Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
If you’re craving something that combines the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger with the cozy comfort of a warm bowl, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious soup that captures all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in every spoonful. From the savory ground beef and tender potatoes to the sharp cheddar cheese melted into silky smoothness, this soup is an absolute hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the best way to ensure your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe turns out to be a standout hit. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender, flavorful beef to the creamy, cheesy base that binds everything into a luscious experience.
- Ground beef: This delivers the rich, meaty foundation of the soup and gives it that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
- Garlic: A little extra aroma and warmth that elevates the savory notes.
- Potatoes: These bring a comforting heartiness and soft texture to complement the beef.
- Carrots: Introduce a touch of natural sweetness and bright color to the bowl.
- Beef broth: Builds the soupy base and enhances the overall beefy taste.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts in to create that irresistible cheeseburger feel.
- Milk or cream: Ensures the soup is creamy and smooth without being too heavy.
- Tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and depth, echoing the ketchup that usually tops your burger.
- Mustard: Offers a slight kick and brightness that keeps the flavors lively.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, which gives the soup that deep, savory flavor we all love. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they’re fragrant and translucent, infusing the mixture with aromatics that build a flavorful base.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Now, stir in the diced potatoes and carrots. These veggies add body to the soup, making it more filling and colorful. Pour in the beef broth, which will marry all the ingredients together. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes become tender, about 15 minutes—this soft texture is key for that comforting, homestyle feel.
Step 3: Blend in the Dairy and Seasonings
Lower the heat to avoid curdling and gently stir in the milk or cream, tomato paste, and mustard. These ingredients create a beautifully creamy texture and add layers of tangy richness that mimic your favorite cheeseburger’s toppings. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to harmonize perfectly.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Slowly sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly as it dissolves into the soup. This step transforms your pot into a luxurious, velvety masterpiece full of cheesy goodness that brings the essence of a classic cheeseburger to life.
Step 5: Taste and Finish
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—more salt for balance, extra pepper for a bit of heat, or a touch more mustard for zing. Serve the soup hot, and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make this soup even more delightful, consider topping it off with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or freshly chopped green onions. These garnishes add lovely texture and bursts of flavor that will elevate every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe with warm crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls makes for a satisfying meal. A simple crisp green salad also works beautifully to balance the richness of the soup with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls, or sprinkle crushed burger buns or pretzels on top for added crunch. You can also offer a DIY toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl just like a cheeseburger.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, ladle your leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe freezes well in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the dairy from breaking or the soup from sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to a perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based crumble or extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
What cheese works best for this soup?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully and has the classic, tangy cheeseburger flavor. However, you can experiment with combinations like Monterey Jack or a bit of smoked gouda for extra depth.
Can I use different kinds of potatoes?
You can use russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes, but keep in mind that waxy potatoes hold their shape better, while starchy ones like russets will create a thicker soup as they break down during cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk instead of cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still comforting and tasty.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire process, from browning the beef to serving, takes about 45 minutes, which makes this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe a perfect midweek meal that’s quick but indulgent.
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of a cheeseburger but sometimes just want something warm and cozy to eat, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s full of flavor, satisfying, and so simple to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a kitchen staple for years to come!
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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Cheeseburger Soup combines the delicious flavors of ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender vegetables in a creamy broth. Perfect for comforting dinners, this easy-to-make soup features potatoes, carrots, and a blend of creamy tomato and mustard for a rich, cheesy taste.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until nicely browned. Drain the excess fat, then add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vegetables and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- Blend in the dairy and seasonings: Lower the heat to gentle warmth and stir in the milk or cream, tomato paste, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm gently without allowing the soup to boil to prevent curdling of the dairy.
- Melt in the cheese: Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in batches, stirring constantly until completely melted and the soup reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste and finish: Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or mustard if desired. Serve the soup hot for best flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Do not let the soup boil after adding milk or cream, to avoid curdling.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts best when added slowly and stirred constantly.
- For a richer flavor, use cream instead of milk, or mix both.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop.
- You can add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
