There's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy Cheeseburger Soup on a chilly evening. This hearty recipe transforms all your favorite burger flavors into a rich, comforting soup loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in every spoonful. My husband discovered this loaded cheeseburger soup at a local diner years ago, and I've been perfecting my homemade version ever since. It tastes like biting into a juicy cheeseburger, but in cozy soup form that warms you from the inside out.
Why You'll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
This Cheeseburger Soup recipe delivers pure comfort food satisfaction without any fuss. It's one of those delicious soup recipes that makes everyone at the table happy, from picky kids to hungry adults. The creamy cheeseburger soup base combines perfectly with chunks of seasoned ground beef and soft potatoes for a filling family dinner. You get all those classic cheeseburger flavors with fresh veggies, cheddar cheese, and a velvety broth that coats your spoon.
My sister calls it her favorite among soups to make with ground beef because it comes together in one pot in about thirty minutes. It's also incredibly versatile for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. Plus, the cheeseburger soup crockpot version means you can set it and forget it for busy weeknights.
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What You'll Need
Simple ingredients create this restaurant-quality soup at home. Everything combines to deliver that signature burger taste in bowl form.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Extras
You can add diced pickles for that classic burger tang, crumbled bacon on top for extra richness, or use different cheese varieties like pepper jack for heat. Some people love stirring in a tablespoon of mustard or ketchup to amp up the burger flavor, and diced tomatoes add nice acidity.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, then remove the beef and set aside. This step builds the foundation for your meat soup with deep, savory flavors.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt butter and add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about five minutes, then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The vegetables should smell amazing and be starting to caramelize slightly at the edges.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, the cheeseburger soup crockpot method works perfectly. Brown the beef first, then add everything except the cream and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for six to eight hours, then stir in cream and cheese during the last thirty minutes.
Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the beef broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about fifteen minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. This creates those creamed potatoes texture that makes the soup so hearty and satisfying.
Create the Creamy Base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Cook for about two minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently until it starts to thicken, about five minutes.
Add Beef and Greens
Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir in your fresh spinach or kale. The greens will wilt down quickly in the hot soup, adding color and nutrition. Let everything simmer together for another five minutes so the flavors can blend beautifully.
Finish With Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt completely into the soup. Don't rush this step or the cheese might separate. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of paprika if you want.
Top Tip
The secret to the best cheeseburger potato soup is using good quality sharp cheddar that melts smoothly.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that make it grainy in soup, so shred your own block cheese for the silkiest texture.
Also, don't let the soup boil once you've added the dairy or it might curdle.
Keep it at a gentle simmer.
One more thing: if you're making this as one of your easy soup ideas for meal prep, undercook the potatoes slightly so they don't get mushy when reheated.
Ingredient Substitutions
For low carb beef dinner recipes, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets to make it keto-friendly. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Coconut milk replaces heavy cream in dairy-free variations, though you'll need to skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives. For dinner low carb recipes enthusiasts, this works beautifully as a keto cheeseburger soup when you eliminate the flour and potatoes entirely.
Storage and Reheating
This soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it's thickened too much. You can freeze it for up to three months, though the texture of potatoes and dairy may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. My mom makes a double batch specifically for soup meal prep ideas throughout the week.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Soup
This pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic toast, or buttery dinner rolls for dipping. For a complete soup and sandwich meal, serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches. A simple green salad with ranch dressing balances the richness beautifully. My family loves it with crispy french fries on the side for the ultimate burger-inspired family dinner.
FAQs About Cheeseburger Soup
How do I prevent the cheese from getting stringy?
Remove from heat before adding cheese and stir it in gradually. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded also helps.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms all work great. Add them when you sauté the onions so they have time to soften.
Why is my soup too thin?
Let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally, or make a slurry with cornstarch and cold water, then stir it in until you reach desired thickness.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess, or add some cream cheese for richness. Just avoid hard cheeses that don't melt well.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into best soup recipes ever, try my creamy taco soup with similar Tex-Mex flavors in cozy form. For more quick and easy soup recipes, the loaded baked potato soup delivers similar comfort with different toppings. And when you want something lighter, my cheese soup recipe brings creamy satisfaction with fewer ingredients.
You'll find even more warming dishes in my Soup Recipes category, and explore Dinner Recipes for complete meal ideas perfect for busy families.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes and show off your delicious version!
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