If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the essence of a classic cheeseburger in a cozy, comforting bowl, then you’re in for a treat with The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. This rich, creamy soup brings together all the flavors you love—from savory ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese to tender potatoes and a hint of fresh herbs—making it a perfect meal for chilly days or anytime you crave a nostalgic, hearty dish. Get ready to fall in love with every spoonful of this soul-warming classic reinvented as soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Each component plays a special role: the beef lends meaty richness, the vegetables add texture and freshness, and the cheese delivers that iconic indulgent cheeseburger taste in every creamy bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose fresh, quality beef for a juicy, flavorful base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic to build depth in the soup.
- 2 carrots, diced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 stalks celery, diced: Brings a crisp texture and mild earthiness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory aroma that wakes up every flavor.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth: The liquid foundation, rich and hearty.
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced: Creamy cubes that thicken and comfort.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a gentle herbal note to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds bright, fresh undertones.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The secret behind the soup’s perfect thickness.
- 2 cups milk: Creamy base that melds all flavors together.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for that cheeseburger flavor pop.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and silky smoothness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything into harmony.
- Crumbled bacon and chopped green onions (optional): Classic garnishes that elevate every bite.
How to Make The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and broken into small pieces. This step builds a savory foundation that flavors the entire soup. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep the soup balanced and not greasy. Once done, set the beef aside on a plate for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot, toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften just enough to release their sweetness without losing their bite. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma. This veggie mixture is the heart of your soup, layering essential flavors beneath the creamy richness.
Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in 4 cups of chicken or beef broth and add the diced potatoes, dried basil, and parsley. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until your potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. This step is when the soup starts to develop its comforting body and warmth.
Step 4: Make the Roux
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with half a cup of milk until smooth and lump-free. Stir this mixture into your simmering soup. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, as the flour thickens the broth and creates that luscious, thickened texture that makes this soup so satisfying. Patience here pays off – this is where your soup gains that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring the soup to its full cheeseburger glory! Stir in the remaining milk, the browned ground beef you set aside, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt completely by cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes while stirring gently. Finish it off by adding the sour cream, then season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. This final medley turns your soup into a velvety, cheesy dream.
Step 6: Serve
Once thick, creamy, and bubbling, your soup is ready to enjoy. Ladle it into bowls, and don’t be shy about adding those classic toppings like crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for a shout-out to the cheeseburger roots. Serve hot and revel in every savory spoonful.
How to Serve The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cheeseburger soup experience with garnishes that add crunch, color, and flavor. Crumbled bacon brings smoky goodness that complements the beef, while chopped green onions introduce a fresh, sharp bite that contrasts with the soup’s creaminess perfectly. A sprinkle of extra cheddar or a dollop of sour cream can also make your serving extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even a crisp garden salad. These sides help balance the richness of the soup and offer a delightful textural contrast. For casual meals, serve with simple potato chips or pickles to channel that iconic cheeseburger vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or family? Try serving your soup inside a hollowed-out bread bowl to add an edible, rustic charm. Another fun idea is to layer the soup in mason jars for convenient, charming individual servings, perfect for parties or meal prep. Garnish thoughtfully with colorful bacon bits, scallions, or even diced tomatoes to make the presentation pop visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any separated ingredients.
Freezing
If you want to stash some soup for later, this recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of potatoes and dairy may change slightly after freezing, but the hearty flavor will still shine through.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to keep it smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling once the cheese and sour cream are added to prevent curdling. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating can refresh its creamy texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cheese or milk for this soup?
Absolutely! Using low-fat cheese or milk will reduce the richness but still keep the soup creamy. Just expect a slightly lighter texture and flavor—still delicious but less indulgent.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. The flavor will be a bit different but still tasty and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add corn, bell peppers, or peas for extra sweetness and color. Just add them during the vegetable sauté or simmering steps so they cook properly.
What cheese works best for this soup?
Sharp cheddar is classic and works best for that true cheeseburger flavor and meltability. However, you can mix in some Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique twist.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable. The roux and potatoes work together to achieve that perfect creamy consistency that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about turning all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy, creamy soup, and I hope this recipe becomes your go-to for comfort food nights. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or craving a nostalgic meal, The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe promises to warm both body and soul. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and dive into a bowlful of pure, cheesy happiness!
Print
The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and creamy cheeseburger soup that combines ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or beef broth
- 3 cups potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Roux and Creaminess
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Garnish (Optional)
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, then add the diced potatoes, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Make the roux: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/2 cup of the milk until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup begins to thicken.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk, cooked ground beef, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Lastly, stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use either chicken or beef broth depending on preference for a richer or lighter flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- For a thicker soup, add additional flour when making the roux or reduce broth amount slightly.
- Sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier option.
- Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
