Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe – Easy and Hearty

best-cheeseburger-soup-recipe

Introduction

Craving the classic, comforting taste of a juicy cheeseburger but longing for something warm and spoonable to combat the chilly weather? You are certainly not alone. Furthermore, sometimes you need a meal that hugs you from the inside out, a dish that delivers all those familiar flavors in a brand new way. This incredible Cheeseburger Soup recipe does exactly that, transforming your favorite cookout staple into a creamy, dreamy, and utterly satisfying bowl of comfort.

Cheeseburger Soup is a wonderfully inventive and hearty soup that masterfully captures the essential flavors of an all-American cheeseburger in a cozy, liquid form. Essentially, it starts with a savory base of ground beef and aromatic vegetables like onions and celery. Then, we build a rich, creamy broth using broth, tomatoes, and a generous amount of melted cheese. Finally, we finish it with classic burger toppings like crisp bacon, fresh pickles, and a drizzle of mustard, making each spoonful a complete flavor experience. This recipe matters because it solves a real problem for home cooks: it delivers ultimate comfort and nostalgia without requiring a grill or a bun. It is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, a game day gathering, or whenever you need a reliable pick-me-up. Moreover, this dish fits our blog’s ethos perfectly, as we always strive to share easy comfort food recipes that bring families together around the table. Ultimately, this one-pot wonder is surprisingly straightforward to make, yet it delivers a “wow” factor that will have everyone asking for seconds. For another fantastic one-pot meal that simplifies cleanup, you must try our popular Creamy Chicken and Rice.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Cheeseburger Soup holds a special place in my heart because it was my grandmother’s ingenious solution for feeding a hungry family on a cold Midwestern night. I vividly remember her pulling a steaming pot from the stove, the air filling with the unmistakable aroma of savory beef and melted cheese. Consequently, it instantly became more than just dinner; it became a symbol of warmth, creativity, and love. I love recreating that feeling in my own kitchen, and now this soup is my go-to for creating new memories with my own kids, who happily devour every last cheesy drop.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

Cheeseburger Soup delivers a powerful nutritional punch in a single, comforting bowl. For instance, the lean ground beef provides a fantastic source of high-quality protein and iron, which actively supports muscle repair and healthy energy levels. Furthermore, the potatoes and carrots contribute valuable complex carbohydrates and fiber, promoting a steady release of energy and aiding digestion.

Moreover, the dairy base in Cheeseburger Soup offers a significant calcium boost for strong bones. Additionally, you can easily control the sodium and fat content by choosing low-sodium broth and lean meat, making it a smarter choice than a traditional fast-food burger. Ultimately, this soup combines essential macronutrients and micronutrients in a delicious, hydrating format. Consequently, a warm bowl of Cheeseburger Soup truly satisfies your cravings while fueling your body effectively.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

This Cheeseburger Soup fits beautifully into a balanced eating plan. You can easily tailor it to meet specific health goals, such as using a whole wheat flour thickener for extra fiber or opting for a low-fat cheese to keep it heart-smart. Its high protein content makes it incredibly satisfying, which helps you feel full longer and supports weight management goals. For more ideas on crafting nutritious meals, explore our guide to easy weekly meal prep.

Enjoying a hearty, homemade soup like this is a perfect strategy for mindful eating. It allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding the excessive preservatives and sodium often found in restaurant versions. Pair a serving with a simple side salad for a complete and nourishing lunch or dinner that feels indulgent without the guilt. If you’re looking for other comforting yet healthy options, our collection of healthy comfort food recipes has plenty of inspiration.

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best-cheeseburger-soup-recipe

Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

  • Author: Chef mia

Description

Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup is a thick and hearty soup with lean, tender ground beef, shredded carrots, diced celery and potatoes in a warm and creamy base that blends perfectly to create the perfect creamy soup with chunks of vegetables and tender beef.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Ingredients:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon basil
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons butter (additional)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef:
  2. Cook the ground beef in a 3-quart saucepan until browned. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté vegetables:
  4. In the same saucepan, add 1 tablespoon butter, onion, shredded carrots, parsley flakes, basil, and celery. Sauté until tender.
  5. Add in beef and potatoes then simmer:
  6. Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  7. Make a roux:
  8. In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and add the flour. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly.
  9. Add roux to soup and cook:
  10. Add the roux to the soup and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  11. Add in remaining ingredients and cook:
  12. Stir in shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream.

s-dish">How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, you can chop your onions, celery, and carrots. Consequently, this prep-work multitasking saves you precious minutes. Drain any excess grease from the beef, then add your chopped veggies and cook them until they soften. Next, stir in the minced garlic for just one minute until it becomes fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture, then stir constantly for another two minutes to cook off that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in your chicken broth and milk, making sure to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat and let it simmer. Finally, turn the heat down to low and stir in the shredded cheese and sour cream. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy. Serve it immediately with extra cheese and crispy bacon on top for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

I have definitely learned a few lessons the hard way with this Cheeseburger Soup. Initially, I would crank the heat way up to melt the cheese faster, but that only led to a sad, curdled mess. Now, I always remove the pot from the heat entirely before stirring in the dairy, which guarantees a perfectly smooth and velvety texture every single time. Another common error was using pre-shredded bagged cheese. However, those cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly into the soup. I quickly learned that taking a few extra minutes to shred a block of high-quality cheddar cheese makes a world of difference. For a truly next-level bowl, consider topping your soup with my method for perfectly crispy oven-baked bacon.

n-and-variations">Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

Cheeseburger Soup feels like a warm hug from the Midwest. It perfectly captures the region’s genius for turning beloved comfort foods into hearty, one-pot meals that feed a crowd. Many families, especially in colder states like Wisconsin and Minnesota, claim this dish as their own cold-weather staple. Consequently, you will find as many variations as there are family cookbooks. Some versions keep it simple with ground beef, potatoes, and a velvety cheese broth. Others, however, get creative. For instance, some cooks add a tangy kick with pickles or a creamy swirl of ketchup and mustard right into the pot. This brilliant recipe truly embodies the spirit of resourceful home cooking. It transforms familiar pantry staples into something magical and deeply satisfying. Ultimately, a bowl of Cheeseb Soup tells a story of community, warmth, and making the most of what you have.

