Amazing Cheeseburger Soup That's Pure Comfort

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Cheeseburger soup has a way of warming you up from the inside out, and this recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. I remember the first time I tried a cheeseburger soup – it was at a potluck, and I was skeptical, but one spoonful and I was hooked! The savory aroma of browned ground beef mingling with onions and celery is just incredible. This easy ground beef cheeseburger soup captures all the best flavors of your favorite burger, but in a rich, creamy, and satisfying soup form. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty weeknight dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup

You’re going to adore this cheeseburger soup for so many reasons. It’s incredibly satisfying and packed with all the flavors you crave from a classic burger, but in a comforting soup form. Here’s why it’s a winner:

It’s a fantastic way to enjoy cheeseburger flavors without the bun!
This is an easy cheeseburger soup that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
You get a hearty and filling meal that feels like a treat.
The soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing for your favorite toppings.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
You’ll love how rich and satisfying this creamy cheeseburger soup is.
It’s a delicious way to use up ground beef and pantry staples.
The aroma while it cooks is simply irresistible!

Ingredients for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making this delicious dish. You’ll find all the cheeseburger soup ingredients you need at your local grocery store. The potatoes add a lovely heartiness, and the cheddar cheese gives it that signature flavor.

1 pound ground beef – this forms the savory base of our soup
1 medium onion, chopped – about 1 cup, adds a sweet aromatic note
1/4 cup chopped celery – for a subtle fresh crunch
1/4 cup chopped carrots – adds a touch of sweetness and color
2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that deep flavor
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – this helps thicken the soup
4 cups beef broth – the liquid foundation for our soup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds a complex, savory depth
2 cups diced potatoes – about 1-inch cubes for tenderness
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – the star that makes it taste like a cheeseburger!
1/2 cup milk – for that luscious, creamy texture
1 teaspoon salt – adjust to your taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick
Optional toppings: bacon bits, diced tomatoes, sour cream – for extra flavor and flair

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Ready to create some magic? This recipe makes how to make cheeseburger soup an absolute breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious bowl of comfort.

Step 1: Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Add the 1 pound ground beef, 1 medium onion, chopped, 1/4 cup chopped celery, and 1/4 cup chopped carrots. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. The aroma of the sizzling beef and veggies is the first sign of deliciousness!
Step 2: Toss in the 2 cloves garlic, minced and stir constantly for about 1 minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlic fragrance. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 3: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together really well to coat it all. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring, to toast the flour slightly. This is key for a thicker soup.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in the 4 cups beef broth and the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of flour.
Step 5: Add the 2 cups diced potatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir it all up. Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. You want those potatoes to be fork-tender.
Step 6: Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the 1/2 cup milk and the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is wonderfully creamy and smooth. It’s super important not to boil the soup after adding the cheese, as it can cause it to separate. This is a truly quick cheeseburger soup step!
Step 7: Ladle the hot, delicious cheeseburger soup into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy this amazing ground beef cheeseburger soup!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

Want to elevate your cheeseburger soup game? Here are a few insider tricks I’ve learned that make all the difference.

Don’t skip browning the beef well; it adds a depth of flavor that’s crucial for that classic burger taste.
For an extra rich flavor, you can use half-and-half instead of milk, but be extra careful not to boil it.
Always use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy.
Taste and adjust seasonings *after* adding the cheese and milk, as their flavors can alter the saltiness.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheeseburger Soup?

The secret to achieving the best cheeseburger soup lies in building layers of flavor. Browning the ground beef properly and toasting the flour are key steps. Worcestershire sauce also adds that essential umami kick that mimics a great burger. For more on building flavor in cooking, check out this guide on how to build flavor.

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this soup ahead of time! Prepare it completely, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. If you’re looking for other make-ahead meal ideas, consider this creamy sausage potato chowder.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheeseburger Soup?

A common pitfall is boiling the soup after adding the cheese, which can make it curdle or separate. Always keep the heat on low and stir gently until melted. Also, ensure your potatoes are tender before adding the dairy to avoid overcooking. For more tips on preventing dairy separation in sauces and soups, you can find helpful advice here.

Variations of Cheeseburger Soup You Can Try

Looking to switch things up or cater to specific dietary needs? This cheeseburger soup is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to get creative in the kitchen.

Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup: For a lighter, keto-friendly option, simply omit the potatoes. Replace them with cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces, and cook until tender. You’ll still get all the cheesy, beefy goodness without the carbs!
Cheeseburger Soup Crock Pot Version: Planning ahead? This soup is fantastic in a slow cooker. Brown your ground beef and onion separately, then combine everything except the milk and cheese in your crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a kick by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the onions and celery. A dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end also works wonders!
Smoky Cheeseburger Soup: For a deeper, smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the flour. You could also use a smoked cheddar cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Best Ways to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this hearty soup is almost as fun as making it! It’s so versatile, you can dress it up or down. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete.

Classic Comfort Pairings: Serve this soup alongside a simple green salad with your favorite vinaigrette. For a truly satisfying meal, miniature grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for dipping are perfect complements.
As a Delicious Chowder: Think of this as a hearty cheeseburger chowder! It’s substantial enough to be the star of the show. For something a little lighter, a side of crunchy onion rings or sweet potato fries can add a fun textural contrast.
Garnished to Perfection: Always offer a variety of toppings! Freshly cooked bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped fresh chives, diced fresh tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese allow everyone to customize their bowl.

Nutrition Facts for Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving of this delicious cheeseburger soup. It’s a hearty meal that offers a good balance of macronutrients.

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Hearty Cheeseburger Soup

This hearty cheeseburger soup is perfect for making ahead, making it a lifesaver on busy nights. Once it has cooled down completely, ladle the soup into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep. If you want to store it for longer, this soup freezes beautifully. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible, and it can stay frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored soup, reheating is a breeze! For refrigerated soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling, especially if you plan to add cheese or milk later. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, reheat as you would the refrigerated version. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring every minute or so until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Soup

What is cheeseburger soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a soup format. It typically features a savory broth base, ground beef, vegetables, and of course, melted cheese, all simmered together to create a rich and satisfying meal. It’s like enjoying all the best parts of a burger in a warm bowl!

Is this a ground beef cheeseburger soup recipe?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe specifically uses ground beef cheeseburger soup as its foundation, giving it that authentic, savory burger taste. The ground beef is browned with onions and other aromatics to build a deep flavor profile that’s essential for a truly delicious cheeseburger soup experience. If you enjoy beef recipes, you might also like this tasty beef and olive pasta.

Can I make this cheeseburger soup with other types of meat?

While this recipe is designed for ground beef, you could experiment with other ground meats like turkey or even a blend of beef and pork. However, ground beef truly delivers that classic cheeseburger flavor that makes this soup so special. You might find the taste profile changes slightly with different meats.

How do I make this cheeseburger soup thicker if needed?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you have a couple of options. You can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stirring it into the simmering soup until thickened. Alternatively, you can add a bit more flour during the initial sautéing step with the vegetables and beef, ensuring it’s well cooked to avoid a raw flour taste. For other thickening techniques, consider exploring resources on how to thicken sauces and soups.