Cheeseburger Soup

Introduction

Think a cheeseburger can’t be a cozy, spoonable comfort food? Think again. This Cheeseburger Soup recipe masterfully transforms the classic American sandwich into a rich, hearty, and utterly delicious one-pot meal that delivers all the beloved flavors in a warming bowl.

Perfect for chilly nights, this soup combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheeses, and classic burger toppings for a uniquely satisfying experience. It’s the ultimate comfort food hack that proves you can have your burger and eat it with a spoon, too.

Ingredients

This Cheeseburger Soup comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that create a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying bowl reminiscent of your favorite burger.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup shredded carrots
• 2 ribs celery, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Cheeseburger Soup recipe comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to streamlined prep and cooking steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. For the best flavor, do not drain the fat unless using a very high-fat content beef.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add 1 cup of diced onion and 1 cup of diced celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3 — Add Broth and Potatoes

Pour in 4 cups of chicken or beef broth and add 3 cups of peeled, diced russet potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4 — Create the Roux

In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux. This will thicken your Cheeseburger Soup beautifully.

Step 5 — Incorporate the Roux and Dairy

Gradually whisk 2 cups of whole milk into the roux until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 6 — Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Do not allow the soup to boil after adding the cheese to prevent separation.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning

Season the Cheeseburger Soup with 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste. For an authentic burger flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of yellow mustard and a tablespoon of ketchup.

Step 8 — Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with classic cheeseburger toppings like crumbled cooked bacon, diced dill pickles, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	32g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Ground Turkey or Chicken — A leaner protein option that maintains the savory, meaty base of this Cheeseburger Soup while reducing overall fat content.
• Cauliflower Rice — A lower-carb alternative to potatoes that adds bulk and texture without the starchy carbs, perfect for a keto-friendly version.
• Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Cheese — Provides a dairy-free, cheesy flavor for those avoiding lactose or following a plant-based diet.
• Low-Sodium Broth & No-Salt-Added Tomatoes — Significantly cuts down on sodium while still building a rich, flavorful soup base.
• Greek Yogurt or Coconut Milk — Swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt adds protein and tang, while coconut milk offers a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Flour or Cornstarch — Use as a thickener instead of all-purpose flour to make this Cheeseburger Soup completely gluten-free.
• Extra Veggies (Spinach, Bell Peppers) — Boost fiber and nutrients by stirring in leafy greens or colorful peppers at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this hearty Cheeseburger Soup with a crisp side salad or a classic cinnamon roll for a delightful sweet and savory combination.
• Serve it in a bread bowl for a fun, edible container that enhances the cheeseburger experience.
• This soup is perfect for game day gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or any cozy autumn evening.
• Top with extra shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, and a dollop of sour cream to mimic classic burger toppings.
• For a complete meal, offer a side of seasoned fries or onion rings for dipping.
• Garnish with fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

This comforting Cheeseburger Soup is incredibly versatile and sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. Fix: Always shred a block of sharp cheddar or Velveeta from cold for a smooth, creamy melt.
• Mistake: Overcooking the potatoes, causing them to disintegrate and thicken the soup too much. Fix: Cut potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes and add them later in the simmering process so they hold their shape.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of rendering the fat from the ground beef, resulting in a greasy broth. Fix: Brown the beef thoroughly first, drain the excess fat, and then proceed with building your soup base.
• Mistake: Adding dairy products like milk or cream too early and at a boil, which can cause them to curdle. Fix: Temper the dairy by stirring in room-temperature cream or milk off the heat at the very end.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the soup, as potatoes and dairy mute saltiness. Fix: Season in layers: salt the beef while browning, the broth as it simmers, and do a final taste test before serving.
• Mistake: Using weak, watery broth that dilutes the rich, cheesy flavor. Fix: Opt for a full-fat, low-sodium beef broth to have better control over the salt content and final flavor intensity.
• Mistake: Not building a proper roux, leading to a thin, broken soup. Fix: Cook the flour and butter mixture for a full minute to eliminate the raw taste before slowly whisking in your liquid.
• Mistake: Forgetting the classic cheeseburger toppings, which are essential for authentic flavor. Fix: Garnish each bowl with crisp cooked bacon, diced dill pickles, and a dollop of ketchup or mustard.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Cheeseburger Soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen Cheeseburger Soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For best results when reheating this cheeseburger soup, you may need to add a small splash of broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This hearty and comforting Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate one-pot meal, combining all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, satisfying bowl. We hope you love this family-friendly recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and be sure to leave a comment with your review, or subscribe for more delicious recipes like this.

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FAQs

Can I make this Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Cheeseburger Soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.

What type of cheese works best for Cheeseburger Soup?

We recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for its rich flavor and smooth melting quality. For the best results, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which may not melt as evenly.

Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

Freezing is not recommended for this Cheeseburger Soup recipe, as the dairy components may separate and become grainy upon thawing. For optimal taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated for a few days.