Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Classic 2025
When the cold settles in and comfort food calls, few dishes hit the spot like a steaming bowl of Cheeseburger Soup. This heartwarming recipe delivers the rich, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, sharp cheddar, tender potatoes, and aromatic seasonings—in a luscious, spoonable form. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies hunger and soothes the soul all in one.
But this isn’t your average comfort food. This recipe reinvents cheeseburger soup by enhancing texture, flavor, and nutrition without overloading the dish with unnecessary ingredients or excessive fat. Whether you’re a home cook, a busy parent, or someone exploring hearty soups for your weekly meal plan, this article walks you through everything you need to master the dish from scratch.
2. What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, chowder-style soup that mimics the flavor profile of a cheeseburger. It typically features seasoned ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes—all cooked together in a savory broth enriched with cheddar cheese and milk or cream. The result is a smooth, hearty, cheesy concoction that captures the essence of a burger in every spoonful.
The origins of cheeseburger soup are hard to pinpoint, but it has become a staple across American kitchens and diners, especially in colder months. Today, it has evolved into various versions—from keto and gluten-free adaptations to slow-cooker and Instant Pot renditions.
3. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are dozens of reasons why Cheeseburger Soup should be in your regular meal rotation, but here are the top few:
- Comfort in a Bowl: It’s warm, filling, and emotionally satisfying.
- Balanced Texture: Creamy broth, tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and melted cheese create a balanced mouthfeel.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, even picky eaters enjoy this.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Basic pantry and fridge staples can be used—no fancy items required.
- Easy to Prepare: One pot, straightforward instructions, and minimal cleanup.
Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, this soup hits all the right notes for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep sessions.
4. Ingredients Breakdown & Their Functions
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and why each one is essential:
Ground Beef (1 lb)
Provides the “burger” element. Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor without too much grease. Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Potatoes (3 cups, peeled & diced)
Act as the starchy backbone of the soup. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are preferred due to their tender texture and ability to absorb flavor.
Carrots (1 cup, diced), Celery (½ cup, chopped), Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
These aromatics build the base flavor, offering sweetness, earthiness, and depth.
Chicken Broth (3 cups)
Serves as the soup’s liquid base, infusing a light savory taste. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control salt levels.
Milk (2 cups)
Creates the creamy texture. Whole milk gives a richer consistency, but 2% or plant-based milk can work too.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups)
The star of the dish—adds sharp, cheesy flavor and creamy consistency. Sharp cheddar melts best and gives a bold taste.
Butter (3 tbsp) & All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup)
Used to form a roux that thickens the soup. Butter adds richness, while flour provides structure.
Seasonings
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Black Pepper (½ tsp)
- Dried Basil & Parsley (½ tsp each)
Seasonings elevate the flavor and ensure the soup isn’t bland. Fresh herbs can be used if available.
5. Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Pro Tip: Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat if you want to retain a small amount of fat in the pot for extra flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt butter in the same pot. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Pro Tip: Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or water to scrape up any flavorful browned bits left from the beef.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Pro Tip: Don’t overboil—overcooked potatoes can become mushy and break apart.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour into the milk until fully smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. Let it simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.
Pro Tip: Pour gradually while stirring to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
Step 5: Add Cheese, Beef & Seasonings
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and all seasonings. Keep stirring over low heat until the cheese fully melts and the soup becomes creamy and rich.
Pro Tip: Don’t overheat after adding cheese. Low heat prevents curdling or clumping.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls. Optional garnishes include:
- Crumbled crispy bacon
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Croutons or burger bun pieces
Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
6. Variations and Customization Ideas
Make this soup your own! Here are some ideas:
- Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Extra Protein: Mix in cooked lentils or white beans for bulk.
- Different Cheeses: Blend in Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda for a flavor twist.
7. Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cheeseburger Soup with any of these sides:
- Toasted garlic bread or focaccia
- Dill pickles for a tangy contrast
- A green side salad with vinaigrette
- Sweet potato fries or baked zucchini chips
8. Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
Storing:
Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze in single-portion containers for up to 3 months. Note that dairy-based soups may separate slightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating:
Warm slowly on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore consistency.
9. Nutrition and Health Tips
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
Healthier Alternatives:
- Use ground turkey or lean beef.
- Swap cream or full-fat milk with 2% or unsweetened almond milk.
- Add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or corn.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it often tastes better the next day after flavors have melded.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Just reduce cooking time slightly since frozen veggies soften faster.
Why did my cheese clump?
Adding cheese too quickly or at high heat can cause clumping. Always add slowly over low heat.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken it instead of all-purpose flour.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first. Add all ingredients (except cheese, milk, and flour) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in cheese, milk, and thickener at the end.
11. Conclusion
Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect example of how classic comfort food can be both satisfying and versatile. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and endless customization options, this dish is a guaranteed hit for dinner tables of all kinds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a batch to enjoy throughout the week, this soup brings the nostalgic taste of a cheeseburger into a rich, cozy bowl you’ll crave again and again.