How it fits in today’s cooking

This soup absolutely thrives in modern kitchens. Busy home cooks adore its one-pot simplicity and the way it delivers classic diner flavors in a wholesome, spoonable form. Furthermore, it fits perfectly into today’s demand for customizable meals. Families often adapt the recipe to suit their tastes, perhaps by using ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. You can easily make it a complete, cozy meal by serving it with a side of easy dinner rolls for dipping. Moreover, its incredible flexibility makes it a fantastic choice for casual weeknights or even game day gatherings. It’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone recognizes but experiences in a completely new way. For a truly special treat, consider pairing a bowl with a decadent chocolate lava cake to balance the savory richness with something sweet. This dish continues to win hearts because it masterfully combines nostalgia with effortless, contemporary cooking.

Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

This Cheeseburger Soup wraps you in a rich, creamy, and deeply savory embrace. Imagine the classic, comforting flavors of a grilled cheeseburger melding seamlessly into a velvety, hot broth. Each spoonful delivers the hearty, satisfying taste of seasoned ground beef, the sharp tang of cheddar, and the sweet, subtle background note of tomatoes. Furthermore, the texture is a delightful contrast; the soup base is luxuriously smooth while the tender beef and soft, diced potatoes provide a wonderful, substantial chew. Ultimately, the experience is completed by the familiar, mouthwatering aroma of onions and garlic sautéed in butter, which makes this Cheeseburger Soup an unforgettable meal.

r">Boosting the flavor

For an even more dynamic bowl, consider a few simple upgrades. Firstly, swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese to introduce a gentle, spicy kick that cuts through the richness. Next, always finish your bowl with crunchy toppings; crispy bacon bits, fresh diced dill pickles, or a handful of buttery croutons add fantastic texture. Additionally, a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of Dijon mustard stirred in at the end will amplify the savory, umami depth. For a side that perfectly soaks up every last drop, consider serving it with a slice of our favorite Beer Bread. Finally, a simple Classic Caesar Salad on the side provides a cool, crisp contrast that makes the entire meal feel complete.

Tips for Success

Best practices for results

First, always brown your ground beef thoroughly to develop a deep, savory flavor base for your Cheeseburger Soup. Then, shred your own cheese from a block, as it melts far more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties. Additionally, add the cheese off the heat at the very end to prevent any grainy or oily separation. Finally, garnish each bowl with fresh, crisp toppings like diced pickles and crumbled bacon for that authentic cheeseburger experience.

>Mistakes to avoid

One common error is boiling the soup after adding the dairy, which can cause the cheese to break and become greasy. Instead, always keep the heat on low when you stir in the cheese and sour cream. Furthermore, do not skip the step of deglazing the pot after browning the beef; those browned bits hold immense flavor. For more on building flavor, see our guide on how to brown ground beef properly. Also, avoid using lean ground beef, as a higher fat content provides more moisture and richness, preventing a dry texture in your Cheeseburger Soup. If you are concerned about fat, you can learn the best methods for draining ground beef effectively after cooking it.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

How to serve this dish

Present your Cheeseburger Soup in a deep, rustic bowl to create a cozy and inviting feel. For a fun, interactive twist, set up a topping bar with extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives. This comforting Cheeseburger Soup truly shines at casual family dinners or during chilly game day gatherings. Finally, drizzle a little extra cream on top for a beautiful marbled effect that makes every bowl photo-ready.

What goes well with it

For the perfect crunch, serve this rich soup with a side of crispy, golden air fryer garlic bread. The buttery, toasted notes wonderfully complement the creamy base of the Cheeseburger Soup. Alternatively, a simple, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the soup’s richness beautifully. Moreover, a cold, fizzy cream soda or a light lager makes an excellent drink pairing that cleanses the palate between each delicious spoonful. For a full comfort food experience, you can even pair it with our incredibly fluffy buttermilk pancakes for a uniquely satisfying sweet and savory brunch.

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What is cheeseburger soup made of?

Cheeseburger soup is made from classic cheeseburger ingredients transformed into a creamy, comforting soup. The base typically includes ground beef, onions, and celery in a broth, with potatoes added for heartiness. It’s finished with milk or cream and a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese, capturing all the flavors of its namesake.

How do you thicken cheeseburger soup?

The best way to thicken cheeseburger soup is by making a simple roux with butter and flour at the beginning of the recipe. You can also create a slurry by whisking a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold broth or water, then stirring it into the simmering soup. The melted cheese and starchy potatoes also contribute to the soup’s overall thick, creamy consistency.

ank-math-faq-item"> Can you freeze cheeseburger soup?

You can freeze cheeseburger soup, but it’s best to do so without the dairy. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed. For best results, freeze the soup base (broth, beef, and vegetables) and then add the milk and cheese when you reheat it.

What to serve with cheeseburger soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft pretzel rolls for dipping. For a true cheeseburger experience, serve it with classic toppings on the side like crispy bacon bits, diced dill pickles, chopped red onion, and extra shredded cheese. A simple side salad also provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and creamy soup.

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