If you are craving a cozy, hearty meal that tastes like all your favorite cheeseburger fixings have been magically transformed into a bowl, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort food. It’s loaded with savory browned beef, tender veggies, and a luscious, cheesy broth that wraps around each spoonful with warmth and richness. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this soup delivers all the nostalgia of a cheeseburger without the extra fuss, making it truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup comes together with simple, familiar ingredients that each play a vital role in building its wonderful layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty ground beef that adds depth to the sharp cheddar’s creamy melt, every item is essential for that perfect cheeseburger vibe in a bowl.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base essential for that classic burger taste.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma as it softens during cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a mild punch to enhance overall flavor complexity.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Create comforting heartiness and help thicken the soup.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Offer subtle sweetness and a vibrant orange color contrast.
- 4 cups beef broth: The savory liquid base that ties all elements together.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for that unmistakable creamy cheeseburger essence.
- 1 cup milk or cream: Ensures smoothness and a luscious texture without overpowering flavors.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds subtle tang and depth, mimicking ketchup’s role in a cheeseburger.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: Gives a gentle zesty lift, brightening each bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The fundamentals of seasoning to balance and enhance all the ingredients.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the beef and aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized. This step is crucial because browning develops that rich, meaty flavor foundation. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup comforting but not greasy, then toss in your diced onions and minced garlic. Cook them lovingly until the onions turn translucent and everything smells delightfully fragrant.
Step 2: Add the vegetables and broth
Next, it’s time to build the body of the soup by stirring in the diced potatoes and carrots. These vegetables give the soup texture and some natural sweetness. Pour in the beef broth, which will bring everything together in a deliciously flavorful liquid. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Let it cook uncovered until the potatoes become tender and everything melds beautifully, which usually takes around 15 minutes.
Step 3: Blend in the dairy and seasonings
Lower your stove’s heat before adding the milk or cream, tomato paste, and mustard. Stir them in gently to avoid curdling while infusing the broth with creamy richness and that familiar tang from the tomato paste and mustard—perfect echoes of a cheeseburger’s classic condiments. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste, keeping in mind you can always adjust later.
Step 4: Melt in the cheese
This is the moment where your soup transforms into a velvety wonder. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup. Take your time here as the cheese will thicken the broth and lend that unmistakable gooey, cheesy texture that is the hallmark of any great cheeseburger soup recipe.
Step 5: Taste and finish
Before serving, give the soup a final taste. This is your opportunity to tweak the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a touch more mustard if you’re looking for an extra punch. When it’s just right, your hearty bowl of homemade cheeseburger soup is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats the finishing touches that brighten your bowl while adding little bursts of flavor. Chopped green onions or fresh chives give a pleasing contrast in both texture and mild sharpness. Crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top make it even more indulgent. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a few crunchy croutons that add that satisfying contrast to the creamy soup.
Side Dishes
Pair your cheeseburger soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up all that velvety goodness. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness, providing a refreshing crispness on the side. For a fun twist, serve with crispy oven-baked fries or homemade onion rings, amplifying that classic burger joint feel at home.
Creative Ways to Present
To take presentation up a notch, serve your soup in mini bread bowls for an edible vessel that amps up the fun and flavor. You can also sprinkle colorful paprika or smoked paprika over the top for a hint of warmth and visual pop. For gatherings, consider setting up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, pickles, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños so everyone can customize their perfect cheeseburger soup experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers almost as good as freshly made—if not better! Just give it a good stir before reheating to mix in anything that may have settled.
Freezing
Freezing cheeseburger soup is possible, but because of the dairy and potatoes, texture may slightly change upon thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it to your desired consistency. Avoid using high heat or the microwave on high power to keep the cheese silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While traditional cheeseburger soup uses ground beef for its rich flavor, substituting ground turkey or chicken can work well, making the soup lighter but still tasty. Just be sure to brown the meat thoroughly to develop good flavor.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or roasted mushrooms to mimic the meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep all the other ingredients the same to retain that cheesy, comforting feel.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and adds that signature tangy cheeseburger flavor. However, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even a bit of smoked cheese for a unique twist.
Can I use instant potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh diced potatoes offer the best texture and flavor, instant mashed potatoes can be used in a pinch to thicken the soup if you’re short on time. Add them gradually until you reach the desired consistency, but keep in mind the texture will be a bit different.
How thick should the soup be?
The ideal cheeseburger soup recipe strikes a lovely balance—not too thin but not overly thick—so it coats the back of your spoon and feels creamy without being heavy. You can adjust thickness by varying the amount of broth or milk and by how much cheese you add.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little warmth and joy to your dinner table, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a surefire winner. It manages to capture the essence of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, creamy soup that’s surprisingly easy to make. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will quickly become one of your favorite chilly-day meals to share with friends and family.
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Cheeseburger Soup combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy broth enriched with garlic, onion, and a hint of mustard. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup delivers all the delicious elements of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
Dairy and Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the vegetables and broth: Stir in the peeled and diced potatoes and diced carrots. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend in the dairy and seasonings: Lower the heat to prevent boiling. Stir in the milk or cream, tomato paste, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently to warm through without boiling to prevent the dairy from curdling.
- Melt in the cheese: Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has completely melted and the soup has a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste and finish: Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or mustard if desired. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or add a slurry of flour and water before adding dairy.
- To keep the soup dairy-free, substitute milk or cream with unsweetened plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.
- Adjust the mustard amount to taste for a subtle tang or more pronounced zing.
