Cheeseburger soup is the perfect blend of hearty flavors and creamy textures, making it an ultimate comfort food for both kids and adults. With rich, cheesy goodness and all the savory elements of a classic cheeseburger packed into a warming soup, this recipe is a must-try. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, this simple cheeseburger soup recipe will leave you craving more. Follow along, and discover how easy it is to make this mouthwatering dish from scratch!

What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a comforting, one-pot meal that takes all the best parts of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, onions, and potatoes—and turns them into a rich and creamy soup. It’s a unique twist on the classic cheeseburger, allowing you to enjoy your favorite flavors in a warm, spoonable form. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch, this easy cheeseburger soup is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup

To make this delicious and creamy cheeseburger soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ground beef (1 lb): The heart of the soup, offering a rich, savory flavor.
Potatoes (2-3 medium): Peeled and diced, these will give the soup a starchy base and hearty bite.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds flavor and a slight sweetness.
Carrots (2 medium, diced): Provide a bit of natural sweetness and color to the soup.
Celery (2 ribs, diced): Adds texture and flavor, giving the soup a subtle crunch.
Butter (3 tbsp): For sautéing vegetables and making the roux.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the soup, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
Chicken broth (4 cups): The base for your soup; adds flavor and moisture.
Milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess without being too heavy.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star of the dish, offering that signature cheeseburger taste.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the soup.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a savory depth of flavor.
Sour cream (½ cup): Optional, for a creamier and tangier finish.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this cheeseburger soup recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version of the soup, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Velveeta Cheese: Use Velveeta cheese for an even creamier and smoother soup, though cheddar will provide a sharper, more authentic cheeseburger flavor.
Bacon: Crumble some cooked bacon into the soup for added smokiness and crunch.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the soup gluten-free.
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, omit the beef and use plant-based meat substitutes or extra veggies like mushrooms.
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to make your own easy cheeseburger soup at home.

How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brown the Beef: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until fully browned. Drain the excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and slightly golden.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This step will help thicken the soup.
Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine with the roux. Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the Cooked Beef: Once the potatoes are soft, add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Stir in the milk and garlic powder, then let everything heat through.
Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the soup becomes thick and creamy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra creamy texture, stir in sour cream just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Vegetables: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, especially the carrots and celery. They should be soft but still slightly firm to add texture.
Not Draining the Ground Beef: Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked beef. Too much fat can make the soup greasy and heavy.
Adding Cheese Too Quickly: To avoid clumps, add the cheese slowly over low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to seize and form lumps instead of smoothly melting into the soup.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cheeseburger soup is best served hot, straight from the pot, with some fun and tasty garnishes. Here are a few ideas to make your serving extra special:

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Croutons or Breadsticks: Serve with crispy croutons, breadsticks, or a side of toasted bread to dip into the soup.
Bacon Crumbles: Top with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Pickles: For a true cheeseburger experience, garnish with a few slices of dill pickles on top.
Shredded Lettuce: Add a bit of shredded lettuce as a garnish to mimic the toppings of a cheeseburger.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

Serve in Bread Bowls: Hollow out small bread loaves and serve the soup inside for an impressive presentation.
Toppings Bar: Set up a small toppings bar with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream, so each person can customize their bowl.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a touch of color with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top before serving.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melting texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.
Use a Potato Masher: If you like a slightly smoother texture, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes before serving.
Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Cheeseburger soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content, but it will still be delicious.

What can I use instead of potatoes?
If you're looking to cut down on carbs, you can substitute cauliflower for the potatoes. Simply chop it into small florets and cook as you would the potatoes.

How can I make the soup thicker?
If your soup isn't thick enough, you can whisk a little more flour into some cold milk, then stir it into the soup. Let it simmer until thickened.

Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, adding pasta is a great idea for extra heartiness! Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini work well. Just cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup before serving to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger soup is a delicious, hearty dish that brings together the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm and creamy soup. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week. With a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a pot of comforting soup that will please the whole family. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, you’re sure to enjoy this cozy and satisfying meal!