Cheeseburger Soup Easy Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a cheeseburger but found yourself in the mood for something a bit more cozy, warm, and comforting, Cheeseburger Soup is the answer! This hearty, flavorful soup is like a bowl of everything you love about a classic cheeseburger-cheese, beef, and a touch of all the right seasonings-mixed into a creamy, satisfying soup. Think of it as the best parts of a burger, but without the bun, and in the form of a soup that can fill you up on a chilly evening or make for a fun weeknight dinner.

This dish is not just easy to make, but it’s also flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients to suit your personal taste. The creamy base pairs perfectly with tender beef, melty cheese, and vegetables, creating a dish that’s both comforting and a little indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a family, impressing guests, or just wanting a simple, tasty meal, Cheeseburger Soup will deliver.

Cheeseburger Soup Easy Recipe

Here’s how to bring this cheesy goodness to life in your kitchen:

Ingredients Needed

• Ground Beef: About 1 lb (you can also use ground turkey or chicken if preferred for a leaner version).
• Potatoes: 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced (adds a hearty texture).
• Onion: 1 small onion, chopped (for that savory base flavor).
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced (a little extra garlic never hurts).
• Carrots: 1-2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped (adds a bit of sweetness and color).
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (for added crunch and freshness).
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (vegetable broth works well, too).
• Milk: 2 cups (whole milk will make the soup richer, but skim or 2% will work fine).
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ to 2 cups shredded (sharp cheddar works best for a more robust flavor).
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz (this helps create a creamy, velvety texture).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste (for seasoning the base).
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (adds a subtle herbal note).
• Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing the veggies and beef).
• Bacon (optional): 4 slices, cooked and crumbled (for that extra crunch and smoky flavor).

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook The Ground Beef

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat and set aside.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil or butter. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.

3. Add The Potatoes And Broth

   • Stir in the diced potatoes, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Add The Milk And Cream Cheese

   • Stir in the milk and cream cheese. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese has completely melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Stir In The Beef And Cheese

   • Once the soup has reached your desired creaminess, add the cooked ground beef back in. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the soup. Taste the soup, then adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of dried Italian seasoning.

6. Simmer

   • Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors together.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with crumbled bacon or additional cheese. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Ingredient Insights

• Ground Beef: The star protein of this dish. It gives the soup its signature flavor, so the quality matters. You can go with lean ground beef for a healthier version, but a bit of fat helps create a richer taste. If you want to make it even more indulgent, opt for a higher-fat variety.
• Potatoes: These starches absorb the flavors in the broth and add a comforting texture. Russet potatoes are ideal since they break down well and thicken the soup slightly, but Yukon Gold also works if you prefer a creamier texture.
• Cream Cheese: The addition of cream cheese is key for the smooth, velvety mouthfeel of the soup. It balances the sharp cheddar, creating a luxurious, cheesy base without being too heavy or greasy.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese brings the tang and bold flavor that makes a cheeseburger so irresistible. You could experiment with other cheeses (like Gruyère or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar), but sharp cheddar is the classic choice for this recipe.

Expert Tips

• Perfect Texture: To ensure the soup is creamy but not overly thick, you can adjust the amount of milk or broth based on your preference. If it gets too thick, just add more broth or milk to loosen it up.
• Cook the Beef First: Always brown your ground beef before adding it to the soup. This step helps develop a deeper, more savory flavor, as well as giving the beef that caramelized, rich taste.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the broth. A little heat complements the richness of the cheese nicely.
• Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
• Thicken with Cornstarch: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then adding it to the simmering soup. Stir it well and let it cook for a few more minutes until the desired consistency is reached.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey or Chicken Cheeseburger Soup: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken for a healthier alternative. The flavor will still shine through, especially with all that cheese!
• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Skip the meat entirely! You can replace the beef with plant-based crumbles (like Beyond Meat or a mushroom mixture), and the rest of the ingredients stay the same.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: As mentioned, bacon is an optional but highly recommended add-in. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, throw in some crispy bacon bits both into the soup and as a garnish. This creates a delicious bacon cheeseburger twist.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Love spice? Add jalapeños or diced green chilies along with the onions and garlic to bring some heat. Top with a dollop of sour cream or avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.

Final Words

Cheeseburger Soup is truly the best of both worlds. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s just the right amount of indulgent, all while staying surprisingly customizable. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or bringing it to a casual gathering, it’s bound to be a hit. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but doesn’t take much more effort than your average soup. You get to enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger, but in a rich, creamy soup form that’s a little more comforting and a lot more fun.