The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Craving the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy, creamy soup form? Look no further! This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is loaded with ground beef, hearty vegetables, melted cheese, and a rich, creamy broth. It's the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, or when you just want something indulgent and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a meal on its own or serve it with warm bread on the side, this recipe will be a hit with everyone at the table. Read on for the full recipe, cooking tips, and serving suggestions!

What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a creamy, rich soup that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—ground beef, cheddar cheese, onions, and potatoes—into a hearty and satisfying dish. It’s made with a creamy broth, which is thickened with flour or cornstarch and loaded with ingredients like vegetables and beef. Topped with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and pickles for an extra burger-like touch, this soup is perfect for when you want the taste of a cheeseburger in a warm and cozy bowl.

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup

To make the best cheeseburger soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for a subtle cheeseburger flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Crumbled bacon, green onions, and pickles for garnish

Additional Ingredients for Flavor

To elevate your cheeseburger soup, you can add some of these optional ingredients:

• 1 cup cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a deeper, smoky flavor)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat)
• 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (for a loaded, bacon-cheeseburger soup)
• 1 cup sour cream (for a tangy finish)
• ½ cup chopped dill pickles (for an authentic cheeseburger taste)

Substitutions and Variations

Cheeseburger soup is very adaptable, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences:

• Turkey or Chicken: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the milk and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, such as almond milk or coconut milk and dairy-free cheese shreds.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup, and make sure all your ingredients, especially the broth and cheese, are gluten-free.
• Lower Carb: For a lower-carb version, swap the potatoes with cauliflower florets. They add texture without the extra carbs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious cheeseburger soup:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux: Stir in the flour (or cornstarch if using a gluten-free option) and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
4. Add the Broth and Potatoes: Slowly pour in the broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Blend or Mash (Optional): For a smoother texture, you can use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes. If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. For a chunkier texture, leave the potatoes as they are.
6. Add the Beef Back In: Stir the cooked ground beef back into the pot, along with the Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Add Milk and Cheese: Slowly stir in the milk or half-and-half and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Be sure not to let the soup boil after adding the cheese to prevent it from curdling.
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra broth or milk to thin it out.
9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and pickles for a true cheeseburger experience.

How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the Beef First: Browning the ground beef is essential for building flavor. Drain the fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
2. Make a Roux: Stirring flour into the sautéed vegetables creates a roux that will thicken the soup. Make sure to cook the flour for a couple of minutes to remove the raw taste.
3. Simmer the Potatoes: Let the potatoes cook until tender in the broth, which also allows the flavors to develop. This step ensures the soup has the perfect texture.
4. Add Dairy at the End: Always add the milk and cheese toward the end of cooking. Stir constantly to prevent the dairy from curdling or separating.
5. Garnish Like a Cheeseburger: For the best cheeseburger soup experience, top your bowl with crumbled bacon, green onions, and even some chopped pickles!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Curdling the Cheese: Always add cheese to the soup over low heat and stir until just melted. If you cook the cheese over too high heat or let the soup boil, the cheese may curdle and become grainy.
• Not Mashing or Blending: If you don’t blend or mash part of the soup, you may miss out on that perfect creamy texture.
• Undercooking the Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before adding the dairy and cheese. This will ensure a smooth and cohesive soup.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make your cheeseburger soup as visually appealing as it is delicious with these presentation tips:

• Top with Cheese and Bacon: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon crumbles not only adds flavor but makes the soup look irresistible.
• Serve with Toasted Bread or Buns: Since this is a cheeseburger soup, serving it with toasted hamburger buns or crusty bread on the side is a fun and fitting way to enjoy it.
• Add Pickles: Add chopped dill pickles or pickle slices on top for a tangy kick that will remind you of a classic burger.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is rich and hearty enough to be served as a main course. Pair it with simple sides like:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Double up on the cheesy goodness by serving grilled cheese sandwiches alongside your cheeseburger soup.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

1. Burger Buns on the Side: Serve toasted, buttered burger buns on the side for dipping, giving the experience of a cheeseburger meal.
2. Garnish to Impress: Top each bowl with extra cheese, crispy bacon, and a small pickle spear to make the soup feel like a cheeseburger in a bowl.
3. Family-Style Serving: Present the soup in a large pot in the center of the table, with bowls of garnishes so everyone can top their soup to their liking.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

• Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For the best flavor, use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese. It provides a tangy, robust flavor that enhances the cheeseburger experience.
• Make It Ahead: Cheeseburger soup tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead of time and reheat gently on the stove. Just wait to add the cheese until reheating to ensure it stays smooth and creamy.
• Freeze It: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add a little broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything (except the cheese and milk) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese and milk in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
A: Yes, cheeseburger soup freezes well. Just be sure to freeze it before adding the cheese and milk. When reheating, add the dairy ingredients after thawing to maintain the soup's creamy texture.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for cheeseburger soup, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even American cheese for a unique twist.

Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: For a thicker consistency, add more potatoes or use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes once they are cooked. You can also use cornstarch or make a roux for extra thickening.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is the perfect comfort food, combining all the best parts of a cheeseburger—beef, cheese, and toppings—into a creamy, satisfying soup. With its easy preparation, rich flavors, and endless garnish possibilities, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a hearty dish to feed a crowd, this cheeseburger soup is a winner. Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in every spoonful!

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