If you have ever dreamed of biting into a juicy cheeseburger but in soup form, the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This decadent, creamy soup brings together all the nostalgia and flavor of a cheeseburger, with tender ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese melting into a luscious broth, and perfectly cooked veggies to balance every spoonful. It’s comfort food at its finest, served up in a bowl that warms your soul and satisfies every craving in one delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich, melted cheeses adding velvety creaminess to the fresh veggies giving a subtle sweetness and bite.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that delivers that classic cheeseburger taste in every spoonful.
- 2 Tbsp. butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 1 stalk celery, chopped: Offers a subtle crunch and freshness while blending seamlessly into the broth.
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped: Adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup to a perfect, creamy consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
- 2 cups whole milk: Gives the soup a smooth and creamy richness that feels indulgent but not heavy.
- 8 oz. cream cheese, cubed: Melts into the broth, adding luscious creaminess and tang.
- 1 package (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that brings that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor and gooey texture.
- 1⁄4 tsp. pepper: A touch of spice to brighten and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Browning enhances the beef’s flavor tremendously. Once it’s cooked, remove it from the pot but don’t clean out the juices—those bits left behind will add incredible depth to your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Thicken
Next, add butter to the pot and let it melt like liquid gold. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrot and cook them gently until tender, about 8 minutes. These veggies bring vibrant color and subtle sweetness that contrast wonderfully with the savory beef. Return the browned beef to the pot, then sprinkle the flour over everything. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste away, which also helps create that silky thickness we love in cheeseburger soup. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk while stirring, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the soup time to thicken and let all those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
Here’s where the magic really happens. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it melts, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy dream. Then, lower the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar cheese in three batches. After each addition, wait patiently until the cheese has fully melted before adding the next portion. This careful process makes sure your soup stays perfectly smooth without becoming grainy. Finish by seasoning with a pinch of pepper, and your incredible cheeseburger soup is ready to serve piping hot.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a great way to layer extra flavor and texture into your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Consider sprinkling crispy bacon bits on top for a salty crunch, or a handful of sliced green onions for a fresh bite. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese can also bring more richness and an eye-catching finish to your soup bowl.
Side Dishes
While this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast can take your meal to the next level. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess and leaves your palate refreshed. For an even more classic twist, serve it alongside crispy French fries for a full-blown cheeseburger experience in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining or just to make dinner feel special, serve the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or inside hollowed-out baked potatoes. You can also top it with a sprinkling of crushed potato chips or even diced pickles to mimic the full cheeseburger flavor. The possibilities are endless and such presentation ideas always spark smiles at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, simply let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen for longer storage, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups sometimes change texture after freezing. To freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best flavor and consistency.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, reheat it gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Adding a splash of milk can help restore the creamy texture if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute that will still provide that hearty texture and works perfectly in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Just brown it thoroughly and cook as usual.
Is this soup spicy?
Nope! This recipe is all about classic, comforting cheeseburger flavors, so it remains mild. But feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replacing the beef with a plant-based ground meat or hearty mushrooms and swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth can create a tasty vegetarian version. Just keep in mind the classic cheeseburger notes come from the beef and broth.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or even ricotta for a different take on creaminess, though cream cheese’s tang is pretty unique in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be thick and creamy, enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable and comforting. The flour and cheese work together to achieve that perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re craving comfort food or want to impress family and friends with a recipe that’s both familiar and special, this soup checks all the boxes. So go ahead—give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with cheeseburger flavor in a whole new way!
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting Cheeseburger Soup combines browned ground beef, fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and cream cheese in a rich broth to create a delicious and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
Dairy
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
- 1 package (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Pantry
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1⁄4 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a 6- or 8-quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently until it is thoroughly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Add Flour: In the same pot, add the butter and let it melt. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook these vegetables until they become tender, about 8 minutes. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and beef, then cook while stirring constantly for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the soup just to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Season: Add the cubed cream cheese to the simmering soup and stir until it is fully melted. Lower the heat to low, then gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in three separate additions, waiting for each addition to melt completely before adding the next. Finally, season the soup with 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Serve the soup hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the soup.
- Stir constantly when adding flour and cheeses to prevent clumping and ensure smooth consistency.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or milk if it becomes too thick during simmering.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a full meal.
