Cheeseburger Soup With Cheddar Cheese Recipe

When the weather turns chilly and comfort food cravings set in, few dishes can compare to a warm, hearty bowl of soup. If you’re a fan of cheeseburgers and soups alike, you’re in for a treat! Cheeseburger Soup with Cheddar Cheese combines the best of both worlds – rich, savory, and creamy with that classic cheeseburger flavor. Imagine the juicy goodness of a cheeseburger packed into a delicious soup form. It’s the kind of dish that will make you want to grab a spoon and dive right in.

This soup is not just tasty; it’s super comforting, loaded with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and plenty of seasonings. It’s the perfect dish to make on a cold evening or when you need something filling that’s easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is a hit every time. And the best part? It comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

So let’s get to it – here’s everything you need to know about making Cheeseburger Soup with Cheddar Cheese.

Cheeseburger Soup With Cheddar Cheese Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, filled with all the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger but served in a cozy, creamy soup form. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and approachable.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Ground beef: 1 lb (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
• Potatoes: 3 medium-sized, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work well)
• Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
• Carrot: 1 large, peeled and grated (adds a touch of sweetness)
• Celery: 2 ribs, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth: 4 cups (or beef broth for a deeper flavor)
• Milk: 2 cups (whole milk or half-and-half for a creamier texture)
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
• Cream cheese: 4 oz, cubed (adds a velvety texture to the soup)
• Butter: 2 tbsp (for sautéing)
• Flour: 1/4 cup (to thicken the soup)
• Salt: 1 tsp (to taste)
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (to taste)
• Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp (optional but recommended for an earthy flavor)
• Ketchup: 2 tbsp (for that signature cheeseburger tang)
• Mustard: 1 tbsp (for a slight kick)
• Pickles: Chopped, for garnish (optional but delicious for that classic cheeseburger feel)

Cooking Instructions

The beauty of this recipe lies in how quickly and easily it comes together. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook The Beef

   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Make The Soup Base

   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the soup. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

4. Add The Creaminess

   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and cooked ground beef. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt and the soup to thicken.

5. Cheddar Cheese Time

   Slowly add in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and any seasonings you’d like to add (such as thyme or extra salt and pepper).

6. Final Touches

   Once the soup is hot and creamy, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped pickles for that authentic cheeseburger crunch. Serve with a slice of toasted bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for extra indulgence.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this soup is carefully selected to bring out that perfect cheeseburger flavor. Here’s a closer look at a few key components:

• Ground Beef: This is the heart of the recipe, providing that rich, savory cheeseburger flavor. You can use lean ground beef or swap it out for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the leaner meats may require a bit more seasoning.
• Potatoes: Potatoes give the soup a hearty texture, soaking up the flavors while providing a creamy, satisfying base. Russet potatoes are great for breaking down and thickening the soup, while Yukon Golds add a more waxy, creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient! Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully and gives the soup that tangy, rich flavor that perfectly mimics the cheeseburger experience.
• Cream Cheese: This ingredient is a game-changer. It helps create a velvety texture, making the soup incredibly creamy. You could use sour cream or heavy cream as alternatives, but cream cheese offers a unique richness that sets this recipe apart.
• Ketchup and Mustard: These condiments bring the signature tanginess that you’d expect from a cheeseburger. It’s not a lot, but just enough to remind you of the classic flavors we all know and love.

Expert Tips

To make sure your Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

• Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the end to season the soup. Add salt and pepper while you cook each component – it makes a huge difference in building layers of flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and freshly shredded cheese really make the soup pop. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have anti-caking agents that can affect the smooth texture, so go for the real deal.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup base. It’ll give the soup an extra kick that’s very cheeseburger-inspired.
• Thicken It Right: If you want an extra-thick soup, mash a few of the potatoes before adding the milk. This will help the soup reach that creamy, thick consistency you’re looking for.
• Leftovers Are the Best: Like most soups, this one gets even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or even lentils. It’s a great option for a meatless Monday or if you’re feeding vegetarians.
• Bacon Lover’s Cheeseburger Soup: Add crispy bacon crumbles to the mix. Not only does it add flavor, but it also gives the soup a bit of a crunch – just like a bacon cheeseburger!
• Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, substitute the potatoes for cauliflower florets. They’ll break down in the soup and give a similar texture without the carbs.
• Cheese Overload: For an even cheesier version, try adding a blend of cheeses – mozzarella, gouda, or even a touch of blue cheese for a bold flavor.

Final Words

Cheeseburger Soup with Cheddar Cheese is a simple, satisfying dish that brings together all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup form. It’s the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for those nights when you want something indulgent but easy to make. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or play around with variations, this soup will always leave you with a happy belly and a smile on your face.