Cheeseburger Soup: A Cozy Comfort Classic with All the Flavors of Your Favorite Burger
There’s something magical about a dish that can make you feel warm, full, and a little nostalgic all at once. The first time you make Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll probably wonder why it took you so long to try it. It’s everything you love about a juicy, cheesy burger — only cozier, creamier, and spoon-ready. Picture it: tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar swirling together in a thick, savory broth. It’s the kind of meal that makes even the coldest nights feel like home.
If you’ve ever craved that diner-style cheeseburger flavor without the mess or the bun, this soup delivers it in the most comforting way possible.
What Is Cheeseburger Soup?
Think of Cheeseburger Soup as your favorite burger turned into a creamy, spoonable bowl of comfort. Instead of sandwiching your ingredients between buns, you simmer them gently in broth and cream until they blend into a smooth, hearty base. Ground beef, onions, potatoes, carrots, and cheddar cheese create a balance of richness and texture that hits all the right notes.
What makes this soup so special is how it feels familiar yet completely new. The beef adds a satisfying depth, while the melted cheese ties everything together like the perfect burger sauce. And when you add toppings like bacon, pickles, or green onions, it transforms into a “burger-in-a-bowl” experience that never disappoints.
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Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheeseburger Soup combines all the flavors of a classic American cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl. Made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly nights. Rich, satisfying, and easy to make, this hearty soup delivers the same crave-worthy flavor as your favorite diner burger — no bun required.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and shredded
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cups chicken broth
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Chopped green onions or cooked bacon, for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat and set aside.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion, garlic, and shredded carrots. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10–12 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add milk while whisking until smooth.
Stir the milk mixture into the soup, letting it thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese a handful at a time until melted and smooth.
Add heavy cream and cooked beef back into the pot. Season with paprika, additional salt, and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with bacon bits or chopped green onions.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute lean ground turkey and low-fat cheese.
To freeze, omit cheese and cream until reheating to prevent separation.
For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400 g)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Ingredients & Shopping Tips
The secret to a good Cheeseburger Soup lies in using fresh ingredients and layering flavors carefully. Here’s everything you need:
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (optional for a smoky note)
- Chopped green onions or cooked bacon, for garnish
Shopping Tips:
When you’re picking your cheese, skip the pre-shredded bag and grab a block of cheddar instead — it melts smoothly and tastes fresher. Look for russet or Yukon gold potatoes; they stay tender without falling apart. And if you like a bolder flavor, smoked cheddar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce gives the soup a little something extra.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the onion, garlic, and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables soften and the aroma fills your kitchen. This step sets the tone — it builds that savory foundation every great soup needs.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender — about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth, then pour this mixture into the soup. Stir constantly until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cream
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese one handful at a time. Keep stirring until it melts into a silky base. Add the heavy cream and the cooked beef back into the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning — maybe a pinch more salt, pepper, or paprika for warmth.
When the soup is creamy and rich, ladle it into bowls and top with green onions, crispy bacon bits, or even a few chopped pickles if you’re feeling adventurous.
Dietary Variations & Substitutions
Vegan or Dairy-Free
You can easily make a plant-based version of Cheeseburger Soup by swapping the beef for lentils or crumbled tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken. Replace butter with olive oil and try non-dairy cheese and unsweetened oat milk for creaminess.
Gluten-Free
To go gluten-free, skip the flour roux and thicken your soup with cornstarch or potato starch. Make sure your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.
Low-Calorie or Low-Fat
Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, reduce the cheese slightly, and replace heavy cream with evaporated milk. Add extra carrots or celery to bulk it up with fewer calories.
Halal
For a halal-friendly version, ensure your ground beef is halal-certified, or use ground lamb for a richer, slightly sweet alternative. The flavor pairs beautifully with cheddar.
The beauty of this soup is that it adapts to nearly any dietary preference while still delivering that irresistible burger flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Garnishes
You can serve Cheeseburger Soup just as it is, but the right toppings make it unforgettable. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or green onions over each bowl for added crunch and flavor. If you love a little tang, diced dill pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard, recreate that full burger taste.
For sides, think cozy and simple — warm, crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a handful of pretzel bites for dipping. A light side salad also balances out the richness perfectly. If you’re serving it at a family dinner or casual get-together, set up a “topping bar” so everyone can build their own bowl.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this recipe), let the soup cool before storing it. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture, and warm it slowly on the stovetop.
Freezing tip: Because it contains dairy, Cheeseburger Soup can separate when frozen. If you plan to freeze some, do it before adding the cheese and cream. Then reheat later and stir them in fresh before serving — the flavor stays just as creamy and comforting.
No matter how you serve it, Cheeseburger Soup is the kind of recipe that never fails to impress. It takes everything you love about a classic American burger and turns it into the ultimate comfort food. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug — familiar, hearty, and perfectly satisfying. Whether you make it on a snowy night or a cozy weekend, it’s a bowl you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
FAQ
What cheese works best in Cheeseburger Soup?
Sharp cheddar is the top choice because it melts smoothly and delivers that classic burger flavor. If you like extra creaminess, mix in a little American or Velveeta cheese for a silky texture.
Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything except the cheese and cream to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3, then stir in the cheese and cream at the end for the perfect finish.
How can I thicken Cheeseburger Soup?
If your soup feels too thin, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water or add a bit of instant mashed potatoes. Both methods work quickly without changing the flavor.
Can you freeze Cheeseburger Soup?
You can, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cheese and cream. Dairy tends to separate after thawing, so add those ingredients fresh when reheating for the best texture.
Is Cheeseburger Soup healthy?
It’s definitely hearty, but you can make it lighter by using lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cheese, and skim milk. Adding extra veggies like cauliflower or broccoli boosts nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
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