Introduction
favorite. It has the savory richness of ground beef, the creaminess of melted cheese, and a hearty texture that makes it feel like a complete meal rather than just a starter. I especially enjoy serving this on colder evenings when everyone wants something filling and cozy.
What makes this recipe so appealing is how familiar yet unique it feels. All the flavors are comforting and recognizable, but turning them into a soup makes the dish feel new and exciting. I have tried versions with different cheeses and even swapped the potatoes once, and it still turned out wonderfully. This is the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into busy weeknights while also being satisfying enough to serve to guests.
Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting cheeseburger soup made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheese in a creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in milk and cornstarch slurry.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and gradually stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use reduced-fat cheese to keep the soup lighter.
- Do not boil after adding cheese to prevent curdling.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is rich, creamy, and packed with classic cheeseburger flavor. It is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef provides the hearty, savory base of the soup. I prefer using lean ground beef to keep the soup rich without being greasy.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps form the base of the creamy soup.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth as it cooks, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
Carrots
Carrots bring subtle sweetness and color, balancing the savory elements.
Celery
Celery adds mild flavor and texture, rounding out the vegetable base.
Potatoes
Potatoes make the soup filling and give it a hearty, comforting texture.
Garlic cloves
Garlic adds warmth and aromatic depth that complements the beef and cheese.
All-purpose flour
Flour thickens the soup, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth adds savory flavor and forms the liquid base of the soup.
Milk
Milk contributes creaminess while keeping the soup lighter than heavy cream alone.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese delivers the classic cheeseburger flavor and melts beautifully into the soup.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and should be adjusted to taste.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and balance.
Directions
Begin by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary and set the beef aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk and cooked ground beef. Gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Simmer gently for a few minutes, then remove from heat and serve hot.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth texture.
Variations and Customizations
Cheeseburger Soup is highly adaptable and easy to customize. For extra cheesiness, you can add a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack along with the cheddar. I have tried this combination, and it makes the soup even creamier.
If you enjoy smoky flavors, cooked bacon can be stirred in just before serving. For a lighter version, substitute part of the milk with low-fat milk and reduce the cheese slightly.
You can also add diced pickles or a small splash of pickle juice for an authentic cheeseburger twist. For a low-carb option, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets while keeping the rest of the recipe the same.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This soup is high in protein and provides calcium from the cheese and milk. It is filling and satisfying, making it a complete meal. Adjustments can be made for lower fat or reduced sodium diets.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Shred cheese yourself
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Simmer gently
Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
Season gradually
Taste as you go and adjust seasoning near the end.
Let it rest briefly
The soup thickens slightly as it cools for a better texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well and tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the best classic flavor.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative.
Is this soup very thick?
It is creamy and hearty, but thickness can be adjusted with broth.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour substitute or cornstarch slurry.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Crumbled bacon, green onions, or extra cheese are great options.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, for a richer soup, replace part of the milk with cream.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Add cheese slowly over low heat and stir continuously.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is mild, creamy, and very popular with children.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, creamy form. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or feeding a crowd. Once you try it, this soup is sure to become a regular favorite at your table.
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