Cheeseburger Soup Recipe – Rich, Hearty, and Comforting Winter Favorite
Introduction
Cheeseburger Soup is the kind of cold-weather comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Imagine everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, tender onions, melty cheese, and a creamy, satisfying base—transformed into a cozy, spoonable dish. It is indulgent yet balanced, familiar yet elevated. This soup has gained popularity across family kitchens because it delivers bold flavor with simple, affordable ingredients.
This SEO-optimized, formal recipe article provides precise measurements, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, serving ideas, and complete recipe schema. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this Cheeseburger Soup recipe is designed to be reliable, delicious, and ready to publish.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
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2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth
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2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
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2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp dried parsley
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1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
For Finishing
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Additional shredded cheddar
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Crumbled bacon (optional)
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Chopped green onions
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Toasted sesame buns or croutons, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
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Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the ground beef and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
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Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
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Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
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Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
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Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup
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Add cubed potatoes, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
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In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, forming a pale golden roux.
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Gradually whisk in whole milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese
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Slowly stir the milk mixture into the simmering soup.
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Add shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
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If using heavy cream, stir it in now.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
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Let the soup simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.
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Ladle into bowls and top with cheddar, bacon, and green onions.
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Serve with toasted buns or croutons for added cheeseburger charm.
Tips and Variations
Expert Tips
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Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and may not melt as smoothly.
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Use russet potatoes: They soften easily and help naturally thicken the soup.
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Simmer gently: Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent graininess.
Flavor Variations
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Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Cook 4–6 strips of bacon first, then sauté vegetables in the bacon fat.
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Double-Cheese Version: Replace 1 cup of cheddar with Monterey Jack for a smoother melt.
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Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
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Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add 1–2 diced jalapeños or 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
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Turkey or Chicken Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with garlic toast, toasted sesame buns, or buttery croutons for a complete cheeseburger effect.
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A crisp green salad adds freshness to balance the richness.
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Garnish generously—think extra cheese, scallions, pickles, or bacon for added texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh; dairy-based soups can separate when frozen. If freezing is necessary, freeze before adding cheese and milk, then add them when reheating.
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Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Optional Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) | 85–90% lean recommended |
| Potatoes | 3 medium | Russet for best texture |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded | Sharp cheddar adds depth |
| Milk | 2 cups | Whole milk preferred |
| Broth | 4 cups | Low-sodium chicken broth |