Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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Introduction

Craving the taste of a cheeseburger but want something warm and cozy? This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a creamy, cheesy soup base. It’s a quick and simple recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty dish to warm you up.

This cheeseburger soup is packed with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, cheddar cheese, and a creamy broth, making it an excellent one-pot meal that the whole family will love. It’s also a great alternative to traditional cheeseburgers if you’re looking for something spoonable and comforting.

Want to make it even better? Pair it with a side of buttery garlic bread or crispy croutons for an extra crunch! Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, flavor-packed soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
  • 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Optional Toppings:

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Extra shredded cheese
  • Green onions
  • Croutons

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  3. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same pot, melt butter and add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots.
  2. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes & Broth

  1. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and basil.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  3. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a separate small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked ground beef back to the soup.
  2. Stir in the cheese sauce and sour cream, mixing well.
  3. Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions.
  • Serve hot with toasted bread or crackers.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

1. Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup

  • Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets to reduce carbs.
  • Use heavy cream instead of milk for a keto-friendly version.

2. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

  • Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick.
  • Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spice boost.

3. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

  • Add crispy bacon into the soup for a smoky, delicious twist.
  • Use smoked gouda or cheddar cheese for a deeper flavor.

4. Dairy-Free Cheeseburger Soup

  • Use coconut milk instead of regular milk.
  • Replace the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Storing:

  • Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

  • Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
  • When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.
  • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works just as well in this soup.

2. What cheese works best for cheeseburger soup?

Sharp cheddar is the best choice because it melts well and has a rich flavor.

3. How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?

Add cheese off the heat and stir it in gradually to avoid curdling.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (except cheese and sour cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cheese and sour cream before serving.

5. How can I make this soup thicker?

  • Mash some of the potatoes in the soup.
  • Add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch slurry.

6. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour or replace it with cornstarch to thicken the soup.

7. What toppings can I add to cheeseburger soup?

  • Bacon crumbles
  • Diced pickles (for a real cheeseburger vibe!)
  • Extra shredded cheese
  • Croutons

8. What sides go well with cheeseburger soup?

  • Garlic bread
  • Grilled cheese sandwiches
  • Pretzel rolls

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your pot is big enough to handle the extra ingredients.

10. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! The flavors develop overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors that will satisfy your burger cravings in a warm, comforting bowl. It’s quick, simple, and budget-friendly, making it an excellent meal for the whole family.

Whether you customize it with bacon, spice, or a low-carb option, this soup is a must-try! Pair it with some warm bread or a side salad, and you have a complete, satisfying meal.

Try this cheeseburger soup recipe today, and let us know your favorite variations in the comments! 🍲🧀

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