Easy and Delicious Cheeseburger Soup for Family Dinners 2025
When the weather turns chilly and your appetite craves something rich, hearty, and satisfying, few meals hit the spot quite like a warm bowl of cheeseburger soup. Imagine all the flavors you love from a classic cheeseburger—the savory, juicy ground beef, the sharp cheddar cheese, and the subtle sweetness of fresh vegetables—transformed into a creamy, comforting soup that feels like a warm hug.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or casual gatherings. It combines simple ingredients you likely have on hand with straightforward steps that anyone can follow. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, friends, or just treating yourself, this cheeseburger soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything from the basic recipe to tips for ingredient substitutions, variations to suit different diets, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional insights so you can enjoy your meal guilt-free.
Why Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger soup marries two comfort-food champions—classic cheeseburgers and creamy soup—in one delicious bowl. Unlike traditional burgers, it’s warm, filling, and easier to prepare in larger quantities, making it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
Here are some reasons why this soup stands out:
- All-in-One Meal: It combines protein, veggies, and carbs in a balanced way.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt it for different diets and tastes.
- Comfort Food: The creamy texture and cheesy richness soothe the soul.
- Kid-Friendly: Familiar flavors make it a hit even with fussy eaters.
- Economical: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this classic cheeseburger soup, gather the following ingredients:
- Ground beef: 1 lb (can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives)
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Potatoes: 3 cups peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- Carrots: 1 cup diced
- Celery: 1 cup chopped
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: ¼ cup
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup (or gluten-free flour blend)
- Whole milk: 2 cups (or dairy-free alternative)
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded (use freshly shredded for best melting)
- Salt: to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy, then set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base
Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried parsley, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Roux Base
While the soup simmers, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for about 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Melt Cheese
Pour the thickened milk mixture into the soup pot. Reduce heat to low, then add shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Taste and add salt as needed.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Toppings
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like fresh parsley, extra cheese, or crumbled bacon. Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
Variations to Suit Your Taste
Cheeseburger soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ways to customize the recipe:
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based meat substitutes or omit meat and add extra veggies like corn, peas, or bell peppers.
- Dairy-Free: Replace milk and cheese with plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Loaded: Top with sour cream, diced pickles, or extra crispy bacon for an indulgent twist.
Tips for Perfect Soup Every Time
- Use fresh cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Low heat for cheese: Add cheese slowly over low heat to avoid clumping.
- Don’t overcook potatoes: Check tenderness with a fork to prevent mushy potatoes.
- Sauté veggies thoroughly: Softening vegetables before simmering enhances flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: Soup flavors improve when refrigerated overnight; reheat gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies, then add all ingredients except milk and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add milk and cheese during the last 30 minutes and stir until melted.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well and lower fat content.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Corn, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms add flavor and nutrition.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener and check that broth and cheese are gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This cheeseburger soup goes beyond just “cheesy soup.” It perfectly balances savory beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese in a way that satisfies cravings without feeling heavy or greasy. The easy steps and flexible ingredients make it a practical choice for cooks of all skill levels.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger soup is more than just a recipe; it’s comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold night, impress family with a cozy homemade meal, or simply enjoy the nostalgic taste of a cheeseburger in a new form, this soup delivers in flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.
Try this recipe tonight, experiment with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy a delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug.
