The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Craving the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want something warm and cozy? This cheeseburger soup delivers all the beloved tastes of your favorite burger in a rich, creamy bowl that’s perfect for any season.

I’ve perfected this recipe to capture that iconic cheeseburger experience with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a soup so satisfying, it might just become your new comfort food obsession!

What is “The Best Cheeseburger Soup”?

The Best Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, cream-based soup that transforms all the classic cheeseburger flavors into a warm, comforting bowl. This soup features seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich cheese base that mimics the taste of a perfectly crafted cheeseburger.

Unlike other soup recipes that can be complicated or require exotic ingredients, this cheeseburger soup uses simple, everyday items that create an extraordinary flavor profile. The result is a thick, satisfying soup that tastes like a cheeseburger and fries all rolled into one delicious meal.

Ingredients List for The Best Cheeseburger Soup

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Croutons for serving (optional)

How to Cook The Best Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious cheeseburger soup is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
• Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
• Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Add olive oil to the pot with the cooked beef.
• Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add the Vegetables:

• Add the cubed potatoes, diced carrots, and celery to the pot.
• Stir to combine with the beef and onion mixture.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
• Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.

4. Create the Soup Base:

• Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Make It Creamy and Cheesy:

• Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
• Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
• Avoid boiling the soup once the cheese is added to prevent curdling.
• Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Final Touches:

• Let the soup simmer on low heat for 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Garnish with fresh chives and serve with croutons if desired.
• Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Substitutions and Variations

This flexible cheeseburger soup recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences:

• Ground Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for different flavor profiles.
• Cheese Options: Try a blend of cheddar and American cheese, or experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this soup vegan-friendly.
• Vegetable Additions: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Potato Alternatives: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for different nutritional benefits.
• Thickening Agent: Use cornstarch instead of flour, or add cream cheese for extra richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your cheeseburger soup turns out perfect every time:

• Adding Cheese Too Quickly: Gradually incorporate cheese over low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or clumpy.
• Boiling After Adding Dairy: Once cream and cheese are added, keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
• Underseasoning the Beef: Season the ground beef well during cooking for maximum flavor throughout the soup.
• Cutting Vegetables Too Large: Keep vegetable pieces uniform and reasonably small for even cooking and better spoon-ability.
• Skipping the Flour: The flour helps thicken the soup and prevents separation of the dairy ingredients.

How to Serve The Best Cheeseburger Soup

This hearty cheeseburger soup works wonderfully as a complete meal. I recommend serving it with warm, crusty bread rolls or garlic bread to mimic the bun experience of a traditional cheeseburger. A side of crispy pickles adds that classic burger shop touch.

For a more complete meal, pair the soup with a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The lightness of the salad balances the richness of the soup perfectly. Consider serving with oven-baked sweet potato fries or regular french fries for the ultimate cheeseburger experience.

Presentation Ideas for The Best Cheeseburger Soup

Make your cheeseburger soup look as amazing as it tastes with these presentation tips:

• Bread Bowl Serving: Hollow out round sourdough bread loaves and serve the soup inside for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Garnish Variety: Top with crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, and green onions to mimic burger toppings.
• Cheese Drizzle: Add an extra drizzle of melted cheese on top just before serving for visual appeal.
• Crouton Tower: Stack seasoned croutons on top for added texture and height.

The Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

Follow these expert tips to elevate your cheeseburger soup to the next level:

• Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged for better melting and flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Properly browning the beef creates a foundation of flavor that makes all the difference.
• Temperature Control: Keep heat low when adding dairy ingredients to maintain the soup’s smooth consistency.
• Taste and Adjust: Season gradually and taste frequently to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Make It Your Own: Add your favorite burger toppings like crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms to personalize the recipe.

How to Store The Best Cheeseburger Soup

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftover cheeseburger soup safely and deliciously. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration. Avoid reheating in the microwave at high power, as this can cause the dairy to curdle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this cheeseburger soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then add everything except the cream and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in cream and cheese during the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
A: While possible, cream-based soups don’t freeze well as the dairy can separate when thawed. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the cream and cheese, then add these ingredients when reheating.

Q: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup. You can also add more flour at the beginning or mash some of the potatoes to naturally thicken the soup.

Q: What’s the best type of potato to use?
A: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best as they break down slightly during cooking, helping to thicken the soup naturally.

Q: Can I add bacon to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Cook 4-6 strips of bacon first, remove and crumble, then use the bacon fat to cook the vegetables for extra flavor. Add the crumbled bacon back in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Q: Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
A: Use lean ground turkey, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, reduce the cheese amount, and add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to increase the nutritional value.

Conclusion

The Best Cheeseburger Soup brings together all the comfort and satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, nourishing bowl that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results when combined thoughtfully and cooked with care.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a cozy meal to warm you up on a cold day, this cheeseburger soup delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can easily customize it to match your preferences while maintaining that essential cheeseburger character that makes it so special.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different toppings and variations. Remember to keep the heat low when adding the cheese and cream, and don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. With these tips and techniques, you’ll create a cheeseburger soup that rivals any restaurant version and becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!