Cheeseburger Soup

Imagine a creamy, cheesy soup that tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger—but in a cozy, comforting bowl. That’s exactly what this Cheeseburger Soup delivers. Tender ground beef, sweet onions, and soft gold potatoes swim in a savory broth, then get enveloped in a cheesy, velvety sauce that makes every spoonful irresistible. Top it with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives, and you’ve got a bowl that feels like a hug in liquid form.

Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a casual family dinner, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

Recipe Origin:

Cheeseburger soup is a fun, modern twist on classic comfort foods. It combines the best parts of a cheeseburger—beef, cheese, onions, and potatoes—into a warming soup. It likely originated as a cozy diner-style recipe, bringing that familiar burger flavor to a handheld spoon, perfect for family meals or weeknight comfort.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Grater for cheese and carrots

Why You’ll Love Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup

Ultimate Comfort: Every spoonful tastes like a cheeseburger without the bun, in a creamy, dreamy soup form.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike, even picky eaters.
Easy to Customize: Add extra vegetables, spice it up with paprika or cayenne, or make it extra cheesy.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Make-Ahead Magic: Soup flavors deepen when made ahead, making it great for prep or leftovers.

Ingredients in Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ground Beef: Lean, tender beef provides savory richness and the classic cheeseburger taste.
Kosher Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness to sautéed veggies.
Sweet Onion: Softens and caramelizes for a natural sweetness in the soup.
Carrots & Celery: Adds subtle sweetness, color, and texture for balance.
Garlic: Fragrant and aromatic, enhancing the savory base.
Dried Oregano: A touch of herbaceous depth that elevates the flavors.
Gold Potatoes: Soft, tender bites that soak up the creamy soup.
Chicken Stock: Forms a flavorful base for the soup.
Butter & Flour: Combined to make a roux, thickening the soup into a creamy, silky texture.
Milk: Makes the soup rich and velvety.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient—melts into a gooey, cheesy masterpiece.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess.
Chives: Fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens each bowl.

Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in the same pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic and oregano until fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Stock: Stir in quartered gold potatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer until potatoes are tender.
Make the Cheese Base: In a separate small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking briefly to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
Add Cheese: Stir in grated sharp cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
Combine and Simmer: Return cooked ground beef to the soup pot, then pour in the cheesy mixture. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes to let flavors meld.
Finish with Sour Cream: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream for added richness.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with freshly chopped chives. Serve warm with crusty bread if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~450 (depending on cheese and milk type)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup

• With Bread: Serve alongside a crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy broth.
• With Toppings: Add extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or pickled jalapeños for variety.
• As a Meal: Pair with a crisp green salad to balance richness.
• In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a small loaf of bread and fill with soup for a fun presentation.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Soup can be made a day in advance; flavors deepen overnight in the fridge.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add extra milk or stock if needed to restore creaminess.
• Freezing: Not ideal for long-term freezing due to the cheese, but you can freeze base soup without cheese and stir cheese in when reheating.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Extra Cheesy: Stir in more cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack for richness.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter version.
• Bacon Lover’s: Top with crispy crumbled bacon for smoky crunch.

Additional Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded.
• Stir soup frequently after adding the roux to prevent sticking or clumping.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; sometimes a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper elevates everything.
• Leftover soup can also be thickened slightly with a splash of cream before serving again.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Use a plant-based beef substitute or skip the meat entirely, replacing chicken stock with vegetable stock.

Q2: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A2: You can, but freshly grated melts smoother and prevents clumping.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux or cornstarch as a thickener.

Q4: How long can I keep leftovers?
A4: Up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

Q5: Can I freeze this soup?
A5: Freeze without cheese and sour cream, then add fresh cheese and sour cream when reheating.

Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Absolutely—carrots, peas, corn, and bell peppers work beautifully.

Q7: How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A7: Mix a little flour or cornstarch with milk and stir in, cooking for a few more minutes.

Q8: Can I make this spicy?
A8: Yes—cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños add heat.

Q9: Can I use milk alternatives?
A9: Yes, unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk works. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy.

Q10: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except cheese and sour cream. Cook on low 4–6 hours, then stir in cheese and sour cream at the end.

Conclusion

Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup hits all the comfort-food notes: cheesy, hearty, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Every spoonful tastes like your favorite burger, without the bun, in a creamy, comforting bowl. Once you make it, it’ll quickly become a recipe you return to again and again—perfect for any occasion where warm, cheesy goodness is the goal.

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