Name: Cheeseburger Soup – Creamy, Hearty & Easy Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 cups beef broth; 1 ½ cups milk or heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening); Optional toppings: Crumbled beef bacon, diced pickles, chopped parsley, toasted buns or croutons

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a classic cheeseburger—the juicy, seasoned beef, the melted cheese, the satisfying combination of flavors that just hits the spot every time. But what if you could take all that deliciousness and turn it into a warm, creamy, and comforting Cheeseburger Soup Recipe? That’s exactly what cheeseburger soup does. It delivers everything you love about a cheeseburger but in spoonable form, making it the perfect dish for chilly nights, family dinners, or when you simply need a cozy meal to warm you up from the inside out.

Cheeseburger soup is one of those recipes that became an instant favorite in my house. The first time I made it, I wasn’t sure how my family would react. Would they miss the bun? Would they want the crispy texture of a burger patty? But the moment they took the first bite, I knew it was a winner. The rich, cheesy broth combined with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and just the right amount of spices made this dish an immediate success. Now, it’s a staple on our dinner rotation, especially during the colder months.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can make it lighter by using ground turkey, add a little heat with some jalapeños, or even throw in some extra vegetables for a boost of nutrition. It’s also a fantastic meal-prep dish since it reheats beautifully.

Whether you’re looking for something hearty to feed your family, an easy weeknight meal, or just an alternative way to enjoy your favorite burger flavors, this cheeseburger soup is the answer. Get ready to fall in love with a bowl of pure comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love cheeseburger soup. It’s one of those dishes that checks all the boxes—easy, comforting, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen:

Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy
If you’re a fan of cheese (and who isn’t?), this soup is a dream come true. The combination of sharp cheddar and a creamy broth makes every spoonful smooth and satisfying.
Hearty and Filling
Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and a thick broth, this soup is a meal on its own. It’s the kind of dish that keeps you full for hours, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters love this recipe. It has all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger, so kids and adults alike will happily dig in.
Easy to Make
With just a few simple ingredients and one pot, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. Plus, it’s ready in about 35 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Customizable
Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap out the protein, or make it a little spicy, this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can make it exactly how you like it.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This soup stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it a great option for leftovers. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

If you love cheeseburgers and crave warm, comforting meals, this soup is a must-try!

Health Benefits of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

While cheeseburger soup is definitely an indulgence, it also has some surprising health benefits when made with the right ingredients. Here’s why you can enjoy this dish without guilt:

High in Protein
Thanks to the ground beef and cheese, this soup is loaded with protein, which helps keep you full, supports muscle growth, and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
Packed with Nutrients
Potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Carrots add beta-carotene, which promotes eye health and boosts the immune system.
Can Be Made Lighter
You can easily adjust this recipe to make it healthier. Use lean ground beef or turkey, swap heavy cream for milk, and add extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower.
Gluten-Free Option
If you skip the flour thickener or use a gluten-free substitute, this soup is naturally gluten-free. It’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

By making a few smart ingredient choices, you can enjoy this rich and creamy soup while still keeping it nutritious.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 25g

This soup is hearty and satisfying, making it the perfect meal on its own.

Ingredients List of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup shredded carrots
3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups beef broth
1 ½ cups milk or heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
Crumbled beef bacon for topping (optional)
Diced pickles for garnish (optional)
Chopped parsley for freshness (optional)
Toasted buns or croutons for extra texture (optional)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
Melt butter in the same pot, then add onions and shredded carrots. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Add diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to coat the potatoes.
Pour in the Broth
Add beef broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk flour with ½ cup of milk. Slowly pour into the soup, stirring continuously to thicken.
Add Cheese and Milk
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining milk or cream. Stir until the cheese melts completely.
Return the Beef to the Pot
Add the cooked ground beef back into the soup. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Add more seasoning if needed.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled beef bacon, diced pickles, fresh parsley, or toasted croutons.

How to Serve of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

With toasted buns for a burger-like experience
With a side salad for balance
With extra cheese for richness

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes: Caesar salad, roasted vegetables
Beverages: Sparkling water, iced tea

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Fridge: Store for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally

Common Mistakes to Avoid in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Even though cheeseburger soup is a fairly simple recipe, there are a few mistakes that can affect its texture, flavor, or consistency. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your soup turns out rich, creamy, and delicious every time.

