Cheeseburger Soup

Imagine the ultimate comfort food experience, where the savory essence of a classic cheeseburger meets the warmth and creaminess of a hearty soup. This incredible Cheeseburger Soup delivers just that: a symphony of rich flavors, tender textures, and pure satisfaction in every spoonful.

It is the perfect dish to warm you from the inside out, offering a delightfully creamy broth brimming with wholesome ingredients and that unmistakable cheesy goodness we all adore. Forget complicated preparations; this recipe brings gourmet comfort straight to your kitchen, making it an instant family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Cheeseburger Soup

• Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the iconic taste of a cheeseburger transformed into a decadent, creamy soup.
• Effortless Comfort: Simple steps lead to a profoundly satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
• Nutrient-Rich & Adaptable: Packed with vegetables and easily customized with plant-based alternatives for a balanced dish.
• Winter Warmer: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of this creamy Cheeseburger Soup to chase away the chill.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that appeals to all ages, ensuring clean bowls and happy smiles around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Cheeseburger Soup starts with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. My philosophy centers around vibrant, seasonal produce and mindful sourcing, even when indulging in a classic comfort dish like this. Opt for organic vegetables and consider a lean, responsibly sourced protein or a fantastic plant-based alternative.

• For the Base:
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil (or neutral cooking oil)
  • 1 large Yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 large Carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks Celery, diced
  • 6 medium Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• For the Protein:
  • 1 lb Lean ground beef (90/10), or your preferred plant-based ground crumble
• For the Liquid & Creaminess:
  • 4 cups Vegetable broth (low sodium is preferred for control)
  • 2 cups Milk (whole milk for richness, or a creamy plant-based milk like oat or cashew)
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for thickening)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (secret ingredient for depth!)
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika (for that burger-like aroma)
  • Salt and freshly ground Black pepper, to taste
• For the Cheesy Finish:
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (I recommend block cheese for superior melting)
  • 1/2 cup Cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Fresh Parsley or Cilantro, chopped
  • Crispy Onion bits or sautéed mushrooms
  • A dollop of plant-based sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Extra grated Cheddar cheese

Substitutions & Variations

Embracing a creative and eco-conscious kitchen means we can always adapt! This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs and what you have on hand. Let’s make every ingredient count and minimize waste!

• Plant-Based Power: Swap ground beef for lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or a high-quality plant-based crumble. Use oat milk or unsweetened cashew milk for creaminess, and your favorite dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative. A touch of nutritional yeast can boost the “cheesy” flavor.
• Vary Your Veggies: Don’t limit yourself to carrots and celery! Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or even some leftover roasted sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and vibrant colors. It’s an excellent way to use up those fridge finds and reduce food waste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for thickening. Ensure your broth is also gluten-free.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a delightful kick to your Cheeseburger Soup.
• Smokiness Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, a tiny splash of liquid smoke or an additional sprinkle of smoked paprika can mimic that grilled burger taste.

Embracing a creative and eco-conscious kitchen means we can always adapt! This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs and what you have on hand. For an alternative soup recipe that’s creamy and satisfying, check out this Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Soup.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Large Skillet for browning meat (if not using the main pot)
• Cutting board and sharp Knife
• Measuring cups and Spoons
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Grater for cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this irresistible Cheeseburger Soup is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful bowl of comfort.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you begin cooking, ensure all your vegetables are washed, peeled, and diced. Grate your cheese and measure out your liquids. This mise en place makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
3. Brown the Protein: If using ground beef, add it to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. If using a plant-based crumble, add it to the pot and cook according to package directions, or until heated through and slightly browned.
4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked protein and vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and coat everything. This forms the roux, which will thicken your Cheeseburger Soup.
5. Deglaze and Simmer: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Add Creaminess: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk. If using cream cheese, add it now and whisk until fully melted and incorporated.
7. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Gradually add the freshly grated cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding more. Do not boil the soup once the cheese is added, as this can cause it to separate or become stringy.
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the Cheeseburger Soup and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a touch more smoked paprika for depth.
9. Serve: Ladle the warm Cheeseburger Soup into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh parsley, crispy onions, or an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Enjoy immediately!

Creating this irresistible Cheeseburger Soup is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful bowl of comfort, and if you’re looking to explore more delicious textures, consider this related dish: Artichoke Cream Soup.

