Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty cheeseburger soup that captures restaurant-style flavors right in your kitchen.

Memories of classic diner meals blend with creamy, rich ingredients to create something magical.

Surprisingly simple techniques transform everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Meat lovers and soup enthusiasts will instantly fall in love with this decadent recipe.

Crispy burger-inspired toppings add unexpected crunch and depth to each spoonful.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this soup delivers pure deliciousness.

Dig into a bowl that promises warmth, satisfaction, and pure culinary joy.

Fan Favorites in Cheeseburger Soup

  • This cheeseburger soup transforms a favorite burger into a heartwarming, cozy meal that delivers all the delicious flavors in a spoonable format.
  • With just one pot and simple ingredients, home cooks can whip up a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.
  • Kids and adults alike will love the familiar cheeseburger taste combined with the comforting warmth of a creamy soup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
  • The straightforward cooking method and limited ingredient list mean busy families can enjoy a hearty, restaurant-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Cheeseburger Soup

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the classic cheeseburger taste, best when lean to reduce excess grease.
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for better flavor.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: These aromatics build a deep, savory foundation for the soup, adding depth and classic cheeseburger-like flavor profile.
Soup Base and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.

Cooking Guide for Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Toss in ground beef and cook until nicely browned, crumbling meat with a wooden spoon. Remove excess grease and set cooked beef to the side.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, slide in diced onions and minced garlic. Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced carrots
  • Chopped celery
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Sauté the vegetables until they start to soften and develop a golden color.

Step 4: Introduce Potato Chunks

Fold in diced potatoes and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture. Let potatoes begin to cook and absorb the savory flavors from the base.

Step 5: Pour In Liquid Components

Splash in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let potatoes cook until tender.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 7: Return Beef To Pot

Add the previously cooked ground beef back into the soup. Stir to distribute evenly and heat through.

Step 8: Final Seasoning And Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Optional: Top with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese before serving.

Tips to Make Cheeseburger Soup Even Better

  • Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Caramelize onions slightly longer for a richer, sweeter taste that adds complexity to the soup's overall profile.
  • Choose Quality Cheese: Select a sharp cheddar or blend of melting cheeses like Gruyère for a more robust and creamy cheeseburger soup experience.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian-friendly versions of the soup.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Add potato cubes gradually and monitor liquid levels to achieve your desired thickness, adjusting with extra broth if needed.

Store Cheeseburger Soup Without the Hassle

  • Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with potatoes, as they can become grainy when thawed.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F to ensure food safety.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to prevent hot spots.

Meals That Match Cheeseburger Soup Perfectly

  • Choose a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the hearty beef flavor, cutting through the soup's richness with its tannic structure.
  • Reach for an amber ale or brown ale, whose malty sweetness balances the savory ground beef and creamy cheese elements wonderfully.
  • Prepare a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast against the soup's heavy, creamy texture, adding brightness to the meal.
  • Grab a rustic sourdough or garlic bread to dip into the soup, soaking up the cheesy broth and adding delightful textural dimension to each bite.

Fun Flavor Twists on Cheeseburger Soup

  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based protein crumbles or lentils for a hearty meatless version that maintains the soup's rich texture.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, using coconut milk instead of heavy cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
  • Low-Carb Burger Soup: Eliminate potatoes and replace with cauliflower chunks, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the soup safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty cheeseburger soup delivers classic American comfort straight to your kitchen, blending rich beef flavors with creamy potato goodness. Warm, cheesy spoonfuls promise a satisfying meal that connects home cooks with nostalgic diner-style deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Additional Components:

  • 3 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, crumbling the meat while cooking. Drain excess grease and transfer beef to a separate dish.
  2. Use the same pot to sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their sweet and pungent flavors.
  3. Incorporate diced carrots and celery into the pot, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and developing a robust vegetable base for the soup.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that will help thicken the soup’s consistency.
  5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy texture.
  6. Return the browned beef to the pot, introducing rich meaty depth to the developing soup.
  7. Add cubed potatoes and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together.
  8. Once potatoes are tender and soup has thickened, reduce heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated.
  9. Finish by garnishing with crispy bacon bits and fresh chopped parsley, adding textural contrast and bright flavor to the hearty cheeseburger soup.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by using high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content for richer taste and juiciness.
  • Prevent curdling when adding dairy by gradually introducing cheese and keeping soup heat low after adding cream.
  • Transform this soup into a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or almond flour for thickening.
  • Enhance nutrition by incorporating extra vegetables like diced carrots or chopped spinach during the sautéing stage for added color and health benefits.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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