Not Draining the Beef Properly
Ground beef releases a lot of fat as it cooks, and if you don’t drain the excess grease, your soup can end up overly oily. While a little fat adds flavor, too much can make the broth feel greasy instead of creamy. After browning the beef, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, and drain any excess fat before adding the other ingredients.
Adding Cheese Too Quickly
One of the biggest mistakes people make is adding cheese all at once to a hot pot of soup. This can cause the cheese to clump or become stringy instead of melting smoothly into the broth. To avoid this, always add cheese gradually, stirring constantly, and keep the heat at a low simmer. This ensures a velvety, creamy texture.
Skipping the Thickening Step
The flour-and-milk slurry is key to getting the right consistency in the soup. If you skip this step, your soup may end up too thin and watery. Make sure to whisk the flour with a small amount of milk before adding it to the soup to prevent lumps. Stir continuously as you pour it in for an even thickness.
Overcooking the Potatoes
While you want the potatoes to be soft and tender, cooking them for too long can cause them to break down too much, turning your soup mushy. Keep an eye on them while simmering and check for doneness after about 15 minutes. If you want firmer potatoes, use waxy varieties like Yukon Gold instead of russet potatoes.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. If possible, grate your own cheese from a block of sharp cheddar. It will melt better and create a much creamier soup.
Not Adjusting the Seasonings
The flavors of your soup can vary depending on the type of broth and cheese you use. Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little extra salt, black pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors.
Not Stirring Enough
To prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure an even texture, stir regularly, especially after adding the cheese and milk. This will help distribute the heat and maintain a smooth consistency.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll end up with a perfectly creamy and flavorful cheeseburger soup every single time!

Pro Tips of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Want to take your cheeseburger soup to the next level? Here are some expert tips that will make your dish even more delicious and foolproof.

Use Sharp Cheddar for the Best Flavor
Mild cheddar works fine, but if you want that rich, cheesy taste, go for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. It adds more depth to the soup without needing to use a large amount of cheese.
For Extra Creaminess, Add a Spoonful of Cream Cheese
If you love an ultra-creamy soup, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end. It enhances the texture and gives the soup a slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
Try Ground Turkey for a Lighter Option
If you want to make a healthier version, swap out the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. You’ll still get a hearty soup, but with less fat and fewer calories.
Make It Spicy with Jalapeños or Hot Sauce
For those who enjoy a little heat, add diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce before serving. This gives the soup a nice kick that pairs well with the creamy cheese.
Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor
A little bit of fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top can brighten up the soup and make it look more appetizing. Fresh herbs add a subtle freshness that balances out the richness.
Toast the Buns for an Authentic Cheeseburger Experience
Serve the soup with buttered and toasted buns or croutons made from hamburger buns. This gives you that true cheeseburger taste and texture with every bite.
Make It a One-Pot Meal
Want to save time on dishes? After browning the beef, use the same pot for the rest of the cooking process. This helps build flavor and makes cleanup easier.
Double the Batch and Freeze for Later
Cheeseburger soup freezes really well, so if you’re already making a batch, consider doubling it and saving some for later. It’s an easy meal to have on hand for busy days.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to customize your cheeseburger soup to your liking and create a dish that’s even more flavorful and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make cheeseburger soup in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef first, then add all the ingredients (except cheese and milk) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in the cheese and milk in the last 30 minutes before serving.

2. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Instead of using flour to thicken the soup, try using cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in toward the end of cooking.

3. What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes make the soup thicker as they break down slightly while cooking. If you prefer firmer potatoes, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.

4. Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

5. How do I reheat the soup without it curdling?
Reheat the soup on low heat and stir frequently. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth while heating.

6. Can I use Velveeta instead of cheddar cheese?
Yes! If you prefer a smoother, meltier cheese, Velveeta works great. However, sharp cheddar gives a deeper, richer flavor.

7. What can I serve with cheeseburger soup?
Serve with toasted buns, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also pairs well.

8. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

9. How do I make it thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese. You can also add an extra tablespoon of flour to the thickening mixture.

10. Can I add bacon?
Yes! Crumbled cooked beef bacon on top adds a smoky, crunchy element that enhances the cheeseburger flavor.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm and creamy bowl. It’s rich, hearty, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a cozy dish on a cold day, this soup is sure to satisfy.

The best part is that it’s highly customizable. You can make it spicy, lighten it up with turkey, add extra vegetables, or even make it vegetarian. No matter how you choose to prepare it, one thing is certain—it will quickly become a family favorite.

Now it’s your turn! Try this cheeseburger soup recipe and let me know how it turns out. Did you make any fun modifications? Did your family love it as much as mine does? I’d love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Snap a picture, tag me on social media, and spread the comfort food love! Happy cooking!