If you crave something comforting, hearty, and downright delicious, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger transformed into a rich, creamy soup loaded with tender ground beef, sharp cheddar, and tender potatoes and carrots. It’s a bowl of warmth that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out, perfect for cold evenings or whenever you need a satisfying meal that’s a little nostalgic and a lot tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, using straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every element works together to bring that iconic cheeseburger taste into a smooth, velvety soup that’s both hearty and inviting.
- Ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty foundation that makes the soup feel satisfying and authentic.
- Onion: Adds sweet and aromatic notes when cooked until translucent.
- Garlic: Gives depth and a subtle pungency that wakes up the palate.
- Potatoes: Offer creaminess and body as they soften, balancing the soup’s texture.
- Carrots: Bring a pop of color and a mild sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
- Beef broth: The rich liquid base that ties all ingredients together with meaty goodness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into silky, cheesy perfection for that unmistakable cheeseburger taste.
- Milk or cream: Adds a velvety smoothness that transforms the soup into a luscious comfort food.
- Tomato paste: Injects a subtle tang and depth reminiscent of a gourmet burger sauce.
- Mustard: Offers a gentle kick and bright acidity to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the soup.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized, which builds a rich flavor base. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy. Then, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant. This step is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing, setting the stage for the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Add Root Vegetables and Broth
Next, stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, giving the soup its hearty, rustic character. Pour in the beef broth, which will infuse the soup with deep, savory notes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Cooking until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes, allows the flavors to meld and the veggies to soften perfectly without falling apart.
Step 3: Stir in Dairy and Seasonings
Once the vegetables are tender, lower the heat and add the milk or cream, tomato paste, and mustard. Be careful to warm the soup gently without letting it boil—this prevents the dairy from curdling and keeps your soup silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, building layers of flavor that balance richness with brightness.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
This is the magic step. Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy. The cheese binds the ingredients together, giving the soup its signature velvety texture and irresistible cheeseburger flavor.
Step 5: Final Seasoning Adjustments and Serve
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a bit more mustard or salt can take it over the top. When you’re happy with the flavors, ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to dig into comfort in a spoonful.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your bowl of Cheeseburger Soup Recipe to the next level of deliciousness. Try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a few chopped green onions for a fresh bite, or crispy bacon bits to amp up the smoky flavor. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, and a few pickles on the side capture that classic cheeseburger vibe perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its richness. Crusty bread or warm garlic rolls are perfect for dipping, while a crisp green salad helps to balance out the hearty soup. If you’re feeling nostalgic, serve alongside classic fries or a pickle spear to complete the ultimate cheeseburger-themed meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or make mealtime extra special, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a fun and edible container. You can also top your soup with crushed cheese-flavored crackers or French fried onions for added crunch. Layering the garnishes artfully not only looks inviting but also brings exciting bursts of flavor in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Because of the dairy and cheese, give the soup a gentle stir and heat it slowly when reheating to keep the creamy texture intact.
Freezing
Freezing cheeseburger soup is possible but requires extra care. Avoid freezing if the soup has already been mixed with milk or cream, as dairy can separate. Instead, freeze the broth, cooked beef, and veggies separately. When ready to enjoy, thaw and gently reheat, then add fresh dairy and cheese for the best experience.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and curdling. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of milk or broth to smooth it out. Reheat just until warmed through because overcooking can affect the cheesy creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, you can experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky Gouda for a different but delicious twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement beef flavors.
Is this soup spicy?
By default, this soup has a gentle tang and savory richness but is not spicy. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or even some hot sauce to give it a little kick that suits your taste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily adapt the recipe by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add a bit more seasoning to keep the bold flavors that make this soup so satisfying.
What’s the best way to dice potatoes for this soup?
Cut your potatoes into uniform small cubes to ensure they cook evenly and become tender at the same time as the carrots. Avoid chopping them too large, or they might remain hard when the soup is ready.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of cream?
Yes, evaporated milk is a great lighter alternative to cream. It still adds creaminess but with fewer calories, keeping your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe rich without being too heavy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that warms your heart and satisfies your hunger with that familiar cheeseburger flavor in every spoonful. It’s simple to make, full of delicious layers, and perfect for any occasion where comfort food is calling your name. Don’t wait to dive into this bowl of cheesy goodness and make it a staple in your recipe collection.
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 hearty and comforting Cheeseburger Soup combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy, cheesy broth that tastes just like a classic cheeseburger in soup form. Perfect for chilly days, it’s packed with rich flavors and easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef and sauté aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become fragrant and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add vegetables and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots. Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add dairy and flavorings: Lower the heat and stir in the milk or cream, tomato paste, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm the soup gently, making sure it doesn’t boil, to prevent the milk from curdling.
- Melt in the cheese: Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in batches, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup reaches a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Finalize seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or mustard if desired. Serve the soup hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using sharp cheddar cheese enhances the rich flavor profile of the soup.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth or add a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking.
- Substitute milk with heavy cream for a richer texture or use a lower-fat milk for a lighter version.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the beef broth and tomato paste have no gluten-containing additives.
- Leftover soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
