Craving the flavors of a cheeseburger but in a warm, cozy bowl? Look no further than this Easy Cheeseburger Soup! This creamy, hearty soup is packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, and loads of melty cheese, giving you all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in soup form. Perfect for a chilly day or a quick weeknight dinner, this soup is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s a delicious one-pot meal that the whole family will love!
What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger soup is a creamy, savory soup that combines all the elements of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheddar cheese, onions, and potatoes—into a rich, hearty soup. This dish takes everything you love about a cheeseburger and transforms it into a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for fall and winter. The soup is thick, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, often topped with crispy bacon bits, fresh tomatoes, or even pickles for an extra cheeseburger-like touch!
Ingredients List for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s everything you need to make this comforting soup:
For the Soup:
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. You can use lean ground beef (90/10) or regular ground beef (80/20), depending on your preference.
- Potatoes: 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well for a buttery texture.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. Yellow or white onions are best for their mild flavor.
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced. Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.
- Celery: 2 stalks of celery, diced. Adds a bit of crunch and flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds depth to the flavor.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (960ml) of low-sodium chicken broth. This forms the base of the soup and gives it a savory backbone.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200g) of shredded cheddar cheese. Use sharp cheddar for a bold, cheesy flavor.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) for a rich, creamy texture. You can substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter option.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, to thicken the soup.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Optional Toppings:
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for extra flavor and crunch.
- Pickles: Chopped dill pickles for a fun cheeseburger touch.
- Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes for added freshness.
- Green onions: Sliced for garnish.
- Croutons: Adds a crunchy topping, mimicking the bun of a cheeseburger.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheeseburger soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Ground Meat Alternatives: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You can also use plant-based ground "meat" for a vegetarian option.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk to make the soup dairy-free.
- Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. Mushrooms also add a great umami flavor to the soup.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is the classic cheese for cheeseburger soup, feel free to use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Velveeta for extra creaminess.
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, skip the potatoes and add cauliflower instead. You can also thicken the soup with cream cheese rather than flour.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious, cheesy soup.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let the soup cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
- While the soup is simmering, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Stir in the cheese sauce and mix everything together until well combined.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, chopped pickles, or diced tomatoes. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Cook Easy Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown ground beef, drain excess fat, and set aside.
- Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter until softened.
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Make a cheese sauce by whisking butter, flour, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese together.
- Stir the cheese sauce and cooked ground beef into the soup and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not Cooking the Potatoes Thoroughly: Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before adding the cheese sauce. Undercooked potatoes can ruin the texture of the soup.
- Curdling the Cheese Sauce: Avoid adding the cheese directly to boiling soup as it can curdle. Instead, make a separate cheese sauce by melting the cheese into a creamy roux with butter and flour, then stir it into the soup.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. For the best texture, shred the cheese yourself from a block.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Cheeseburger Soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are a few ways to make the soup look as great as it tastes:
- Garnish Generously: Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, chopped pickles, or diced tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Add Crunch with Croutons: Top the soup with homemade croutons for a crunchy element that mimics a cheeseburger bun.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
This soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving:
- With a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
- With Bread: Pair the soup with garlic bread, breadsticks, or a warm loaf of French bread to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
- With Fries: For a fun twist, serve the soup with a side of oven-baked fries to recreate the classic burger-and-fries combo.
Presentation Ideas for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Here are some presentation ideas to make your Cheeseburger Soup look as appealing as it tastes:
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
- Serve in Bread Bowls: For a cozy presentation, serve the soup in edible bread bowls.
- Add a Cheese Drizzle: For extra cheesiness, drizzle a little melted cheddar cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Make It Ahead: Cheeseburger soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid curdling the cheese.
- Use a Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven is perfect for making this soup because it distributes heat evenly and helps prevent scorching.
- Adjust the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add a little extra broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cheese.
Q: Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?
A: It’s best not to freeze this soup because the dairy and potatoes may change texture when thawed and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the cheese and cream, and add them when reheating.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add the vegetables, broth, and potatoes to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cheese and cream at the end.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth and coziness of a creamy, hearty soup. Packed with tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a chilly evening or making a big batch for a party, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it out today, and enjoy all the cheesy, beefy goodness in every spoonful!
PrintEasy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe is a comforting, creamy dish packed with seasoned ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheese. It’s the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course-soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (or 1 cup heavy cream)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside. - Sauté vegetables:
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. - Add potatoes and broth:
Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken or beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. - Thicken the soup:
In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the evaporated milk (or heavy cream). Slowly stir this mixture into the soup to thicken. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes. - Add cheese and beef:
Stir in the cooked ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. - Serve hot:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced bacon or top with croutons.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
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