Pro Tips for Success

• Freshly Grated Cheese is Key: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. Grating your own cheddar ensures a smoother, creamier melt in your Cheeseburger Soup.
• Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour with the fat for a couple of minutes helps eliminate a raw flour taste and ensures a silky-smooth thickened soup.
• Temper Your Dairy: If adding cold milk or cream to a hot soup, warm it slightly first. This helps prevent curdling, especially if using a dairy-free milk alternative in your Cheeseburger Soup.
• Gentle Cheese Melting: Always add cheese off the direct heat or on the lowest possible heat setting. Stir continuously until fully melted. High heat can make cheese oily and stringy.
• Batch Cooking & Freezing: This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is excellent for meal prep. Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick, comforting meals later. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Anti-Gaspillage Tip: Save your vegetable scraps (onion peels, carrot ends, celery leaves) in a bag in the freezer. Once you have enough, simmer them with water for a homemade, flavorful vegetable broth for your next soup!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage ensures your delicious Cheeseburger Soup stays fresh and ready for an easy meal. This soup keeps wonderfully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld.

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This Cheeseburger Soup freezes well, though the texture of the potatoes might change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid high heat when reheating, especially if it contains cheese, to prevent separation.

Proper storage ensures your delicious Cheeseburger Soup stays fresh and ready for an easy meal. This soup keeps wonderfully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld, so be sure to explore how to preserve other hearty soups like this Chorizo Soup.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While this rich and hearty Cheeseburger Soup can certainly stand alone as a complete meal, pairing it with fresh, vibrant sides enhances the dining experience and provides a beautiful contrast in textures and flavors. I love complementing its richness with something light and green.

• Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup perfectly. Think peppery arugula, delicate butter lettuce, and cherry tomatoes.
• Crusty Whole-Grain Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of whole-grain artisan bread is ideal for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the creamy Cheeseburger Soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts offer a fantastic textural contrast and boost the nutrient content of your meal. A sprinkle of lemon zest on the roasted veggies adds a zesty brightness.
• Homemade Pickles: A side of quick homemade dill pickles or fermented vegetables can add a wonderful tangy crunch, echoing the classic burger condiment.
• Garlic Bread or Crostini: For a touch of indulgence, garlic bread or crispy crostini brushed with olive oil and herbs makes a delightful accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make this Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground crumble, cooked lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. For a vegan version, additionally use an unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or cashew milk) and a high-quality dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative. Ensure your broth is vegetable-based.

What makes the soup thick and creamy?

The thickness of this Cheeseburger Soup comes from two main components: first, the roux, which is a mixture of butter or oil and flour cooked together, and second, the addition of cheese and milk. As the soup simmers, the starch in the flour and potatoes helps to create a rich, velvety texture. Adding cream cheese (optional) further boosts the creaminess.

Can I add other toppings to my Cheeseburger Soup?

Definitely! Get creative with your toppings to personalize your Cheeseburger Soup. Beyond the suggested fresh herbs and extra cheese, consider crispy bacon bits (or plant-based bacon), a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even some crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. Think of your favorite burger toppings!

Cheeseburger Soup combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm bowl of comfort food, perfect for any occasion. This dish often features ground beef, cheese, and vegetables in a creamy broth, showcasing the beauty of combining familiar tastes with hearty ingredients, similar to other beloved comfort dishes like soups.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor comfort, creativity, and conscious cooking. It’s a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for gathering loved ones and creating delightful food memories. Enjoy every creamy, savory spoonful of this reimagined classic!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Cheeseburger Soup, based on standard ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.

Cheeseburger Soup

This Cheeseburger Soup combines the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy soup that is satisfying and comforting. Packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 large Carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks Celery, diced
• 6 medium Potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 lb Lean ground beef or plant-based crumble
• 4 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 cups Milk
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground Black pepper
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 cup Cream cheese (optional)
• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (optional garnish)
• Crispy Onion bits or sautéed mushrooms (optional garnish)
• Plant-based sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional garnish)
• Extra grated Cheddar cheese (optional garnish)

Method

 

1. Prepare your ingredients: wash, peel, and dice vegetables; grate cheese; measure liquids.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add ground beef or plant-based crumble to the pot, breaking it apart and cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Pour in vegetable broth, whisking constantly. Add potatoes, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. Stir in milk, and if using, add cream cheese until melted and incorporated.
7. Reduce heat to low and gradually add cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Serve in bowls garnished with desired toppings.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for best results. For vegan options, substitute beef with lentils and use plant-based milk and cheese. Freeze individual portions for future meals.