Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

I absolutely love how comforting and satisfying Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe turns out every time. It’s like the best parts of a cheeseburger served in a cozy, warm bowl — perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful meal. When I first tried making this soup, I was blown away by how easy it was to pull together with simple ingredients, yet packed with tons of familiar, delicious flavors.

You’ll find that Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe works wonderfully as a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a friendly get-together. I especially appreciate how customizable it is, so you can tweak it to your taste or pantry staples without losing that signature cheeseburger charm. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe plays a role in building that rich, layered flavor. From the savory ground beef to the sharp cheddar and creamy sour cream, these components blend perfectly. When shopping, aim for fresh veggies and a good quality cheese to make the soup truly shine.

• Lean ground beef: Using lean beef prevents the soup from becoming too greasy while still delivering meaty goodness.
• Olive oil: Great for sautéing veggies gently without overpowering flavors.
• Sweet onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Freshly grated carrots: They melt into the soup and add natural sweetness and color.
• Diced celery: Contributes a nice crunch and classic soup base flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds aromatic depth and warmth.
• Dried oregano: Just a pinch to give a subtle herbaceous note.
• Petite gold potatoes: Quartered for tenderness and hearty texture.
• Chicken stock: The base liquid that brings everything together with rich flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Used for making the roux, which thickens the soup beautifully without overpowering.
• Flour: Combined with butter to create the roux for that perfect creamy thickness.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and smooths out the soup’s texture.
• Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that brings cheeseburger flavor front and center.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for added tang and richness.
• Freshly chopped chives: Used as a garnish for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Variations

I love making Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe my own by mixing up a few elements to match the mood or ingredients on hand. It’s one of those recipes where a little experiment can go a long way, and I encourage you to try out your own twists to suit your family’s taste buds.

• Make it vegetarian: Swap ground beef for diced mushrooms or plant-based beef crumbles; I tried this once and even my meat-loving friends couldn’t tell the difference!
• Add heat: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick — it pairs surprisingly well with the creamy cheese.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute flour with cornstarch to thicken the soup safely without losing creaminess.

How to Make Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef to Build Flavor

Start by seasoning your ground beef generously with kosher salt and pepper. Heat a large stock pot on medium and add the beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. The key here is patience — let the meat brown well without stirring too often so it develops those deep, caramelized bits that add serious flavor. Once browned, remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set it aside; this keeps the pot ready for your veggies.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies with Love

Add olive oil to the now-empty pot, then toss in diced sweet onion, freshly grated carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Give everything a good sprinkle of salt and pepper, then add the dried oregano. Stir often for about 5 to 6 minutes until veggies have softened and become fragrant. This veggie base is crucial because it layers texture, sweetness, and aroma into the soup.

Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Stock

Next, add your quartered petite gold potatoes along with 4 cups of chicken stock into the pot. Return the browned beef back to the mix. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it with a lid. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.

Step 4: Whip Up the Perfect Roux

While your soup simmers, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux — this will thicken your soup later. Keep whisking and cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty. This step is a game-changer for that luscious, creamy texture in Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.

Step 5: Combine and Finish with Cheese

Scrape the roux straight into your soup pot, then bring the soup back up to a boil for a couple of minutes to activate the thickening power. Add the milk and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Now reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese slowly until completely melted and smooth. If you find the soup too thick, I like to add an extra cup of chicken stock, especially if I’m saving leftovers for later.

Step 6: Add the Final Touches

After your cheese has fully melted, stir in the sour cream for a little tang and extra creaminess. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed. Serve it up hot, topped generously with freshly chopped chives for a burst of fresh flavor and pretty color. Sometimes I like to crumble some chips or crispy bacon on top, but that’s totally optional!

How to Serve Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this soup with a handful of freshly chopped chives for that mild onion bite and a pretty green pop. Sometimes, if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll crumble a few crispy bacon pieces or add a dollop of sour cream right on top. A sprinkle of crushed potato chips or crispy fried onions adds fun texture and gives that delightful cheeseburger “bun” crunch.

Side Dishes

This soup really shines alongside thick slices of toasted sourdough or a buttery garlic bread. My family goes crazy for pairing it with a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds freshness. On colder nights, I like to serve it alongside soft pretzel bites or warm dinner rolls—you can’t go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls — it’s such a fun, interactive way to enjoy the soup. You could also serve it with a topping bar so guests can customize their bowls with shredded cheese, green onions, crispy bacon, or pickled jalapeños. It’s always a hit when you let everyone add their own finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the fridge where it lasts beautifully for up to 3 days. I discovered that the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it tastier the next day. Just be sure to add a bit of extra stock before storing if you want to keep the perfect spoonable consistency.

Freezing

Freezing Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe works well if you want to prep in advance. I like to cool it completely before dividing it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months frozen. When I thaw it, I usually do so overnight in the fridge to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it’s thickened too much, I add a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving when possible, as slow stove reheating helps maintain that creamy texture and keeps the cheese from becoming grainy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is close to my heart because it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe I reach for whenever I want to treat my family to something special but fuss-free. Give this soup a try — I promise you’ll love the cozy, cheesy goodness and the way it makes any mealtime feel like a mini celebration. And once you make it, it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

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