If you’re craving something hearty, nostalgic, and outrageously comforting, look no further than Cheeseburger Soup. This playful twist on a classic cheeseburger transforms all those familiar flavors—beef, cheddar, onions, and bacon—into a creamy, cozy bowl of soup that’s a total crowd-pleaser, especially on chilly nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Best Burger Flavors, in a Bowl: Classic cheeseburger goodness gets a cozy, spoonable makeover for ultimate comfort food cravings.
- Easy to Make and Family-Friendly: Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this a stress-free, kid-approved weeknight dinner.
- Creamy, Cheesy, and Rich: The perfect blend of creamy broth and melty cheese—every bite is pure indulgence!
- Totally Customizable: Swap out meats, cheeses, or vegetables to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheeseburger Soup is all about simple, real ingredients coming together to make magic—each one playing a key role in nailing that unbeatable flavor and luscious, creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters!
- Ground beef or turkey: This is the “burger” base—beef brings classic flavor, but ground turkey is a lean, tasty alternative!
- Onion (diced): Adds sweet, savory depth that builds the backbone of flavor for the soup.
- Celery (diced): A little crunch and fresh aroma keeps things balanced and bright.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): These juicy bites provide zest and that all-important classic burger tang.
- Parsley flakes (dried): For herby goodness and a sprinkle of color—just enough to keep things lively.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté veggies, while forming the base for a silky roux.
- Chicken broth: The backbone of your soup, infusing every bite with savory warmth.
- Potatoes (peeled and diced): They bulk up the soup, get nice and tender, and make every spoonful satisfying.
- All-purpose flour: The thickener, working magic to give you that velvety, creamy texture.
- Velveeta or cheddar cheese (cubed): Melty, tangy, and oh-so-comforting—go classic with Velveeta or extra sharp with cheddar.
- Milk: Brings creaminess and helps blend all the flavors seamlessly.
- Bacon: Smoky, crispy, and sprinkled on top—no cheeseburger (or soup) is complete without it!
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping): A final flourish of gooey, melty cheese as your delicious finishing touch.
Variations
The beauty of Cheeseburger Soup is how easy it is to make it your own! Here are some fun ways to adapt the recipe to suit your pantry, mood, or dietary needs—let your tastebuds call the shots.
- Swap the Protein: Substitute ground chicken or even crumbled plant-based “beef” for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
- Pepper Jack Power: Try using Pepper Jack or another spicy cheese to add a little kick to your soup!
- Veg it Up: Stir in carrots, bell peppers, or corn for a veggie-packed version that’s just as tasty.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a comforting gluten-free bowl.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by browning your ground beef (or turkey) in a large soup pot over medium heat, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want it golden and crumbly—once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat and set the meat aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In that same pot, toss in 1 tablespoon of butter, then add your diced onion, celery, and parsley flakes. Sauté everything over medium heat until the veggies are soft and fragrant. This is where those mouthwatering, burger-joint smells start wafting through your kitchen!
Step 3: Simmer with the Broth and Potatoes
Pour in your chicken broth, then add the potatoes, canned diced tomatoes, and browned beef back into the pot. Give it a good stir, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes—just until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Make the Roux and Add It In
While the soup simmers, fry up your bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy, then set it aside on a paper towel. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, sprinkle in the flour, and cook for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Whisk this roux into the soup and bring it all to a gentle boil—this step thickens the base and brings everything together!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish with Creaminess
Lower the heat and stir in your cubed Velveeta (or cheddar) cheese and milk. Keep stirring until the cheese is totally melted and your soup looks thick, silky, and cheesy. Last but not least, blend in a couple tablespoons of sour cream for that ultimate creamy finish. Trust me, it’s the secret ingredient that rounds out the flavors.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Ladle your hot, bubbling Cheeseburger Soup into bowls, then go wild with toppings: crumbled crispy bacon, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, and maybe even a few chopped pickles if you’re feeling burger-purist! Dig in while it’s warm and gooey.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup
- Cheese Choice Matters: For the creamiest texture, Velveeta melts beautifully, but extra-sharp cheddar brings that bite—try a combo for ultimate flavor!
- Potato Prep: Cut your potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook quickly and evenly—no crunchy surprises!
- The Secret Roux: Cook the flour and butter just until bubbly and golden—not browned—so the soup thickens without a floury aftertaste.
- Bacon at the End: Add bacon as a topping instead of stirring it in to keep it crisp and punchy on every bite.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
Don’t hold back on the toppings! Crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar are absolute musts, but diced pickles, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of ketchup or mustard really drive home that cheeseburger experience. Make it your own and let everyone at the table customize their bowls!
Side Dishes
This soup is incredibly filling on its own, but it’s next-level wonderful with warm, crusty bread (for dunking, of course), a batch of homemade oven fries, or a crisp, tangy side salad to balance all that creamy richness. Classic dill pickles on the side? Don’t mind if I do!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, ladle Cheeseburger Soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for a diner-inspired touch. Or serve it in small mugs as part of a winter party spread—just set up a “toppings bar” so guests can build their cheeseburger fantasy with all the fixings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cheeseburger Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—flavors get even richer overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can freeze Cheeseburger Soup, but keep in mind that soups with potatoes and dairy may separate a bit upon thawing. It’ll still taste delicious, just stir well after reheating. Freeze in single-serve portions for a grab-and-go meal anytime you want cozy comfort.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring often for even heating. If the soup thickens up in the fridge, just add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to creamy perfection. Avoid boiling to keep dairy ingredients silky smooth!
FAQs
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Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything (except the cheese and milk) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, stir in the cheese and milk during the last 30 minutes, and let everything melt together for maximum flavor.
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What’s the best cheese for Cheeseburger Soup?
Velveeta gives a classic, super-smooth texture that’s hard to beat, but good-quality sharp cheddar adds punchy flavor. You can mix both for the best of both worlds, or experiment with your personal favorite melty cheese.
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How do I make this soup lower in carbs?
Simply swap out the potatoes for small cauliflower florets! You’ll still get a creamy, chunky texture without the extra carbs, and the soup stays just as satisfying and flavorful.
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Can I make Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?
Yes—you can use a plant-based ground “meat,” swap bacon for smoky tempeh or coconut bacon, and choose vegetable broth instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly take everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food calls your name, you have to give this Cheeseburger Soup a try—it’s pure, creamy joy in a bowl and guaranteed to make you smile. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a weeknight or serving it up for friends, this soup never fails to please. Enjoy every cheesy, cozy spoonful!
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Soup Base:
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cheese Mixture:
- 3 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed (cheddar can also be used)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Garnish:
- 4 slices bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a saucepan, brown the ground beef. Drain and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and saute onion, celery, and parsley flakes until tender.
- Cook Soup Base: Add broth, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Prepare Roux: Cook bacon in a frying pan, set aside. In the same pan, add remaining butter and flour. Cook and stir until bubbly. Add to the soup, bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add Cheese Mixture: Stir in cheese and milk until melted. Blend in 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this soup by adding your favorite cheese or toppings like pickles or jalapenos.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
