Recipe for Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re after a cozy, heartwarming meal that feels every bit as indulgent as your favorite classic burger, you’re going to love this recipe for Cheeseburger Soup. It’s ridiculously creamy, packed with savory ground beef, crisp veggies, gooey cheddar, and tender potatoes, all swirled together into the ultimate bowl of comfort. This soup will make the whole house smell incredible, and friends and family will be racing to the table for seconds. Trust me, once you’ve made this recipe for Cheeseburger Soup, it will quickly jump onto your regular dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe leans on a handful of classic ingredients that each play a key role in creating that signature cheeseburger flavor. A mix of vegetables, meat, and dairy keeps every spoonful loaded with richness, texture, and a pop of color.

• Ground beef: The star of the show, ground beef brings that beloved cheeseburger flavor and satisfying bite.
• Unsalted butter: Used for sautéing and making the roux, it builds richness right from the start.
• White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a gentle savory backbone to the soup.
• Carrots: A touch of natural sweetness and color that brightens every bowl.
• Celery: Brings fresh, aromatic notes and crunch to contrast the creaminess.
• Italian seasoning: A simple mix of herbs that lifts the soup with a gentle complexity.
• Oregano: A little extra herbal punch, just like the secret seasoning on a great burger.
• Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together and drawing out the best in every ingredient.
• Black pepper: Adds warmth and subtle spice throughout.
• Russet potatoes: Hearty, tender potatoes make the soup filling and extra comforting.
• Chicken broth (low sodium): Forms the flavorful base without overpowering the other ingredients.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to that perfect, creamy texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melted cheese is what turns this into a true recipe for Cheeseburger Soup!
• Milk (2%): Keeps things creamy and smooth without being too heavy.
• Sour cream (full fat): Swirled in at the end for tang and extra silkiness.

How to Make Recipe for Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by cooking your ground beef in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Take your time to break up the meat as it cooks so you end up with small crumbles. Once no pink remains, be sure to drain off all that excess grease; this keeps your soup from being oily and lets all the other flavors shine. Set the cooked beef aside while you build your soup base.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large 5-quart pot, melt one tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, shredded carrots, and chopped celery, then sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the veggies soften and become fragrant. This early step packs in tons of flavor and creates a cozy, savory aroma you’ll adore.

Step 3: Add Beef, Potatoes, and Broth

Now it’s time to bring in your cooked beef, cubed potatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and turn the heat down low. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes. This is when the potatoes soften just right, and all those flavors begin to meld into something truly special.

Step 4: Make and Add the Roux

While your soup simmers, melt the remaining three tablespoons of butter in a separate small frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in your quarter cup of all-purpose flour. Keep whisking as it bubbles for about two minutes—this step is what will give the recipe for Cheeseburger Soup its satisfyingly velvety texture. Pour the roux into your main soup pot, stirring well to mix everything together.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Time for the magic touch! Stir in your shredded sharp cheddar cheese gradually, making sure each handful melts fully before adding more. This transforms your soup into the melty, cheesy masterpiece that makes this dish so memorable. It’s okay if you pause now and then just to admire.

Step 6: Add Milk and Sour Cream

Pour in your 2% milk and bring the soup to a gentle simmer again. Once it’s heated through, swirl in the sour cream until everything is blended and irresistibly creamy. Remove the pot from the heat, give it a final stir, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Recipe for Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

The right toppings elevate the recipe for Cheeseburger Soup into something seriously craveable. Try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, crispy bacon bits, or even a few crunchy pickle slices on top. Each garnish adds a new layer of flavor—and that extra burger vibe!

Side Dishes

This soup is delightfully hearty all on its own, but a side of warm, crusty bread makes it an extra comforting meal. Toasted garlic bread, soft dinner rolls, or even a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette all pair beautifully with your bowl of cheeseburger soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your recipe for Cheeseburger Soup in bread bowls—everyone loves tearing into that chewy crust after the soup is gone! If you’re entertaining, set up a topping bar and let guests customize their own with favorites like diced tomato, diced red onion, or even a squiggle of ketchup and mustard for a true cheeseburger moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the soup cool to room temperature and transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get even better as they hang out together overnight.

Freezing

This recipe for Cheeseburger Soup is also freezer-friendly! Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, making sure to leave a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pour your soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it looks a little thick, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen things up. Avoid high heat, since dairy can separate if it gets too hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar creates that classic cheeseburger flavor, you can experiment with Colby Jack, American cheese, or even a blend for your own signature twist. Just be sure to use a good melting cheese for that creamy finish.

Can I make recipe for Cheeseburger Soup with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version. The soup will still be delicious and comforting—it just takes on a slightly different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have russet potatoes?

No worries! Yukon Gold potatoes work great here too, and they keep their shape nicely. Just avoid waxy potatoes, which don’t break down as well in soups.

Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe for Cheeseburger Soup?

To go gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend when making the roux. Double-check all other ingredient labels, and you’re set!

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Sure thing! Brown the beef first, then add everything except the cheese, milk, and sour cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours (or until potatoes are tender), then stir in the cheese, milk, and sour cream at the end until everything is melted and creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s equal parts fun, nostalgic, and totally comforting, you simply have to give this recipe for Cheeseburger Soup a try. Every bowl feels like a warm hug, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new favorite way to enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger—no bun required!

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