If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that tastes just like your favorite burger in a bowl, then this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe will become your new go-to. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, this soup has all the flavors that make cheeseburgers irresistible, but in a wonderfully cozy, slurpable form. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or any day you want a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is easier than you might think. Each element adds a distinct layer of flavor, texture, or richness that comes together to create a beautifully balanced soup you’ll want to make again and again.
- Bacon strips: Adds smoky, crispy texture and renders flavorful fat for cooking.
- Lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that makes the soup feel like a cheeseburger.
- Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding buttery richness.
- Onion and celery: Aromatics that offer savory depth and a subtle crunch.
- Garlic: Brings a warm, fragrant note that enhances every bite.
- Flour: Thickens the soup and gives it that luscious, velvety body.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that keeps the soup light yet savory.
- Heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tangy and umami kick reminiscent of classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Russet potatoes: Provide softness and help thicken the soup as they cook down.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that’s essential for any cheeseburger-inspired dish.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- Pickles (optional): Finely chopped for that classic cheeseburger pickle tang as a garnish or stirred in.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cutting the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Cook it in your soup pot over medium-high heat until it’s beautifully crispy, about 10 minutes. Once ready, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but don’t toss that wonderful bacon fat—leave it in the pot, as it’s bursting with flavor and will be the base for the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon fat and cook it until it’s evenly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. The smell at this point is already making your kitchen feel like a burger joint! Drain excess fat if necessary, then remove the browned beef to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, add the butter to the pot; once melted, toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. These veggies are the flavor heroes behind the scenes, giving the soup a wonderful foundation.
Step 4: Cook the Garlic and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to cook out the raw flour taste. This is an important step to make your soup smooth and thick without a pasty texture.
Step 5: Incorporate the Broth
Slowly whisk the chicken broth into the pot, making sure to dissolve all the flour lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken and become the soup’s creamy base while absorbing all those savory flavors packed in the pot.
Step 6: Add Cream, Seasonings, and Potatoes
Pour in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, then stir in the diced potatoes. Return the browned ground beef to the pot as well. Turn the heat up until the soup reaches a full boil, then reduce it to medium-low to allow the soup to simmer gently with the lid slightly ajar. This simmering brings the flavors together and tenderizes the potatoes perfectly.
Step 7: Simmer Until Perfect
Let your soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened to your preferred consistency. Stir occasionally to keep the bottom from sticking and to maintain an even temperature. The anticipation starts to build at this stage, as the whole house fills with the unmistakable scent of comfort food.
Step 8: Melt in the Cheese
Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and woven into the creamy base. If the soup appears a little too thick, don’t hesitate to add an extra splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to loosen it up just the way you like.
Step 9: Add Bacon and Final Touches
Mix in most of the crispy bacon pieces, saving some for garnish. Taste your creation and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you’re a pickle lover, stir in chopped pickles or sprinkle them on top when serving to nail that classic cheeseburger tang. This step truly transforms the soup from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe even more, consider topping each bowl with the reserved crispy bacon, a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese, and a handful of fresh, chopped pickles. These garnishes add texture and bursts of flavor, making every bite exciting. If you want to get fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions also works beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is filling on its own but pairing it with a simple side can make your meal complete. Classic crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping, while a crisp green salad adds a fresh counterpoint to the rich and creamy soup. For extra comfort, serve alongside some crunchy kettle-cooked chips or a light coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or large, hollowed-out pickles for a playful nod to the ingredients. You could also layer crumbled cooked bacon and cheddar cheese on top right before serving and broil briefly for a crispy, bubbly finish. Basically, let your imagination run wild—this soup loves creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors meld overnight, it often tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing. Since the cheese and cream can sometimes change texture when frozen, consider adding a little extra cheese when reheating to refresh its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring regularly to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of broth or cream will help restore the perfect consistency as it warms up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this soup?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic tang, you can substitute with Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well to keep the soup smooth.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
You can definitely make a vegetarian version by swapping the ground beef and bacon for plant-based alternatives and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding hearty mushrooms can also enhance the umami depth.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and bacon first, then add all ingredients except cheese and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cheese and cream at the end to preserve their creamy texture.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, though the soup might be slightly less rich. To maintain creaminess, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or a roux with butter and flour to thicken.
How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is mild and creamy by nature, but you can easily add heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños during the sautéing step for a little kick.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably satisfying about turning the flavors of a favorite cheeseburger into a warm, creamy, comforting soup. This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe captures all that goodness in every spoonful and is sure to become a staple in your recipe arsenal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, try making this soup and watch it bring smiles to the table every time.
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cheeseburger Soup combines crispy bacon, ground beef, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food perfect for chilly days, bringing all the cozy flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, satisfying soup bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Fat
- 5 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped small)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped small)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 pound Russet potatoes (peeled & diced small)
Liquids and Sauces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Thickeners and Cheese
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Seasonings and Extras
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup pickles (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. Add the bacon to a soup pot over medium-high heat and cook for about 10 minutes until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon and stirring periodically. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to another paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté vegetables: Add butter to the pot and melt it. Then add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and flour: Stir in the minced garlic and flour. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring continuously to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Whisk in broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, mixing well to dissolve all the flour lumps and create a smooth base.
- Add cream, Worcestershire, potatoes, and beef: Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low so it simmers gently with the lid slightly ajar.
- Simmer soup: Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate cheese: Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with bacon and seasonings: Stir in most of the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, stir in chopped pickles or use them as a topping before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, use less broth or add a bit more flour when sautéing.
- Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with a milder cheddar if preferred.
- Leftover bacon makes a great garnish to add crunch and smokiness when serving.
- Potatoes should be diced small to ensure they cook evenly within 15 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings at the end to suit your taste, especially salt and pepper.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
