Discover the creamy, savory goodness of Cheeseburger Soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners and warming up your soul this season. This hearty, comforting dish brings together the flavors of juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables in a rich, velvety broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a craving or impress your family with something special, Cheeseburger Soup is a delicious choice that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: The rich, cheesy broth and savory beef create a soup that fills you with warmth and satisfaction on chilly days.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknight dinners.
Kid-Friendly Flavors: The familiar taste of cheeseburgers in soup form makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable and Flexible: You can easily adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to build a beautifully balanced dish. Each component plays a key role—from the ground beef for heartiness to the cheddar cheese for that signature creamy finish.

Ground Beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein for a filling soup.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and boost the savory notes in the broth.
Carrots and Celery: Fresh vegetables contribute subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Potatoes: Give the soup beautiful texture and body.
Beef Broth: Forms the flavorful base, enhancing the meaty taste.
Milk and Heavy Cream: Create a smooth, creamy texture that makes the soup irresistible.
Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient that brings cheesy richness and melts perfectly.
Tomato Paste: Adds tangy depth and balances the richness.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika lift the flavors beautifully.

Variations for Cheeseburger Soup

Feel free to get creative and tailor this soup to your preferences. Whether you want to mix up the protein, alter the cheese, or add extra veggies, Cheeseburger Soup is incredibly adaptable!

Swap the Beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without losing the meaty satisfaction.
Make It Vegetarian: Substitute mushrooms and lentils for the beef to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Cheese Choices: Try sharp white cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack to add unique twists to the creamy base.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Extra Veggies: Throw in bell peppers, corn, or spinach for more color and nutrition.

Why Cheeseburger Soup Will Warm Your Heart

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them until soft and fragrant, which builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Liquids

Stir in diced potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Dairy and Cheese

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, then add shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts smoothly, creating that signature rich and creamy texture.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Season the soup with salt, pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend all the flavors perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup

Use Sharp Cheddar: Aged cheddar adds more flavor than mild cheese and melts beautifully for that creamy finish.
Don’t Rush Melting: Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping and ensure silky smoothness.
Cook Potatoes Evenly: Cut potatoes into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
Drain Excess Fat: Removing extra grease from the beef keeps your soup rich but not oily.
Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling after adding dairy; this helps prevent curdling and maintains creaminess.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

Crisp bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream bring added texture and flavor, making each bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal with balancing flavors and satisfying crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cheeseburger Soup in bread bowls for an impressive rustic touch or top with pickled jalapeños and shredded lettuce for a true cheeseburger-inspired experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy warm comfort whenever you want.

Freezing

Cheeseburger Soup freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain a creamy texture. Add a splash of milk if it feels too thick after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat replacements for a satisfying vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.

What cheese works best for Cheeseburger Soup?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice due to its rich flavor and excellent melting quality, but gouda or pepper jack can add exciting variations.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can use coconut milk or other plant-based milk alternatives along with dairy-free cheese to create a creamy, dairy-free version that still tastes great.

How long does Cheeseburger Soup stay fresh in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it will remain fresh for about 3 days and maintain the best flavor and texture.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Definitely! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook under pressure for about 10 minutes before adding cheese and cream.

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger Soup isn’t just a meal, it’s a cozy experience that brings together comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re craving something familiar or want to try a fresh twist on a classic, this soup delivers every time. Grab your ingredients, get cooking, and let this creamy, savory dish fill your home with warmth and happiness.

Cheeseburger Soup

Print Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, savory, and comforting dish blending juicy ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables in a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this hearty soup offers the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm and satisfying bowl that’s quick to prepare and kid-friendly.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced uniformly

Liquids and Dairy

4 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Other Ingredients

2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until soft and fragrant, building a flavorful base for the soup.
Add Potatoes and Liquids: Stir in diced potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors perfectly. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for richer flavor and better melting.
Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping and ensure a silky texture.
Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the soup rich but not oily.
Simmer gently after adding dairy to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Cheeseburger Soup, Comfort Food, Creamy Soup, Ground Beef Soup, Easy Dinner, Kid-Friendly Soup