Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup is one of those recipes that instantly became a family favorite in my kitchen. It has all the comfort of a classic cheeseburger, but in a warm, creamy bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty one-pot meal comes together in about 40 minutes.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this soup on a busy weeknight when everyone was craving burgers but I didn’t want to fire up the grill. The kids gathered around the stove as the aroma of browning beef and melting cheddar filled the kitchen. Now it’s our go-to comfort food when we want something satisfying without spending hours cooking. This cheeseburger soup recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort, and the best part is you can customize the toppings just like you would a regular cheeseburger. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a complete meal in one pot.

What You’ll Need to Make This Cheeseburger Soup

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients for the best results. I always use sharp cheddar cheese because it gives this cheeseburger soup the boldest flavor, and I recommend choosing 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of taste and texture. You can substitute ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option, but add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the soup rich.

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter (salted or unsalted)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 medium russet or Yukon gold)
• 1 cup whole milk (2% works too)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, extra cheese

Pro tip: I like to add a slice of American cheese along with the cheddar for that authentic cheeseburger flavor and extra creaminess. For a bacon cheeseburger soup variation, cook and crumble 4-5 slices of bacon to use as a topping.

How to Make the Best Cheeseburger Soup

I recommend reading through all the steps before you begin so you know what to expect. This soup comes together quickly once you start cooking, and having everything prepped makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. The beef should be completely cooked through with no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the pot, letting it melt completely. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about one minute to create a roux. The mixture should be golden and smell slightly nutty. This step is crucial for thickening your cheeseburger soup properly, so don’t skip it.

Step 3: Slowly whisk in the beef broth, about 1 cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The roux will dissolve into the broth and create a smooth base. Keep whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and there are no flour clumps visible.

Step 4: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir well. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. This is important because you don’t want the soup to boil once you add the dairy. Stir in the milk first, then add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy. If your soup seems too thick, add a splash more milk or broth.

Step 6: Remove the pot from the heat completely before stirring in the sour cream. This prevents the sour cream from curdling. Season your cheeseburger soup with salt and pepper to taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon of each and adjusting as needed. Remember that the cheese and broth already contain salt.

Step 7: Serve hot in bowls, topped with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and extra cheese. I love adding crumbled bacon and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for the full burger experience.

The Perfect Sides for Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Nothing beats dunking warm, crusty bread into this creamy cheeseburger soup. The bread soaks up all that cheesy goodness and adds a satisfying crunch. I usually serve a baguette or make quick garlic bread by spreading butter, garlic powder, and parsley on sliced French bread and toasting it.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes provides a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy soup. I dress mine with a light vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the cheese. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your meal.

Seasoned Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add texture and make each spoonful more interesting. They stay crunchy on top and gradually soften as they soak up the broth. This is one of the best sides for cheeseburger soup if you want something quick and easy.

Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun twist, serve sweet potato fries on the side. The slight sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savory, cheesy flavors and gives you that classic burger-and-fries feeling.

More Hearty Comfort Food Recipes

This cheeseburger soup joins a delicious lineup of warming, satisfying meals perfect for busy weeknights. For another twist on classic comfort food in soup form, try the Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup which adds pasta to create an even heartier bowl. The Creamy Taco Soup offers similar creamy, cheesy goodness with bold Mexican flavors that complement this American classic beautifully.

When you’re craving more one-pot wonders, the Garlic Potato Soup shares the same comforting potato base with aromatic garlic, while Tuscan Sausage Potato Soup brings Italian-inspired herbs and sausage to the table. For those who love the rich, creamy texture of this cheeseburger soup, Million Dollar Chicken Soup delivers similar indulgence with tender chicken and cream cheese.

Storing and Reheating Your Cheeseburger Soup

Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend letting the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to your container to prevent condensation buildup.

When reheating, use the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid using high heat, as this can cause the dairy to separate and become grainy.

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container, but I suggest leaving out the sour cream until after reheating. The texture of dairy can change when frozen and thawed, so adding fresh sour cream after reheating gives you the best consistency. Pro tip: freeze in individual portions for quick weeknight meals.

Your Cheeseburger Soup Questions Answered

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