If you are craving something warm, comforting, and bursting with all the flavors of a favorite diner classic, you have to try this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It blends hearty ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes into a deliciously creamy soup that feels just like a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this soup offers satisfying, cheesy goodness that’s simple to make and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, everyday ingredients is the first step to making this cozy soup a success. Each component is key—ground beef brings savory depth, potatoes add comforting texture, and sharp cheddar cheese delivers that classic cheeseburger flavor you expect in every spoonful.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular depending on your preference for richness and reduced grease.
- 2 cups diced potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russets work great for a tender, silky bite.
- 2 cups beef broth: Use low sodium to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream: For a creamy, luscious texture you’ll love.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best punch of cheeseburger flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a hint of aromatic bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For depth and a little kick to round out the profile.
- 2 tbsp butter: Helps cook the veggies and adds richness to the base.
- 2 tbsp flour: The thickening agent to give your soup that velvety consistency.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
- Optional add-ins: Worcestershire sauce for umami, bacon bits for crunch and smoky flavor, jalapeños for heat, and pickles to evoke that classic cheeseburger zing.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your pot over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until nicely browned. This step unlocks that savory meaty flavor so crucial to the soup. Remember to drain off excess grease so the soup doesn’t become oily while keeping plenty of that meaty goodness for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, add butter to the pot, letting it melt and coat the bottom before tossing in the diced onions and garlic. Cook them gently until they’re soft and fragrant, which will build a delicious aromatic base that complements the beef beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer Potatoes in Broth
Add your diced potatoes and beef broth to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cooking the potatoes until tender ensures that they soak up all those rich flavors, contributing a pleasant bite that balances the creaminess.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Mix your flour with milk or cream to make a smooth slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup. This step transforms the broth into a luxuriously creamy consistency that makes every spoonful truly indulgent and comforting.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is velvety smooth. This cheesy blend is what transforms the dish into that nostalgic Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe you and your loved ones will keep coming back to.
Step 6: Serve with Classic Toppings
Finish your soup by adding any optional toppings you love—bacon bits, extra cheese, jalapeños, or pickles—to give it that unmistakable cheeseburger twist. These add-ons bring texture and distinctive flavor layers that make the dish extra special.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar melt perfectly on top, enhancing both presentation and flavor. Pickles or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add a tangy kick reminiscent of your favorite burger joint.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. Soft dinner rolls or crispy garlic breadsticks are fantastic choices that complement the richness of the soup without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls for individual servings that delight both kids and adults. You can also sprinkle the top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips to add an unexpected crunch that mimics a cheeseburger’s bun texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier. Give it a good stir before reheating as some cheese may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly after freezing, but it remains delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid scorching. Stir frequently until warmed through and creamy once more. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth if the soup is too thick after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda to put a unique spin on your Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace ground beef with plant-based crumble or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cheese and potatoes still keep that satisfying comfort food vibe.
How spicy can I make this soup?
Feel free to add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to up the heat. Just add gradually to keep the flavors balanced and enjoyable.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cheese at the end for best melting results.
What sides go best with Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
Crisp green salads, crusty artisan bread, or even simple vegetable sticks make perfect sides, offering a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup without overshadowing it.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels homemade and indulgent without a ton of fuss. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family on cozy nights when you want to feel nourished and totally satisfied. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it becomes an instant favorite and a go-to in your recipe box.
Print
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm bowl. Made with browned ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a rich broth base, it’s perfect for a quick family meal. Optional toppings like bacon bits and pickles add a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- Bacon bits
- Jalapeños
- Pickles
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté veggies: Add butter to the pot, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook these until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Simmer potatoes and broth: Add the diced potatoes and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk (or heavy cream) until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the simmering pot, cooking until the soup thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as bacon bits, jalapeños, pickles, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an authentic cheeseburger flavor boost.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter soup, but heavy cream gives a richer texture.
- For more flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce during the simmering step.
- Make sure to brown the beef well to develop a deeper flavor base.
- Potatoes should be diced evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
