If you are craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It perfectly captures all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar melted into a creamy, rich broth. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or feeding a hungry group, this soup offers simplicity, heartiness, and a delicious blend of textures that everyone will love. Plus, it comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it an ideal go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this flavorful Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role to build layers of taste, texture, and beautiful color in your bowl. From the smoky bacon that adds crunch and depth to the creamy sharpness of cheddar cheese brightening every spoonful, these ingredients come together effortlessly for a hearty, crowd-pleasing soup.
- Bacon (5 pieces): Adds a smoky, crispy and savory foundation that elevates every bite.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The star protein that brings classic cheeseburger heartiness.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a flavorful, savory base that ties the soup together.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides luxurious creaminess and richness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into the soup for that iconic cheeseburger tang and gooey texture.
- Yukon potatoes (1 lb): Tender cubes that add body and a pleasant, soft bite.
- Diced onion, celery, garlic: Build a savory aromatic base enhancing the soup’s depth.
- Seasonings (salt & pepper): Simple but essential to balance and highlight all the flavors.
- Flour: Helps thicken the soup for the perfect creamy consistency.
- Melted butter: Used for sautéing, adding richness to the vegetable base.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity, rounding out the cheeseburger flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking your bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until it’s beautifully crispy. This step infuses the base of your soup with savory smoky goodness. Remove the crispy bacon and set it aside for garnish or to crumble into the soup later. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pot because it will add incredible flavor to the beef and vegetables.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon fat, breaking it apart and cooking until it’s nicely browned. Browning the beef not only seals in flavor but also builds a rich base for your soup’s hearty taste. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep it from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add melted butter to the pot and toss in the diced onion and celery. Sauté these until they soften and become fragrant, around 5 minutes. These vegetables bring a gentle sweetness and freshness that balances the richness of the meat and cheese. Then stir in minced garlic, cooking briefly to release its aroma without burning.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This step cooks the flour and prevents raw taste, laying the groundwork for a deliciously thickened soup. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, blending everything until smooth and bubbling gently.
Step 5: Add Cream, Potatoes, and Beef
Pour in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, then add the diced Yukon potatoes and browned beef right back into the pot. The cream makes the soup rich and silky, while the potatoes add satisfying softness and soak up those savory juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender—around 15 minutes.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Season
Finally, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese slowly, allowing it to melt smoothly into the soup. The cheese is what transforms this dish into that iconic cheeseburger experience, making each spoonful cozy and irresistible. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to make sure every flavor shines.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this soup to the next level. Crumble the reserved crispy bacon on top along with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar. For a bit of brightness and color, scatter some chopped green onions or fresh parsley. These touches add texture and visual appeal that make the dish feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with classic favorites like crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for dipping into that creamy broth. A crisp green salad or simple coleslaw works beautifully alongside to balance the richness. Even a serving of crunchy pickles can complement the cheeseburger flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls to create a dramatic presentation that’s perfect for sharing. You could also ladle it over toasted English muffins or mini burger buns for a playful cheeseburger-inspired sandwich experience in a bowl. Either way, a sprinkle of extra cheese right before serving always delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the soup chilled promptly to maintain freshness. When it’s time to enjoy again, leftovers often taste even better once the flavors have melded overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup to enjoy at a later date. Allow it to cool completely before pouring into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of potatoes might soften a bit more after freezing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup looks too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back to your desired consistency. Avoid high heat which can cause the dairy to separate.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner substitute and will still provide a great base for the soup. Just brown it thoroughly and follow the same steps for delicious results.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the bacon or use vegetarian bacon substitutes.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for that classic cheeseburger flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or a mild smoked cheese for a unique twist.
What if I don’t have Yukon potatoes?
You can use Russet or red potatoes as well. Just keep in mind that Russets might break down more during cooking, so monitor them closely to avoid mushiness.
Is this soup suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, it freezes well, but the texture of the potatoes can change slightly. Reheat gently and add extra broth if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is truly one of those comforting dishes that brings smiles and satisfied appetites. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and feels like a little celebration of everything you love about a cheeseburger, but in a cozy, warm bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular favorite in your kitchen—it’s the kind of meal that turns any day into a special occasion.
Print
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, browned ground beef, tender Yukon potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this hearty soup is ready in about 45 minutes and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
Meats
- 5 pieces of bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Other
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large soup pot, cook 5 pieces of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Brown Ground Beef: Using the same pot with bacon fat, add 1 lb of ground beef. Brown it thoroughly over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat from the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot and melt it. Add diced onion and celery, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in Broth: Gradually add 4 cups of chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, creating a smooth base for the soup.
- Add Cream and Flavoring: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
- Add Potatoes and Beef: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and add the diced Yukon potatoes. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Crumble the reserved crispy bacon and sprinkle it over each bowl before serving for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more flour or broth as needed.
- You can substitute Yukon potatoes with Russet or red potatoes if unavailable.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground turkey for beef and reduce cream quantity.
