Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like the familiar, mouth-watering combination of a cheeseburger. But what if you could enjoy all those juicy, savory flavors in the form of a soup? That’s where Cheeseburger Soup comes in. This hearty, indulgent dish is perfect for chilly days, offering the warmth of a classic cheeseburger but in a rich, creamy broth. It’s the best of both worlds-a quick, easy recipe that satisfies your cravings without the need for a grill or bun.

This recipe takes the essence of a cheeseburger-tender ground beef, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables-and transforms it into a decadent, creamy soup that’s filling enough for a meal. The beauty of Cheeseburger Soup is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what’s currently in your pantry.

Let’s dive into the delicious world of Cheeseburger Soup!

Here’s how to make this indulgent, cheesy, and satisfying soup that’s bound to be a hit at your next family dinner or comfort-food craving session.

Ingredients Needed

For this Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to bring the flavors to life. Here’s a list of everything you need:

Ground Beef (1 lb): The base of the soup, providing the rich, savory flavor that makes it taste like a cheeseburger.
Bacon (4 slices): Adds a smoky, crispy bite that complements the richness of the beef and cheese.
Yellow Onion (1 medium): For a mild, sweet flavor that forms the aromatic base of the soup.
Carrots (2 medium): To add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery (2 stalks): For crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the soup.
Garlic (2 cloves): A must-have for a robust, aromatic base.
Potatoes (3 medium): Creamy potatoes add texture and make the soup extra hearty.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): Acts as the soup’s base, providing depth and richness to the overall flavor.
Half-and-Half (2 cups): For that smooth, creamy texture that turns this soup into a true comfort food experience.
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star of the show! You can’t have a cheeseburger soup without plenty of cheese. Cheddar works best, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors of the soup.
Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): A subtle herb that gives the soup a savory edge.
Mustard (1 tablespoon): Optional, but it adds a little tangy kick reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, let’s walk through the steps to bring your Cheeseburger Soup to life!

Prepare Your Vegetables
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Mince the garlic. Set everything aside, ready to go.
Cook The Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it on a paper towel to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small bits. Leave a little bit of the bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor.
Brown The Ground Beef
- In the same pot, add the ground beef and cook it over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Sauté The Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté everything for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened slightly and the onion is translucent.
Simmer The Soup
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add The Creamy Elements
- Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the half-and-half. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Melt The Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes rich and creamy.
Finish With Bacon And Mustard
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and, if using, the tablespoon of mustard. This will add a slight tanginess and extra depth to the flavor.
Serve And Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra cheese, a few crumbles of bacon, and maybe even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Beef: The key to a good cheeseburger soup is the ground beef. You can opt for lean ground beef, but a bit of fat adds richness and flavor to the soup. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works as a lean substitute.
Bacon: Bacon isn’t just for flavor, it adds that crispy, satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. It’s an optional ingredient, but one you’ll want to keep in.
Half-and-Half: Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream keeps the soup creamy but not overwhelmingly rich. However, if you want a velvety, ultra-decadent soup, feel free to swap in heavy cream!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the perfect balance of tang and creaminess. If you want to change it up, feel free to add some mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a little blue cheese for an extra kick.

Expert Tips

Don’t Skip the Mustard: A tablespoon of mustard (preferably yellow or Dijon) can add a tangy depth that takes the soup to the next level. It’s a small touch, but it’s definitely noticeable.
Make it in Advance: Cheeseburger soup actually tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Add a Crunch: For some extra texture, serve the soup with croutons or a slice of toasted bread on the side. You could also add some pickles or a dollop of sour cream as a garnish.
Thin It Out: If the soup becomes too thick after storing or reheating, you can always thin it out with a little extra broth or half-and-half to get it to the desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower instead of potatoes to make this a lower-carb option. You can also replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist. A sprinkle of chili flakes would also give it an extra zing.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still get the cheesy, comforting vibe without the meat.
Smoky Flavor: Try adding a small amount of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the soup for that smoky cheeseburger flavor.

Final Words

Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl. With simple ingredients, it comes together quickly, and there’s no wrong way to enjoy it-whether you’re topping it with bacon, loading it with cheese, or giving it a spicy twist. It’s customizable, forgiving, and, most importantly, incredibly delicious.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe