There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it captures the flavors of a beloved classic. This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe brings together the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger into a creamy, savory meal. It’s a truly delightful dish, surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. You will cherish this recipe that creates connections around the table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This comforting cheeseburger soup will quickly become a family favorite for many wonderful reasons.
- Ultimate Comfort: It perfectly blends the familiar, delicious tastes of a juicy burger with melted cheese and savory toppings, all in one warm bowl.
- Speedy Preparation: You can have this rich, creamy soup ready to enjoy in approximately 45 minutes, fitting perfectly into busy schedules.
- Rich & Satisfying: Each spoonful offers a luxurious, creamy texture packed with robust flavors that truly satisfy your hunger and soul.
- Family-Friendly Meal: It’s a hearty dish that appeals to everyone, bringing smiles and warmth to your family dinner table.
- Customizable Fun: Personalize each serving with an array of your favorite burger toppings, making it interactive and enjoyable for all.
Ingredients
Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step to building the best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in creating its rich, layered flavor. You’ll need simple staples that come together beautifully for this comforting meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 slices bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound lean ground beef, 90/10 blend
- 2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small yellow or white onion, grated with large box grater
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Using lean ground beef ensures a less greasy soup, allowing the rich flavors to shine without excessive skimming. If you prefer, Yukon Gold potatoes also work wonderfully, offering a creamier texture. Feel free to customize your perfect cheeseburger soup by experimenting with cheese.
Monterey Jack or American cheese slices can be delicious alternatives to cheddar. For seasoning, a pinch of smoked paprika can add a delightful depth, or a dash of garlic powder for extra zest. If you want an even richer soup, swap whole milk for half-and-half or heavy cream.
Equipment
You don’t need many specialized tools to create this hearty soup. Simple kitchen essentials will help you bring this delicious meal to life.
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for even cooking and simmering.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and breaking up meat.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
- Box grater: Helpful for finely grating the onion and shredding cheese.
How To Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Creating this comforting cheeseburger soup is a joy, bringing simple ingredients together for a truly heartwarming meal. Follow these steps carefully, and you will have a delicious dinner ready in no time. The process is straightforward, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience from start to finish.
- Step 1: Cook the Bacon. In a large heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and chopped bacon. Cook, stirring often, until the bacon becomes crispy and all the fat has rendered out. This usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes. Carefully transfer about half of the cooked bacon into a small bowl; you will use this flavorful bacon as a garnish for the finished soup.
- Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef. Increase the heat to medium. Add the lean ground beef into the pot with the rendered bacon grease. Using a wooden spoon, break up the beef into small, uniform pieces as it cooks. Stir it frequently for 5 to 6 minutes, ensuring it browns evenly without burning. Properly browning the beef adds significant depth of flavor to the entire dish.
A study in culinary science shows that the Maillard reaction is responsible for the rich brown color and complex flavors developed when meat is seared.
- Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Season. Add the diced russet potatoes, grated onion, diced celery, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to the pot. Cook these vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they begin to soften. It’s okay if the potatoes are not fully cooked through at this stage; they will continue to cook later.
- Step 4: Thicken the Soup Base. Stir the all-purpose flour into the vegetable and beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook off its raw taste. Slowly and gradually add the beef stock and whole milk, stirring constantly with your wooden spoon. The soup should begin to thicken slightly, creating a smooth, creamy base.
- Step 5: Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender. Bring the soup mixture up to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 6 to 8 minutes. This simmering time allows the potatoes to become very tender. To check for doneness, carefully scoop out a potato piece and try it. They should be soft and easily mashed.
- Step 6: Melt the Cheeses. Reduce the heat to its very lowest setting. Stir in the cream cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently and continuously until both cheeses are completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup. Crucially, do not bring the soup to a boil once you have added the cheeses, as this can cause them to break and result in a grainy texture.
According to the University of Connecticut’s Food Safety guidelines, dairy products like cream cheese should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
- Step 7: Serve with Garnishes. Once the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is wonderfully creamy, ladle the rich cheeseburger soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving generously with extra shredded cheddar cheese, the crumbled bacon you reserved earlier, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions. Enjoy this heartwarming meal with your loved ones.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Achieving the perfect bowl of cheeseburger soup involves a few simple techniques that elevate the flavor and texture.
- Flavor Depth is Key: Thoroughly browning the bacon and ground beef creates rich, savory fond at the bottom of the pot. This fond contributes immense flavor to the soup.
- Gentle Cheese Addition: Always add your cheeses over very low heat. Stir them in slowly until just melted to prevent them from curdling or becoming grainy.
- Tender Potatoes First: Ensure your potatoes are fully tender before introducing the dairy and cheese. Undercooked potatoes will not soften properly once the soup is thickened.
- Smooth Thickening: Stir the flour in well and cook it briefly before adding liquids. Then, pour in the stock and milk gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps in your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these will help you create a consistently excellent soup.
- Boiling Dairy: Never allow the soup to come to a hard boil after adding the milk and cheeses. This can cause the dairy to separate and give your soup an unappetizing texture.
- Insufficient Browning: Skimping on browning the meat means missing out on crucial flavor development. Take your time to get a good sear.
- Skipping Garnish: The reserved crispy bacon and fresh scallions add essential texture and a burst of flavor, truly completing the cheeseburger experience.
- Low-Fat Ingredients: Using low-fat dairy or cheese can result in a thinner, less creamy soup. Whole milk and full-fat cheeses contribute to the luxurious texture.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences and lifestyle. From serving ideas to making it ahead, there are many ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish each bowl generously with the reserved crispy bacon, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped scallions. For a truly authentic experience, serve your soup alongside toasted hamburger bun slices or homemade croutons for dipping. Offering pickle slices or diced fresh tomatoes on the side adds a tangy brightness that complements the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of extra milk or beef stock to restore its creamy consistency.
While dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze small batches successfully. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stovetop, whisking occasionally.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your cheeseburger soup by adding green chilis or diced jalapeños for a little kick. Incorporate different spices like a touch of chili powder or smoked paprika for a unique twist. For an even deeper, sweeter flavor, try caramelizing the onions before adding them to the soup. You can also mix in other classic burger toppings, such as diced dill pickles or fresh tomatoes, during the last few minutes of simmering.
Slow Cooker Method
To make a slow cooker cheeseburger soup, start by browning the bacon and ground beef in a skillet as instructed. Drain any excess fat. Transfer the browned meat, cooked bacon, diced potatoes, grated onion, diced celery, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, beef stock, and milk to your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar during the last 30 minutes of cooking until melted and smooth. If you desire a thicker soup, you can make a separate roux and stir it in.
Nutrition Information
This rich and satisfying cheeseburger soup offers a hearty meal packed with flavor.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 709 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 30 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 166 mg |
| Fiber Content | 2 g |
| Protein Content | 45 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 22 g |
| Sodium Content | 1109 mg |
| Sugar Content | 8 g |
| Fat Content | 45 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 0 g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common questions about making this delightful cheeseburger soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just brown it as you would the beef.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker soup, you can create a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it in slowly. To thin it, add a splash more milk or beef stock.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, corn, or bell peppers would be delicious additions. Add them with the potatoes and celery.
Why did my soup curdle?
Your soup likely curdled from boiling after the dairy was added. Remember to keep the heat very low once you incorporate the milk and cheeses.
Is cheeseburger soup keto-friendly?
This recipe contains potatoes and flour, making it higher in carbs. You can modify it by omitting the potatoes and flour, and thickening with xanthan gum for a keto-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting memory waiting to be made around your family table. With its rich, creamy texture and familiar, savory flavors, it brings the joy of a classic cheeseburger into a wonderfully warm and easy-to-make soup.
We encourage you to gather your loved ones, try this heartwarming recipe, and savor every spoonful. Share your experiences and any delightful twists you discover in the comments below!
Delicious Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, cook olive oil and bacon until crispy, then reserve half for topping.
- Increase heat, add ground beef to the pot, and brown it, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in potatoes, onions, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking until vegetables soften.
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly stir in beef stock and milk until the soup slightly thickens and simmers. Cover and simmer for 6-8 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Over low heat, melt cream cheese and cheddar into the soup, stirring gently; do not boil.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar, reserved bacon, and scallions.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
