Cheeseburger Soup

Imagine your favorite juicy cheeseburger, but in the form of a warm, creamy soup that hugs your soul with every spoonful. That’s exactly what Cheeseburger Soup delivers—a hearty, cheesy, and comforting bowl of goodness that tastes like comfort food at its finest. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich cheese base, it’s the perfect meal to cozy up with on a chilly evening. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from the simple desire to capture the flavors of a cheeseburger in a spoonable form. On busy weeknights, I craved something hearty yet fuss-free, and this soup quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s a dish that brings families together around the table, with kids and adults alike diving in for seconds. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and a fun twist on an all-American classic.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cheeseburger Soup is a Midwestern classic, often celebrated at potlucks, church gatherings, and family dinners. It combines the essence of comfort cooking with the innovation of turning a handheld favorite into a cozy soup. Its rise in popularity is largely thanks to home cooks who wanted an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that felt both familiar and creative. Think of it as a cross between potato chowder and your favorite diner burger.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is a total game-changer, and here’s why:

Versatile: Works for weeknights, potlucks, or even gameday spreads.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients you likely already have.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour without complicated steps.

Customizable: Add toppings like bacon bits, pickles, or extra veggies.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the flavors of a cheeseburger.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Here’s how to make your Cheeseburger Soup truly unforgettable:

• Brown the beef until caramelized for a deeper flavor.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, cheesier taste.
• Cut the potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Add cheese at the very end off heat to avoid graininess.
• Garnish with classic burger toppings like diced pickles or sesame seeds for a fun twist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Make sure you’ve got these handy before cooking:

Large Soup Pot: Essential for simmering everything together.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up and browning the beef.

Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping veggies and potatoes.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures balance of ingredients.

Ladle: For serving up hearty portions.

Ingredients in Cheeseburger Soup

This flavorful soup comes together with simple, humble ingredients:

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean, provides the hearty base and burger flavor.
2. Butter: 2 tablespoons, adds richness for sautéing.
3. Onion: 1 medium, diced, adds savory sweetness.
4. Carrots: 2 medium, diced, bring subtle sweetness and color.
5. Celery: 2 ribs, diced, for flavor and texture.
6. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, enhances depth of flavor.
7. Potatoes: 4 cups, peeled and diced, add creaminess and bulk.
8. Chicken Broth: 4 cups, provides the simmering liquid.
9. Milk: 2 cups, creates a creamy base.
10. All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup, helps thicken the soup.
11. Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded, the star ingredient for cheesy flavor.
12. Salt: 1 teaspoon, balances the flavors.
13. Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, for seasoning.
14. Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, for freshness and garnish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Make it work for your pantry and preferences:

Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken.
Cheddar Cheese: Use Colby Jack, mozzarella, or American cheese.
Milk: Substitute with half-and-half for a creamier version.
Chicken Broth: Beef broth for a deeper flavor.
Butter: Olive oil for a lighter base.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the soup, creating a creamy, velvety texture that makes each spoonful irresistible.

Potatoes: They’re the backbone of this soup, lending hearty texture and creamy body once tender.

Instructions for Making Cheeseburger Soup

Let’s turn those simple ingredients into a bowl of comfort:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.

2. Combine Ingredients:
Brown the ground beef until cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Return beef to the pot and stir in potatoes. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes.

6. Finishing Touches:
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This soup is creamy, cheesy, and hearty all at once. The potatoes add creaminess, the beef gives it depth, and the cheddar ties everything together in a silky, savory broth. Each bite feels like a spoonful of your favorite cheeseburger.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Keep these in mind for the best results:

• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
• Stir continuously when adding flour to avoid clumps.
• Add toppings like croutons, sesame seeds, or diced pickles for a burger-like twist.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Don’t boil after adding cheese—it can cause curdling.
• Avoid using pre-shredded cheese—it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Don’t undercook the potatoes—they should be fork-tender.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 380

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Cheeseburger Soup is even better the next day. Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months—just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Pair this cozy soup with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or even pretzel rolls. For a true cheeseburger experience, serve with pickle slices and a simple green salad on the side.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn your leftovers into new meals:

• Cheeseburger Mac: Stir leftover soup into cooked pasta.
• Baked Potato Topping: Spoon over baked potatoes for a hearty twist.
• Bread Bowl: Serve reheated soup inside a hollowed bread loaf.

Additional Tips

• Dice vegetables finely so they cook quickly and blend seamlessly.
• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami depth.
• Keep extra broth on hand to thin soup if it thickens too much when reheating.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve Cheeseburger Soup in bread bowls with melted cheese draped over the top for dramatic effect. Sprinkle sesame seeds over for that true cheeseburger feel, and garnish with bright parsley for a pop of color.

Variations to Try

• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add crispy bacon bits.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Vegetable-Packed Version: Toss in zucchini or corn.
• Double Cheese Soup: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown beef first, then add ingredients and cook on low for 6–7 hours.

Q2: Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat gently with broth or milk.

Q3: What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal, but Colby Jack and American work well too.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour.

Q5: Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional, but it gives a smoother texture.

Q6: How do I keep the soup from being too thick?

Add extra broth or milk to thin it out as needed.

Q7: Can I make this lighter?

Yes, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.

Q8: What sides go best with Cheeseburger Soup?

Bread, crackers, or a green salad.

Q9: How do I prevent cheese from clumping?

Add cheese off heat and stir until smooth.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a cozy, creamy, and cheesy dish that transforms a diner classic into a bowl of pure satisfaction. Whether you’re serving it to family on a cold evening or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Grab your spoon and enjoy the warmth of a cheeseburger in every bite.

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