Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you love the flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want something a bit more comforting and cozy, then this Easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe is just for you! This creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup captures everything you love about cheeseburgers in a warm, comforting bowl. It’s packed with ground beef, potatoes, and veggies, all brought together in a rich, cheesy broth that makes for an unforgettable meal. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy lunch. Stick around to learn how to make this easy cheeseburger soup, complete with step-by-step instructions, substitutions, and expert tips!

What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a comforting, creamy soup that mimics the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. It’s made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and common cheeseburger toppings like onions and pickles, often combined with potatoes for added heartiness. The soup is thick and creamy, thanks to a combination of cheese, broth, and sometimes a roux made with butter and flour. It’s a family-friendly dish that is easy to make and packed with flavors reminiscent of your favorite cheeseburger.

Ingredients List for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting and delicious cheeseburger soup:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean ground beef works best, but you can use any type)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (russet or Yukon gold work best)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for extra flavor)
• 1 cup carrots, diced (optional for extra veggies)
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk or 2% for a creamier texture)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is ideal)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

Thickening Agents

• 3 tablespoon butter
• 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken the soup)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder (optional, for a cheeseburger-like flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes (Optional)

• Cooked bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Pickles (for a true cheeseburger feel)
• Extra shredded cheese
• Croutons or crushed crackers

Substitutions and Variations

This cheeseburger soup is quite versatile. Here are some ways you can adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Ground Meat Alternatives: If you prefer leaner meat or something different, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat.
• Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar cheese is classic for cheeseburger soup, but you can use other cheeses like Colby Jack, American, or even Velveeta for a creamier, melty texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower florets instead for a lower-carb version of this soup. You could also use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. Coconut milk or almond milk can work for the creamy base, and there are plenty of dairy-free cheeses that melt well.
• Extra Veggies: Add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or celery for additional texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

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, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Make the Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine the Roux and Soup: Slowly pour the roux into the soup pot, stirring to combine. This will help thicken the soup. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
6. Add Cheese and Cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream (or half-and-half) until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as cooked bacon bits, extra cheese, green onions, or even a few slices of pickles for a cheeseburger vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Too Much Liquid: Cheeseburger soup should be thick and creamy. Avoid adding too much broth or water, which could result in a thin soup. Stick to the recipe’s liquid measurements for the best texture.
• Skipping the Roux: The roux (flour and butter mixture) is essential for thickening the soup. Skipping this step will result in a soup that is more broth-like and less creamy.
• Overcooking the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, or they will become mushy. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
• Curdling the Milk or Cream: When adding milk or cream to the soup, make sure the soup is not boiling. High heat can cause the milk or cream to curdle. Reduce the heat to low before adding any dairy to the soup.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup

This cheeseburger soup is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it with a few sides or garnishes to make it even more special:

• Bread on the Side: Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread to soak up all the creamy goodness of the soup.
• Salad Pairing: A simple green salad or Caesar salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup.
• Toppings Bar: Create a toppings bar with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, diced pickles, or croutons so everyone can customize their soup.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

• Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun, rustic presentation.
• Topped Bowls: Garnish each bowl of soup with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions for added color and flavor.
• Mini Sliders on the Side: For a playful presentation, serve mini cheeseburger sliders alongside the soup for a true cheeseburger-inspired meal.

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

• Prep Ingredients in Advance: To save time, have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking.
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so feel free to make it a day in advance. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Freezing Tips: Cheeseburger soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that cream-based soups can sometimes separate when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cheese and cream. When reheating, add the cheese and cream after the soup has thawed and reheated on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup without potatoes? Yes! If you want a lower-carb version, you can substitute the potatoes with cauliflower or omit them altogether.
2. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef? Absolutely. If you have pre-cooked ground beef on hand, simply skip the browning step and add it to the soup when the potatoes are nearly cooked through.
3. Can I use another type of cheese? While cheddar cheese is classic, you can use other cheeses like Colby Jack, American, or even a processed cheese like Velveeta for a creamier texture.
4. Is this soup gluten-free? To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener. Be sure to check that your broth is also gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze cheeseburger soup? Yes, but for best results, freeze it before adding the cheese and cream. When ready to serve, thaw the soup and reheat on the stovetop, then stir in the cheese and cream.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm and comforting bowl. With ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s customizable, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week. Try this recipe for a cozy meal that delivers all the cheeseburger goodness you love, with the added bonus of being served with a spoon!

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