If you love the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but crave something warm and comforting, this Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect dish for you. Packed with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and hearty potatoes, it delivers the rich, savory goodness of a classic burger in a creamy, spoonable form.
This soup is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. It’s easy to make and can be customized with crispy bacon, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite soup or a creative twist on a classic meal, this Cheeseburger Soup will not disappoint!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the onions until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated.
- Add diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and dried basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef, milk, and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Mix in sour cream and crumbled bacon (if using).
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Cheeseburger Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect blend of two comfort food favorites: a juicy cheeseburger and a warm, creamy soup. This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, cheesy, and satisfying meals. It’s a family-friendly option that’s easy to make and can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your taste.
This soup is especially popular during the colder months when hearty meals become essential. However, it’s so delicious that you might find yourself making it year-round. With a velvety texture, savory beef, and gooey cheddar cheese, every spoonful is packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or something to impress guests, Cheeseburger Soup delivers on all fronts.
Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Soup
There are plenty of reasons to love this dish. Here’s what makes it special:
- It’s Comforting and Hearty – The combination of potatoes, ground beef, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious soup on the table in under an hour.
- Great for Meal Prep – It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Customizable – You can add different toppings, substitute ingredients, or adjust the consistency to make it perfect for your preferences.
- Kid-Friendly – Kids love cheeseburgers, and this soup delivers all those familiar flavors in a fun and comforting way.
The Origins of Cheeseburger Soup
While no single person is credited with inventing Cheeseburger Soup, the concept is believed to have originated in American kitchens where home cooks sought to create a soup that mimicked the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. It quickly became a favorite in Midwestern states, where comfort food recipes thrive. Over time, different variations have emerged, including versions with bacon, pickles, and even mustard for an extra burger-like taste.
What Makes Cheeseburger Soup Unique?
Unlike other creamy soups, Cheeseburger Soup captures the essence of a cheeseburger in every bite. The rich and cheesy base, combined with the heartiness of ground beef and potatoes, sets it apart from other meat-based soups like chili or beef stew. It’s a perfect example of how traditional comfort foods can be transformed into new and exciting dishes.
How to Customize Cheeseburger Soup
One of the best things about this soup is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Make It Spicier – Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Add Bacon – For a bacon cheeseburger twist, stir in crispy bacon bits.
- Include Pickles – Chopped dill pickles add a tangy contrast that enhances the burger-like flavors.
- Use Different Cheeses – While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist.
- Thicken or Thin the Soup – If you prefer a thicker soup, add a little extra cheese or a flour-based roux. If you want it thinner, simply stir in more broth or milk.
- Make It Low-Carb – Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower for a low-carb version that still delivers great texture and flavor.
Best Sides and Toppings for Cheeseburger Soup
To take this dish to the next level, pair it with complementary sides and toppings.
- Crusty Bread – A warm slice of toasted bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread – For extra flavor, serve with homemade garlic bread.
- French Fries – Since the soup is inspired by a cheeseburger, why not serve it with crispy fries?
- Crackers – Simple, buttery crackers add a satisfying crunch.
- Toppings: Extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream can enhance the presentation and taste.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
- Freezing: Cheeseburger Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, because it contains dairy, the texture may slightly change upon reheating. To prevent separation, stir well when reheating and consider adding a little extra milk or broth.
- Reheating: Warm up the soup on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Soup is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves rich, comforting meals. It combines all the best flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prep, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit.
With easy customization options, it can be adapted to fit any dietary preference or flavor craving. Pair it with your favorite sides, top it with delicious extras, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. If you haven’t made Cheeseburger Soup yet, now is the perfect time to give it a try!