If you’re craving the comforting flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in soup form, this Cheeseburger Soup recipe will blow you away. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, and plenty of cheddar cheese, creating a hearty meal that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger in a bowl. Topped with crispy bacon, pickles, and all the classic burger fixings, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a filling, satisfying meal, this soup is easy to prepare and comes together in under an hour. Let’s dive into this delicious, hearty dish!

What Is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, rich soup that combines all the best flavors of a cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, onions, potatoes, and seasonings—into a comforting and hearty dish. The soup base is thickened with a roux and infused with cheese to give it a creamy, cheesy texture that tastes just like the filling of a cheeseburger. Topped with classic burger garnishes like bacon, pickles, and even shredded lettuce, this soup is like enjoying a cheeseburger with every spoonful!

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Cheeseburger Soup:

For the Soup:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups diced potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
2 tablespoon butter
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for burger flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped pickles (optional, for a true cheeseburger feel)
Chopped green onions or chives
Sour cream (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few popular substitutions and variations for Cheeseburger Soup:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk and cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Low-Carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced turnips for a lower-carb version of this soup.
Add veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to bulk up the soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Cheeseburger Soup:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make a Roux

While the potatoes are cooking, in a separate small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour to make a roux, and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns golden and thickens slightly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Roux and Cheese

Stir the roux mixture into the soup, allowing it to thicken.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
Season with paprika, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Stir in the Ground Beef

Return the cooked ground beef to the soup and stir well to combine.
Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Prepare the Toppings

While the soup simmers, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
Prepare any other toppings like extra cheese, pickles, or green onions.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped pickles, and green onions.
Add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness if desired.
Serve with crusty bread or buns on the side to complete the cheeseburger experience.

How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cheeseburger Soup is easy to make in just one pot and comes together quickly. Start by browning the ground beef, then sauté the vegetables to build the flavor base. The potatoes cook in broth until tender, and then everything is thickened with a rich roux and plenty of cheddar cheese. Finally, add the ground beef back into the pot and serve it with all your favorite cheeseburger toppings like bacon, pickles, and shredded cheese. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in and can easily be made in under an hour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

Not draining the beef: Be sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef. Too much grease can make the soup oily.
Undercooking the potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before adding the roux and cheese.
Overcooking the cheese: Once you add the cheese, keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
Forgetting to taste: Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so make sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cheeseburger Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few tips to make it even better:

Serve with bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even burger buns to soak up all the creamy broth.
Top like a burger: Create a toppings bar with classic cheeseburger fixings like crispy bacon, pickles, chopped lettuce, and tomatoes so everyone can customize their bowl.
Add a dollop of sour cream: A swirl of sour cream adds an extra layer of creaminess to the soup and pairs well with the cheesy broth.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup is best served hot, topped with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, and pickles for that true cheeseburger flavor. Serve it in bowls with plenty of toppings on the side so everyone can customize their soup. For a fun twist, serve it with toasted hamburger buns or dinner rolls on the side. You can also pair it with a simple salad to balance out the richness of the soup.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

Even though Cheeseburger Soup is a casual, homey dish, there are still ways to make it look appetizing:

Serve in bread bowls: Hollow out small bread loaves and ladle the soup into the center for a fun, hearty presentation.
Top with extra cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on top of each bowl and pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese for an extra gooey finish.
Garnish with pickles and bacon: Arrange the pickles, bacon, and green onions neatly on top for a colorful, visually appealing presentation.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time:

Use sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a more pronounced flavor compared to mild cheddar. For extra cheesiness, you can even mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
Thicken to your liking: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more roux or blend some of the potatoes to create a heartier consistency.
Make it ahead: This soup stores well and reheats easily, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes! Cheeseburger Soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little more broth or milk to thin it out, as it tends to thicken as it cools.

Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Cheeseburger Soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in more broth or milk if needed.

What kind of potatoes should I use?

Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for Cheeseburger Soup. Russets will break down a bit more and help thicken the soup, while Yukon Golds hold their shape and provide a buttery texture.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect mashup of your favorite comfort food flavors—all in one cozy bowl! With savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, this hearty soup will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Topped with crispy bacon, pickles, and all the classic cheeseburger fixings, it’s a fun, delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with bread or hamburger buns for dipping, and enjoy a bowl of rich, creamy comfort food that will leave everyone asking for seconds!