How to Make Delicious Cheeseburger Soup — Quick & Easy!

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

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth

  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk

  • 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional for extra richness)

For Finishing

  • Additional shredded cheddar

  • Crumbled bacon (optional)

  • Chopped green onions

  • Toasted sesame buns or croutons, for serving


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

  1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

  2. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.

  3. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.

  2. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.

  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup

  1. Add cubed potatoes, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

  2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.

  3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Roux

  1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, forming a pale golden roux.

  3. Gradually whisk in whole milk, ensuring no lumps remain.

  4. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese

  1. Slowly stir the milk mixture into the simmering soup.

  2. Add shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until smooth and fully melted.

  3. If using heavy cream, stir it in now.

  4. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  1. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.

  2. Ladle into bowls and top with cheddar, bacon, and green onions.

  3. Serve with toasted buns or croutons for added cheeseburger charm.


Tips and Variations

Expert Tips

  • Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and may not melt as smoothly.

  • Use russet potatoes: They soften easily and help naturally thicken the soup.

  • Simmer gently: Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent graininess.

Flavor Variations

  • Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Cook 4–6 strips of bacon first, then sauté vegetables in the bacon fat.

  • Double-Cheese Version: Replace 1 cup of cheddar with Monterey Jack for a smoother melt.

  • Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.

  • Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add 1–2 diced jalapeños or 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.

  • Turkey or Chicken Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.


Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with garlic toast, toasted sesame buns, or buttery croutons for a complete cheeseburger effect.

  • A crisp green salad adds freshness to balance the richness.

  • Garnish generously—think extra cheese, scallions, pickles, or bacon for added texture and flavor.


Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • 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.

  • 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

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