The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cozy Up with Our Heartwarming Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

While wandering through culinary memories, I stumbled upon a cheeseburger soup that instantly rekindled my comfort food passion.

Nostalgic aromas wafted from my kitchen during initial experiments.

Midwestern charm infuses every spoonful of this hearty creation.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with robust beef and melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each ingredient tells a story of home-cooked warmth and satisfying indulgence.

Rich, velvety broth promises to chase away hunger and chill with its delectable embrace.

The Best Cheeseburger Soup Brings Savory, Cheesy Joy To The Bowl

  • Quick Weeknight Meal: Whips up in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving comfort food fast.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Combines classic cheeseburger flavors in a cozy soup that kids and adults will devour enthusiastically.
  • Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Requires minimal cleanup with everything prepared in a single pot, saving time and kitchen mess.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapts with optional toppings like bacon or green onions, letting everyone personalize their bowl.

Breakdown Of Cheeseburger Soup Components

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein base for the soup, providing robust flavor and texture.
  • Bacon: Optional crispy topping that adds smoky and salty notes to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion: Aromatic base that brings depth and sweetness to the soup's foundation.
  • Garlic: Adds intense flavor and enhances overall taste profile.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that creates a thick, creamy soup texture.
  • Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and nutritional value with vibrant color.
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly, creating rich and creamy consistency with sharp flavor.
  • Milk: Provides smooth, creamy base for the soup.
  • Sour Cream: Optional finishing touch that adds tangy richness.
  • Butter: Helps create roux for thickening and adds rich flavor.
  • Flour: Essential for creating smooth, thick soup base.
Seasonings:
  • Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance overall taste.
  • Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and mild, sweet spice.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Optional fresh topping for added color and mild onion flavor.

Cheeseburger Soup Best Cooking Steps

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it turns a rich brown color.

Drain away any extra fat and set the meat aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, melt butter and add:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Build A Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir to create a smooth roux.

Slowly pour in chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Cook Potato Chunks

Add potato pieces to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Combine Creamy Ingredients

Stir in:
  • Cooked ground beef
  • Milk
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Continue cooking until the cheese completely melts and the soup reaches a thick, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in sour cream.

Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Optional garnishes include crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for extra texture and flavor.

Cheeseburger Soup Boosted With Pro Techniques

  • Pat ground beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a richer, less greasy soup texture.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamier, more substantial soup consistency.
  • Remove pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gradually to create smooth, even melting without separation.
  • Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets and use low-carb thickening alternatives like xanthan gum for a keto-friendly version.
  • Roast carrots and onions before adding to enhance depth and bring out natural sweetness in the soup.

Keeping Cheeseburger Soup Fresh

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing soup with sour cream as it may separate.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to become grainy.

What Works With Cheeseburger Soup

  • Pair Sharp Cheddar Crunch: Top the soup with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed cheese crackers for added texture and heightened cheese flavor.
  • Brew Perfect Beer Match: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or wheat beer that complements the soup's richness and cuts through its creamy profile.
  • Wine Harmony Strategy: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir or unoaked Chardonnay that balances the soup's hearty beef and cheese elements without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
  • Refreshing Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the soup's rich and creamy consistency.

Cheeseburger Soup Flavor Spins

  • Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower chunks. Use heavy cream instead of milk and increase cheese content for a rich, low-carb alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and coconut milk. Replace sour cream with cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before adding to the soup.

  • Is this soup gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when creating the roux.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or spinach during the sautéing stage. These boost the nutritional value and add more flavor complexity to the soup.

  • Can I freeze leftover cheeseburger soup?

While you can freeze it, dairy-based soups might separate slightly upon reheating. If you do freeze, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and stir well when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

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The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Midwest comfort shines through this hearty cheeseburger soup, packed with savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, and rich cheese. Warm kitchen aromas and satisfying flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of pure culinary comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 3 cups (450 g) potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups (230 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (150 g) carrots, diced

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) butter
  • 3 tablespoons (24 g) flour

Optional Garnish:

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Green onions

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, ensuring complete rendering and eliminating any excess lipid content.
  2. Within the identical pot, transform butter into a silky liquid and introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and julienned carrots, gently caramelizing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
  3. Sprinkle flour across the vegetable mixture, creating a golden roux that will serve as the soup’s thickening foundation. Gradually incorporate chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent any undesirable clumping.
  4. Introduce diced potatoes into the liquid base, elevating temperature until a vigorous bubbling commences. Reduce heat and allow gentle simmering, permitting potatoes to tenderize and absorb surrounding flavors, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  5. Reintegrate the previously prepared ground beef into the developing soup, followed by a smooth stream of milk and a generous cascade of shredded cheddar cheese. Maintain low heat, stirring consistently until cheese dissolves completely and soup achieves a luxurious, creamy consistency.
  6. Temporarily remove the pot from heat source, folding in velvety sour cream for additional richness. Season judiciously with warming paprika, complementary salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
  7. Transfer to serving bowls, optionally adorning with crisp bacon fragments and delicately sliced green onion tops for a sophisticated garnish.

Notes

  • Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent for the roux.
  • Enhance protein content by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner option.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt amounts during seasoning.
  • Boost vegetable intake by adding extra diced vegetables like celery or bell peppers for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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