Easy Cheeseburger Soup – Hearty, Creamy & Packed with All Your Burger Favorites
Adam
If you love cheeseburgers, you are going to be obsessed with this Easy Cheeseburger Soup. Imagine everything you love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger — ground beef, sharp cheddar, pickles, potatoes, and crispy bacon — turned into a warm, creamy, comforting bowl of soup. 🍔🥣🧀
This one-pot recipe is hearty, family-friendly, and super satisfying, perfect for cold nights, game-day meals, or whenever you're craving comfort food with a twist. It’s like fast food met homemade comfort — and they fell in love.
And with simple ingredients, pantry staples, and 40 minutes or less from start to finish, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
If you love cozy, crave-worthy meals, also check out Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole or Loaded Potato Soup.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 slices bacon chopped
Produce:
- 2 celery stalks diced
- ¼ cup onion diced
- ½ tsp garlic minced
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced
Canned Goods:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Condiments:
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup chopped pickles plus extra for garnish, optional
Baking & Spices:
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Dairy:
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef & Veggies
In the same pot, add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Add onion, celery, and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Potatoes & Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Make the Roux
In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 6 tbsp flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux.
Gradually add to the soup pot, stirring to combine and thicken the broth.
Step 5: Stir in Cream & Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and chopped pickles.
Stir until cheese is fully melted and soup is creamy.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra cheddar, pickles, and freshly cracked pepper.
Serve with toasted buns, garlic bread, or crackers.
🔁 Variations
1. Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup
Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or radishes for fewer carbs.
2. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese.
3. Cheeseburger Mac Soup
Stir in cooked elbow macaroni at the end for a pasta version.
4. Pickle Lovers’ Version
Add pickle juice (1–2 tbsp) for a tangy twist.
5. Vegetarian Version
Use meatless ground beef, vegetable broth, and skip the bacon.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, or microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring in between.
⚠️ If soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes — it reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Both work as leaner options.
3. Do I have to use pickles?
Not at all — but they add that signature cheeseburger tang.
4. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the soup will be a bit thinner. You can also use half-and-half.
5. What’s the best cheese for this soup?
Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor — always shred your own for best texture.
6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook the bacon and beef first, then add everything except the cheese and cream. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in dairy at the end.
7. What goes well with cheeseburger soup?
Garlic bread, crusty rolls, or a green salad.
8. Is this soup gluten-free?
Not by default — use GF flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken instead.
9. Can I make this soup thinner?
Sure — just add a bit more broth or cream to adjust consistency.
10. What can I use instead of Yukon potatoes?
Russet or gold potatoes both work well — avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes.
✅ Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl — hearty, creamy, cheesy, and full of classic burger flavor. From the crispy bacon and ground beef to the melted cheddar and hidden pickle tang, every spoonful is deeply satisfying.
It’s an easy one-pot recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, busy weeks, or feeding a hungry crowd — and it always hits the spot.
Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite soup!
Love cheesy comfort food? Check out:
One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Loaded Potato Soup
Bacon Mac and Cheese Bake