Milk or cream: Adds lush creaminess and balances the savory notes.
- Tomato paste: A subtle tang that mimics the burger’s ketchup element.
- Mustard: A classic hint of tang that lifts the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all ingredients.
Variations for Cheeseburger Soup
This Cheeseburger Soup recipe opens the door to endless adaptations. Whether you want it lighter, dairy-free, or with a twist, it’s super easy to make adjustments that suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms for a meat-free option.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut milk or almond milk to keep it creamy without butter or cheese.
- Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or peas to boost nutrition and color.
- Low-carb version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower rice or chopped cauliflower for a keto-friendly meal.
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How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the beef and aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until nicely browned. Drain excess fat, then add onions and garlic to cook until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2: Add the vegetables and broth
Stir in diced potatoes and carrots, then pour in the beef broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Blend in the dairy and seasonings
Lower the heat and stir in milk or cream, tomato paste, mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Let everything warm through gently without boiling to prevent curdling.
Step 4: Melt in the cheese
Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. This step is key to achieving that creamy, cheesy consistency throughout the soup.
Step 5: Taste and finish
Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or mustard for extra zing. Once the soup is perfectly balanced, it’s ready to serve hot.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup
- Use sharp cheddar: It melts beautifully and adds a robust cheesy flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Letting potatoes soften fully ensures a creamy, hearty texture.
- Drain the beef fat: Prevents the soup from becoming greasy and lets the flavors shine.
- Stir cheese slowly: Adds silkiness without clumping or graininess.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a little kick and fresh aroma at the end.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
Top your bowl with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and texture that feels just like a loaded cheeseburger.
Side Dishes
Serve with crusty bread, soft pretzel rolls, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the soup and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in toasted bread bowls or ramekins, or sprinkle crushed potato chips on top for that unexpected burger joint crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight!
Freezing
Cheeseburger Soup freezes well. Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to recombine any separated ingredients. Add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?
Absolutely! Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses can give the soup a different but equally delicious flavor and texture.
Is Cheeseburger Soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep because it stores well and tastes great reheated, saving you time on busy days.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except cheese and dairy to the slow cooker. Add cheese and milk at the very end to prevent curdling.
How can I make Cheeseburger Soup lower in calories?
Use lean ground beef or turkey, substitute milk for cream, and add more veggies like cauliflower or spinach to boost volume without extra calories.
Can I freeze leftovers with cheese already mixed in?
It’s best to freeze without the cheese added, then stir in fresh cheese when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup is a delicious celebration of classic comfort food flavors in a cozy, creamy bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just want a satisfying treat, this recipe delivers. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to soup that’s perfect for any day of the week!
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Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if broth is gluten-free), can be adapted for low-carb, vegetarian, or dairy-free
Description
Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and comforting soup that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy bowl without the bun. Featuring savory ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and familiar seasonings, this soup is perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a filling and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
Dairy and Flavorings
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until nicely browned. Drain excess fat, then add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the vegetables and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, then pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Blend in the dairy and seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in milk or cream, tomato paste, mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Warm gently without boiling to avoid curdling.
- Melt in the cheese: Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth to achieve a creamy, cheesy consistency throughout the soup.
- Taste and finish: Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or mustard for extra zing. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting and robust flavor.
- Do not rush simmering to let potatoes soften fully for a creamy texture.
- Drain excess beef fat to prevent greasiness and enhance flavor.
- Stir cheese slowly to avoid clumping or graininess.
- Add fresh cracked black pepper at the end for a nice kick and aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg