Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Creamy, Hearty, and Packed with Flavor

Introduction

Few comfort foods satisfy cravings quite like a warm bowl of cheeseburger soup. Imagine everything you love about a classic cheeseburger turned into a rich, creamy, savory soup. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and flavorful broth come together in a single bowl that delivers pure coziness with every spoonful. The flavors are familiar and nostalgic, but the presentation is entirely new and exciting.

Cheeseburger soup has become a favorite among home cooks for good reason. It combines the best parts of a burger and your favorite potato-based soup into one hearty meal. Whether you are cooking for a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a unique dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe delivers in both flavor and satisfaction.

You do not need to be a professional chef to make cheeseburger soup. It is simple enough for beginners but also leaves room for creativity. With some basic ingredients and a bit of time, you can enjoy this indulgent and comforting meal in your own kitchen. Plus, it is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

In this article, you will find everything you need to make the perfect cheeseburger soup. From a detailed ingredient list to step-by-step instructions and ideas for customization, this guide covers it all. So grab a ladle and get ready to serve up a bowl of joy.

Ingredients Needed

Below is a detailed list of ingredients required for the classic cheeseburger soup recipe along with their estimated calorie count per serving. These numbers are approximate and may vary slightly based on specific brands or preparation methods.

Ingredient	Amount	Estimated Calories
Ground beef (85% lean)	1 pound	960
Russet potatoes (peeled, diced)	3 cups	330
Onion (chopped)	1 medium	45
Carrots (diced)	1 cup	50
Celery (diced)	1 cup	16
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	8
Chicken broth	4 cups	60
Cheddar cheese (shredded)	2 cups	800
Milk (whole or 2%)	1 1/2 cups	180
Sour cream	1/2 cup	120
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup	110
Butter	4 tablespoons	400
Salt and pepper	To taste	Negligible

Total Estimated Calories (entire pot): ~3,079

Per serving (1 cup): ~385 calories

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the vegetables, shred the cheese, and measure out the liquids. Having everything ready before you begin cooking will make the process smoother.

1. Brown the ground beef
   In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Once cooked, drain excess grease and set the meat aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add the potatoes and broth
   Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Make a roux
   In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden. This helps thicken the soup and gives it a rich flavor. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
5. Combine the roux with the soup
   Pour the thickened milk mixture into the main soup pot. Stir well to combine everything.
6. Add cheese and sour cream
   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Finally, add the sour cream and mix until the soup reaches a creamy consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.👉 If you loved Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll also enjoy the hearty flavors of Hamburger Hash for a comforting dinner.
   
7. Simmer and serve
   Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon if desired.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about cheeseburger soup is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Try some of the following tips to make it your own.

Use different meats
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a smoky twist, try ground sausage.

Play with cheese
Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a kick of spice.

Add toppings
Crumbled bacon, diced pickles, or a sprinkle of paprika can elevate both flavor and presentation.

Include more vegetables
Corn, bell peppers, or peas can add color and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

Make it low-carb
Substitute diced cauliflower for potatoes to reduce carbs while keeping the soup hearty.

Try a slow cooker version
For a more hands-off method, prepare the meat and vegetables, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until everything is tender.

Nutritional Information

Cheeseburger soup is a rich and filling meal, so it is helpful to be aware of the nutritional details. Here is a breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 22 grams
• Fat: 27 grams
• Saturated Fat: 13 grams
• Carbohydrates: 17 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg

While this soup is indulgent, it also offers a good amount of protein and essential nutrients. Enjoy it as an occasional treat or adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger soup is filling enough to serve as a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Try these serving ideas to complete your dinner table.

Crusty bread or rolls
Warm bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup and makes for a satisfying bite.

Side salad
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.

Pickles on the side
Add a small plate of dill pickles or pickled vegetables to mimic the traditional burger experience.

Top with crunch
For added texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips, homemade croutons, or fried onions just before serving.

Serve in a bread bowl
For special occasions or family dinners, ladle the soup into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a dramatic presentation and added flavor.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger soup brings together the familiar flavors of a classic American favorite in a way that is both comforting and creative. With a few simple ingredients and an hour in the kitchen, you can create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It is hearty enough for dinner, fun enough for potlucks, and versatile enough to suit almost any taste.