If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and downright delicious, Cheeseburger Soup is your new best friend in the kitchen. This creamy, cheesy comfort dish brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger right into a bowl, perfect for cozy meals anytime you want a hearty, satisfying treat. It’s easy to make, packed with rich taste, and a real crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours of prep time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Comfort Food: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something nourishing fast.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The familiar cheeseburger taste makes it a hit with kids and adults alike, bringing everyone to the table happily.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup needed because you can cook nearly everything in a single pot or Dutch oven.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, veggies, or spice levels to match your personal cravings.
Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—this soup feels like a warm hug that melts away the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each ingredient adds a unique element, making the soup rich and satisfying without overwhelming complexity.

Ground Beef: The base flavor, adding meaty depth and heartiness to the soup.
Onions: Bring natural sweetness and aroma, balancing savory notes with subtle sharpness.
Carrots: Add a mild sweetness and vibrant color, plus a bit of texture.
Celery: Provides an earthy crispness that complements the creamy broth.
Potatoes: Give the soup substance and a comforting, tender bite.
Cheddar Cheese: The star that offers gooey, melty richness and classic cheeseburger flavor.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates the velvety, luscious texture everyone loves.
Beef Broth: Enhances the savory base and blends all ingredients harmoniously.
Garlic: Adds aromatic zest and depth without overpowering.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Perfectly round out the taste profile with gentle warmth and seasoning.

Variations for Cheeseburger Soup

One of the great joys of Cheeseburger Soup is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences—the flexibility makes it a dependable recipe to keep in your repertoire.

Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meatless but hearty version.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring some heat.
Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
Low Carb Option: Skip the potatoes and add cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.

Why Cheeseburger Soup Is Your New Favorite Meal

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and browning the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook them until they’re softened and aromatic, which builds a delicious flavor foundation.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Stir in diced potatoes and pour in beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and gradually add the heavy cream along with shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until everything melts together into a creamy, cheesy soup.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Give it one last stir, then ladle into bowls and get ready to savor the rich flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup

Use Sharp Cheddar: It melts beautifully and gives the soup a richer, more pronounced flavor.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the soup gently simmer helps all the flavors meld perfectly.
Potato Size Matters: Cut potato chunks evenly so they cook uniformly and don’t turn mushy or stay hard.
Slow Cheese Addition: Add cheese gradually off the heat to avoid clumping or a grainy texture.
Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or cream until you reach your preferred consistency.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

Top your bowl with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for a picture-perfect, flavorful finish.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or simple side salads to balance out the richness of the soup and complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Cheeseburger Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini bread loaves to turn mealtime into a tasty experience everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy quick reheats.

Freezing

Cheeseburger Soup freezes well but be sure to leave out the cream until reheating; add cream fresh after thawing to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella can add different flavors and textures to the soup.

Is Cheeseburger Soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, but to keep the creamy texture smooth, freeze the soup without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives to keep it hearty and satisfying.

What is the best way to thicken Cheeseburger Soup?

Simmering the soup uncovered until it reduces slightly helps thicken naturally, or you can use a small amount of cornstarch slurry for quicker thickening.

How spicy is Cheeseburger Soup?

The traditional recipe is mild, but you can easily add spices like cayenne or diced jalapeños if you enjoy a bit of heat.

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger Soup is a warm, cozy favorite that combines all the best parts of a cheeseburger in a creamy, hearty soup you can whip up anytime. It’s simple, customizable, and oh-so-comforting, making it the perfect meal to share with loved ones or enjoy as a special solo indulgence. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Cheeseburger Soup

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that captures the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting bowl. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this one-pot soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals. Packed with ground beef, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and a savory broth, it offers a warm hug of flavor that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 pound ground beef
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Vegetables

1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups diced potatoes

Liquids and Broth

4 cups beef broth

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until fully browned. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness in the soup.
Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant to build the flavor foundation for the soup.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually add the heavy cream followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Give it a final stir, then ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, more pronounced flavor and better melting quality.
Don’t skip the simmering step to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Cut potatoes into evenly sized chunks for uniform cooking and texture.
Add cheese slowly and off the heat to prevent clumping or graininess.
If the soup is too thick, thin it with additional broth or cream to your preferred consistency.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, comfort food, creamy soup, cheesy soup, one pot meal, beef soup