If you crave the warmth of a cheeseburger on a chilly day but want something a little cozier and spoonable, this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is about to become your comfort food hero. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with familiar ingredients, it brings together juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar for a hearty bowl that tastes like pure nostalgia. Whether you’re wrangling picky eaters or simply feeding your own childhood taste buds, this recipe delivers on both flavor and smiles—without requiring fancy techniques or ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how a handful of simple pantry staples and fridge classics can transform into something truly spectacular. Each ingredient in this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is chosen to create that signature flavor, cozy texture, and uplifting color—making it both a feast for your senses and a cinch to prepare.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, helps brown the beef perfectly, and gets the flavor party started in your pot.
- Ground beef: Gives that unmistakable cheeseburger savoriness—opt for leaner beef for a lighter result, or go classic for extra flavor.
- Onion: Lends subtle sweetness and depth that ties everything together.
- Garlic: Two cloves is just right for a gentle kick—freshly minced for the best aroma.
- Potatoes: They soak up all the flavors and give the soup its hearty, comforting body.
- Shredded carrots: Bring vibrant color and a gentle sweetness that keeps the soup perfectly balanced.
- Chicken or beef broth: Forms the savory, slurpable backbone of the soup—choose your favorite or what’s on hand.
- Salt, black pepper, and paprika: This simple trio enhances the cheeseburger flavor and adds a pop of gentle spice.
- All-purpose flour: Used as a thickener to give the soup its satisfying, creamy texture.
- Milk: Lends creaminess—whole milk brings extra richness, but any kind works.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The superstar! Delivers maximum melty, cheesy goodness—pre-shredded works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Sour cream (optional): Adds a tangy, silky finish if you love a little extra richness.
- Chopped green onions or crumbled bacon (optional): For garnish and to echo your favorite burger toppings with a crunchy bite.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it sizzles. You want it nicely browned and crumbly—all those caramelized edges are flavor gold! Once cooked through, drain off any excess fat for a velvety soup, or leave a little if you love extra richness.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss the diced onion and minced garlic right in with the browned beef. Sauté them for just a couple of minutes until they smell amazing and turn soft—this is when your kitchen starts to smell like an old-school diner (in the very best way).
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Broth
Next up: stir in the peeled, diced potatoes, shredded carrots, broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the carrots just tender enough to melt with each spoonful.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
While the veggies simmer, whisk together the flour and milk in a small bowl until perfectly smooth—no lumps allowed! Slowly pour this into the pot while stirring. Watch as the soup transforms, thickening to the most gorgeous creamy texture. Let it bubble gently for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish
Dial the heat down to low, then pile in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s completely melted and your soup looks gloriously cheesy. If you’re feeling decadent, stir in a big dollop of sour cream for extra silkiness. Taste and adjust your seasonings, then get ready to ladle up piping hot bowls of Easy Cheeseburger Soup magic.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make your Easy Cheeseburger Soup shine! Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and a little bite, or shower your bowls with crisp, crumbled bacon if you want even more of that classic cheeseburger flavor. You could even go wild with homemade croutons or a dash of smoked paprika on top for something special.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic and serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or your favorite rolls for dunking—no one can resist. A crisp green salad adds a refreshing note and balances all the richness, or set out a plate of pickles and sliced tomatoes for a fun cheeseburger-inspired twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a DIY soup bar with a range of toppings, so everyone can build their own bowl just the way they like it. If you’re entertaining kids or want to really bring the cheeseburger theme home, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or alongside oven-baked potato wedges. Easy Cheeseburger Soup is also cute as a party appetizer in little cups with tiny spoons!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Cheeseburger Soup makes the best easy lunch or quick dinner the next day. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. The flavors get even richer overnight, and it thickens a bit as it chills—just the way we like it!
Freezing
If you want to save some for a rainy day, this soup freezes quite well, though the texture may become a bit thicker due to the potatoes and dairy. Let the soup cool completely before ladling into freezer-safe containers (leaving a bit of room for expansion). Freeze for up to 2 months; when ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat Easy Cheeseburger Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to keep the cheese silky smooth. If it seems extra-thick, just loosen it up with a splash of milk or broth. Microwave works too—just use a lower power and stir well in between bursts to avoid any hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great swap if you’re after a lighter version. It absorbs all the flavors beautifully, though you might want to bump up the seasonings just a bit since turkey is a little milder than beef.
What’s the best cheese for this soup?
Sharp cheddar is the star here, but you can get creative—try American cheese for extra creaminess, a Mexican blend for a zestier vibe, or even pepper jack if you like a little kick. Just make sure any cheese you use melts well for that signature texture.
Can I make this soup gluten free?
Totally! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch. Just dissolve it in the milk the same way, and you’ll still get a perfectly thick and creamy consistency.
Does Easy Cheeseburger Soup work in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer to your slow cooker with the potatoes, carrots, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, then stir in the milk-flour mixture and cheese during the last 30 minutes for irresistible results.
How can I make this soup even more veggie-packed?
Feel free to stir in some frozen peas, diced bell pepper, or even spinach at the end of cooking. You’ll bump up the nutrition without sacrificing that classic cheeseburger essence everyone loves!
Final Thoughts
If you love the comforting flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want an easy, one-pot meal, this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is going to win your heart. It’s as cozy as a hug in a bowl, family-friendly, and totally fuss-free. Give it a try the next time you want to surprise your loved ones with a little homemade magic—your kitchen (and your taste buds!) will thank you.
Print
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12–15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk flour with milk until smooth. Stir into soup and cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream if using.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions or bacon bits. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or lean beef.
- You can swap cheddar for American or a cheese blend.
- Leftovers reheat well and thicken slightly in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
