This cheesy and creamy cheeseburger soup is perfect for chilly days! Packed with ground beef, veggies, and melted cheese, it’s like having a cheeseburger in a bowl.
Who doesn’t love soup that tastes like our favorite burger? I add some crunchy croutons on top for extra fun. It’s a cozy meal that warms my heart and fills my belly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of our soup and gives it that classic cheeseburger flavor. You can substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or mushrooms!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings a wonderful creaminess. While I love sharp cheddar for its bold taste, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on how they melt.
Potatoes: Diced potatoes give the soup a hearty feel. You can swap in sweet potatoes for a unique twist or even use cauliflower for a low-carb option, just make sure they’re cooked until tender.
Bacon: Bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try turkey bacon. You can also skip it completely for a vegetarian version.
How Do I Ensure My Soup is Creamy Without Curdling the Milk?
To achieve a perfectly creamy soup, it’s important to control the heat once you add milk or cream. Here’s how:
- After adding the broth and potatoes, let your soup boil first.
- Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat to low before stirring in the milk or cream.
- Add the cheese gradually while stirring to ensure a smooth texture.
- Avoid bringing your soup back to a boil after adding the dairy; this prevents curdling.
With these tips, you’ll have a rich and creamy cheeseburger soup that’s a hit at any table!
How to Make Delicious Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (+ extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions or chives
- Optional: Bread or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping ingredients, then about 20 minutes cooking on the stove. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating up the butter or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic, diced celery, and shredded carrots, and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
2. Brown the Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat after browning, drain it off to keep your soup from becoming too greasy.
3. Thicken the Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything. Cook this for about 1-2 minutes. This will take away the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup later on.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes:
Pour in the beef broth gradually, while stirring to avoid any lumps. Then add in the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat to ensure it’s not boiling, and then stir in the milk or half-and-half, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup becomes creamy. Remember, don’t let it boil once you add the dairy to keep your soup smooth!
6. Season and Adjust:
Now, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. If you find the soup is a bit too thick, feel free to add a splash more of milk or broth to get your desired consistency.
7. Serve it Up!
Your cheeseburger soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions or chives if you’d like. Pair it with some crusty bread or crunchy crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.
Enjoy every comforting bite of this delicious cheeseburger soup—it’s like having a cheeseburger in a warm, cozy bowl!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will still provide a tasty base for your soup. Just season well to enhance the flavor since turkey can be milder than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and omit the bacon or replace it with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon for added crunch.
Can I Freeze Leftover Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple salad. The bread is perfect for dipping in the creamy soup, adding to the overall comfort of the meal!
