Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

Craving hearty comfort in a bowl? Look no further than this amazing Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe! It combines all your favorite cheeseburger flavors – savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese – into a creamy, satisfying soup. This simple recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect, no-fuss dinner for busy weeknights that the whole family will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup

This delicious cheeseburger soup is a true family favorite for so many reasons. It’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for any meal.

• Quick & Easy: Get dinner on the table in just 45 minutes from start to finish.
• Familiar Flavors: Enjoy all the classic tastes of a cheeseburger, but in a cozy soup format.
• Perfect Comfort Food: It’s incredibly warming and satisfying, especially on a chilly day.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most items already in your pantry or easily at the store.
• Highly Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this incredible Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. This lineup ensures a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup every time.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 slices bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound lean ground beef, 90/10 blend
• 2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small yellow or white onion, grated with large box grater
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

These helpful tips and ingredient swaps ensure your cheeseburger soup turns out perfectly, even with dietary needs or preferences.

• Bacon: Feel free to swap traditional bacon with turkey bacon or even diced smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work wonderfully if you prefer an alternative.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great substitutes for russets, offering a slightly different texture.
• Onion/Celery: Boost the veggie content with diced bell peppers or grated carrots.
• Seasoning: A pinch of dried thyme or garlic powder enhances the savory notes in your homemade cheeseburger soup.
• Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken.
• Beef Stock: Chicken or vegetable broth can easily replace beef stock for a milder flavor.
• Milk: Half-and-half or heavy cream will make the soup even richer and creamier.
• Cheeses: Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheeses are excellent choices for melting and adding flavor.
• Garnishes: Consider crispy fried onions, dill pickle slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this simple cheeseburger soup a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.

• A large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for even cooking.
• A wooden spoon or spatula helps stir and break up the meat.
• A box grater makes quick work of grating the onion for a smooth soup.
• Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for prepping vegetables.
• A small bowl holds the reserved crispy bacon.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own comforting Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Making this flavorful soup is straightforward and rewarding!

1. Cook Bacon: In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and chopped bacon. Cook, stirring often, until the bacon is crispy and its fat has rendered, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your cheeseburger soup.
2. Remove Bacon: Transfer about half of the cooked, crispy bacon into a small bowl. Set it aside; you will use this as a delicious topping for the finished soup.
3. Brown Beef: Increase the heat to medium. Add the ground beef to the pot with the remaining bacon grease. Brown the beef, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks, for about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir it frequently to prevent burning.
4. Drain Fat: If there’s excessive grease after browning the beef, carefully drain it from the pot. This keeps your soup from being too oily.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced potatoes, grated onion, and diced celery into the pot with the browned beef.
6. Season: Mix in the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. These seasonings enhance the savory profile of your homemade cheeseburger soup.
7. Cook Veggies: Continue to cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften slightly. The potatoes do not need to be fully cooked yet.
8. Stir in Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and beef. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
9. Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the beef stock and whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. The soup should begin to thicken slightly as it heats.
10. Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender. Test a potato piece with a spoon to ensure it’s cooked through.
11. Melt Cheeses: With the heat on very low, add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until both cheeses are completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup.
12. Do Not Boil: It’s crucial not to let the soup boil once the cheeses are added. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and give your soup a grainy, undesirable texture.
    Understanding the science of melting cheese can help prevent a grainy texture in your soup.
13. Serve Hot: Ladle the warm, creamy soup into individual bowls.
14. Garnish: Garnish each serving generously with the reserved crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped scallions. Enjoy your delightful Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

Achieving restaurant-quality flavor with your homemade cheeseburger soup is simple with these expert tips.

• Render Bacon Fat: Fully render the bacon fat for maximum savory depth in your soup base.
• Brown Ground Beef: Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop rich, complex flavors.
• Grate Onion: Grating the onion helps it dissolve into the soup, creating a smoother texture without large onion pieces.
• Cook Potatoes Tender: Simmer the potatoes until they are fork-tender, ensuring a pleasant bite in every spoonful.
• Whisk Flour Well: Whisk the flour constantly when adding liquids to prevent any unwanted lumps in your creamy soup.
• Never Boil with Cheese: Once cheese is added, keep the heat very low; boiling will cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving, for perfect flavor balance.
• Use Quality Cheese: Good quality cheddar and cream cheese melt better and provide superior taste.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is perfect for family dinners. Learn how to serve it creatively, store it properly, and explore exciting flavor variations.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve each bowl of hearty soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping.
• Top your soup with a handful of crunchy croutons to mimic the texture of a burger bun.
• Offer extra shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh scallions for garnish.
• Add a few dill pickle slices or a spoonful of relish to capture that classic cheeseburger tang.
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness of the soup.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Add Liquid: If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of milk or beef broth while reheating.
• Avoid Microwave: Reheating in the microwave can sometimes cause the cheese to separate, leading to a grainy texture.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled soup in small, individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw & Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop as described above.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Introduce some heat by adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Smoky: Incorporate smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Mushroom: Sauté diced mushrooms with the ground beef for an earthy, umami boost.
• Loaded: Stir in cooked corn, diced carrots, or peas during the last few minutes of simmering for extra vegetables.
• Herbs: Finish the soup with fresh chopped parsley or chives for brightness.
• Bacon Cheeseburger: Double down on flavor with extra crispy bacon bits and use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder taste.
• Slow Cooker: Brown the meat and bacon first, then combine all ingredients (except flour and cheese) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, adding flour slurry for thickening and cheese during the last 30 minutes.

Nutrition Information

This hearty Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe provides a comforting and fulfilling meal. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 8 servings:

Please note that nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

This hearty and comforting cheeseburger soup combines savory ground beef and crispy bacon with creamy cheeses and tender potatoes, creating a satisfying meal perfect for a cold day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 slices bacon chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound lean ground beef 90/10 blend
• 2 cups russet potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 small yellow or white onion grated with large box grater
• 1 stalk celery diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for garnish
• Chopped scallions for garnish

Equipment

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Small Bowl
• Box Grater

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, cook bacon in olive oil until crispy, then transfer half to a small bowl for garnish.
2. Increase heat to medium, add ground beef to the pot, and brown it for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces.
3. Stir in the potatoes, onions, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Mix in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly add beef stock and milk, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly. Simmer covered for 6-8 minutes until potatoes are tender.
5. Over very low heat, add cream cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring gently until melted; do not boil the soup.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese, reserved bacon, and chopped scallions.

Notes

To prevent a grainy soup, avoid boiling once the cream cheese and cheddar cheese have been added; stir gently over very low heat until melted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making the perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe? We have answers!

• Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup often tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prepping.
• Why did my soup become grainy? This usually happens if the soup boils after adding the cheese; always keep the heat very low.
• Can I add other vegetables? Yes, feel free to add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even corn kernels for more veggies.
• Is this soup freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes well. Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
• What can I serve with cheeseburger soup? Crusty bread, simple side salads, or a sprinkle of croutons are all fantastic pairings.
• How do I make it gluten-free? Simply use a cornstarch slurry instead of all-purpose flour for thickening.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe truly brings the ultimate comfort in a bowl right to your family table. It’s incredibly satisfying, packed with familiar flavors, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a dream for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving a hearty meal, this creamy, savory soup hits all the right notes. Give this delightful recipe a try tonight; your family will ask for it again and again! Share your experiences and enjoy every spoonful!