If you’ve ever craved the comforting taste of a cheeseburger but want something a bit cozier and easier to enjoy at home, this Cheeseburger Soup recipe is exactly what you need. It combines rich, creamy textures with that classic savory flavor of a cheeseburger all in one warm, hearty bowl. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, this soup is a perfect solution for chilly nights or anytime you want a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: This soup captures the cozy taste you love from cheeseburgers in a creamy, satisfying form.
Quick and Easy Prep: Made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cheese, beef, and fresh veggies creates a depth of flavor that’s truly crave-worthy.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this soup, making it a great meal to please the whole household.
Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll use staple ingredients that each play a key role—building a creamy texture, adding fresh flavor, and providing that signature cheeseburger taste.

Ground Beef: The savory base that gives this soup its rich, meaty flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it melts perfectly for creamy cheesiness.
Potatoes: These add heartiness and a lovely texture balance.
Onions and Garlic: Essential aromatics for savory depth and fragrance.
Carrots and Celery: Fresh vegetables that bring color and subtle sweetness.
Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful and rich soup base without overpowering.
Milk and Cream: These make the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle tangy, umami boost reminiscent of burger seasoning.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Simple spices that enhance every ingredient without masking flavors.

Variations for Cheeseburger Soup

The beauty of this cheeseburger soup is how adaptable it is—you can tweak it without losing the essence of the dish. Feel free to experiment to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or available ingredients.

Make It Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef for plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Dairy-Free Version: Use non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.
Extra Veggies: Toss in corn, bell peppers, or spinach to boost nutrition and color.
Low Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbs.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, releasing their sweetness and aroma.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Stir in diced potatoes, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Mix in Dairy

Lower the heat and slowly stir in milk and cream, allowing the soup to become rich and creamy without boiling, which can cause curdling. Keep stirring gently to blend everything smoothly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Adjust these seasonings slowly to keep the balance perfect.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and the soup is thickened, remove from heat. Let the soup rest for a few minutes to develop flavor, then ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.

Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup

Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese adds robust flavor and melts beautifully, enhancing every spoonful.
Don’t Skip Browning: Properly browning the ground beef layers deep, savory flavor crucial for authentic taste.
Keep Heat Low When Adding Dairy: To prevent curdling, always add milk or cream on low heat and stir continuously.
Potatoes’ Size Matters: Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes for even cooking and consistent texture.
Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling; gentle simmering melds flavors and yields a luscious finish.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

Top your bowls with crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for both color and added flavor layers that complement the soup.

Side Dishes

Serve with classic crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or even simple salty potato chips to bring that true cheeseburger feel alongside the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls or mini mason jars at parties. You can also add a side of pickles or a small salad to balance richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Cheeseburger Soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

Freeze soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that cream-based soups can separate slightly when thawed, so stir well and reheat gently.

Reheating

Warm the soup slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and restore its creamy texture without curdling.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or mushrooms, and replace dairy with vegan cheeses and plant milk.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check all ingredient labels for hidden gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen veggies like carrots and celery work fine; just adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

How thick should the soup be?

The ideal texture is creamy but slightly thickened, so it holds together well on a spoon but still flows easily like a comforting soup.

Can I add pasta or rice?

Definitely! Small pasta shapes or cooked rice can be added for extra heartiness, but add them near the end of cooking to avoid over-softening.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup is a true crowd-pleaser that brings the joy of a cheeseburger into a bowl with creamy, comforting goodness. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or simply craving a rich, flavorful meal, this recipe is easy to make and delightful to eat. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to soup!

Cheeseburger Soup

Print Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that captures the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm bowl. Featuring ground beef, cheddar cheese, potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth base, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or a cozy family meal. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 lb ground beef
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables

2 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced

Liquids and Sauces

4 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, releasing their sweetness and aroma.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Mix in Dairy: Lower the heat and slowly stir in milk and cream, allowing the soup to become rich and creamy without boiling, which can cause curdling. Keep stirring gently to blend everything smoothly.
Add Cheese and Seasonings: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Adjust these seasonings slowly to keep the balance perfect.
Final Touch and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the soup is thickened, remove from heat. Let the soup rest for a few minutes to develop flavor, then ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for robust flavor and smooth melting.
Properly brown the ground beef to develop deep savory flavor.
Add milk and cream on low heat and stir continuously to prevent curdling.
Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes for even cooking and texture.
Simmer gently rather than boiling to meld flavors and create a luscious finish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, comfort food, creamy soup, ground beef soup, cheddar cheese soup, easy dinner, family meal, gluten free soup