Some nights you just want something warm and filling, and cheeseburger soup does the trick. It’s got that melty cheese taste, crumbled beef, and bits of veggies in a creamy broth. It sorta feels like a burger without the bun—throw in some bread or crackers, and you’re good to go.
Believe it or not, this idea came right from home kitchens in the U.S., where people like to get creative with their favorite foods. No one knows the exact first cook who thought “hey, why not make a burger into soup?”, but over the years it popped up in cookbooks and on diner menus as a cozy favorite.
This article is gonna show you what makes cheeseburger soup so great, break down what’s in it, why you might wanna add it to your dinner lineup, and even give you a simple recipe to try. Plus, there's tips for switching things up if you need a low-carb or veggie version.
What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger soup is a creamy, savory dish that kinda tastes just like your favorite burger—except it’s served in a bowl. You’ll usually find ground beef, cheese, and veggies like potatoes, carrots, and celery swimming in a rich broth. The potatoes add heft so you don't need two bowls to feel full. This soup hits the spot if you want a cozy meal any time.
Common ingredients in cheeseburger soup include:
- Ground beef: gives you the burger flavor and protein.
- Cheese: cheddar is classic, but American cheese makes it extra smooth.
- Vegetables: onion, carrots, and celery build the base of the taste.
- Broth or stock: chicken or beef broth adds depth.
- Cream or milk: makes it rich and smooth.
- Seasonings: garlic powder, salt, and pepper finish it off.
There’s loads of ways to switch it up. Wanna cut carbs? Swap potatoes for cauliflower. Need it meat-free? Try a plant-based beef substitute and veg broth. Everybody wins.
Nutritional Information
It’s hard to beat the taste, but you might wanna know what you’re getting. One bowl can be around 300–500 calories, depending on how much cheese and cream you use. Here’s the basic breakdown:
- Protein: from beef and cheese, so it keeps you full.
- Fats: cheese and cream bring in fats—okay in moderation.
- Carbs: from veggies and potatoes (or cauliflower).
On the downside, it can be kinda high in sodium and fat. Compared to a cheeseburger, it might feel more balanced if you load up on veggies. Just watch the cream and cheese, and you can keep it on the healthier side.
Why You Should Try Cheeseburger Soup
This soup hits like a hug—warm, cheesy, and familiar. Perfect for family dinners or when you’re feeling homesick for fast-food flavors. Plus, it’s super easy to tweak: add bacon bits, fresh herbs, or croutons for extra crunch. You can even spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it zesty.
It’s kid-friendly, too. The creamy texture and burger taste usually win picky eaters over, so sneaking in extra veggies is way easier. One bowl and suddenly everyone’s eating carrots and celery with a smile.
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Broth or stock: 4 cups (chicken or beef)
- Cheese: 1½ cups shredded cheddar or American
- Cream or milk: 1 cup
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Prep the Veggies
Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces so they cook fast. In a big pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as you go. Drain any extra fat.
Make the Soup Base
Add the chopped veggies to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until they’re softer. Pour in the broth and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes so the flavors mix.
Simmer with Beef
If you took the meat out, put it back in now. Let everything simmer together for another 10–15 minutes so it all tastes like one dish.
Add Dairy & Cheese
Turn the heat low and slowly stir in the cream or milk so it doesn’t curdle. Gradually add the cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the soup turns creamy.
Final Seasoning
Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it cook a few more minutes, then give it a final taste to fix any missing salt or spice.
Tips & Tricks
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken for less fat.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
- Top with green onions, extra cheese, or crispy bacon for fun.
Popular Variations of Cheeseburger Soup
If you’re watching carbs, replace potatoes with cauliflower to make a keto-friendly version. Vegetarians can swap meat for lentils or textured veggie protein and use veg broth. Like heat? Chop up jalapeños or add red pepper flakes. Some folks prefer it cream-based for a thick chowder style, while others go lighter with just broth. Both taste great!
FAQs: People Also Ask
- What is cheeseburger soup made of? Ground beef, cheese, veggies, broth, and cream or milk.
- Can you freeze cheeseburger soup? Totally—cool it first, then freeze in an airtight container.
- How do I thicken cheeseburger soup? Stir in extra cheese or mix cornstarch with water and add it while cooking.
- What sides go well with cheeseburger soup? Bread, salad, or garlic toast are perfect.
- How long does it last in the fridge? About 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger soup brings the best parts of a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl, and it’s easy to make your own twists. Whether you need a quick dinner or want comfort food on a cold night, this recipe’s got you covered. Give it a try, play with the ingredients, and let us know what crazy version you come up with!
Cheeseburger Soup
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 ladle
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded lettuce for garnish
- ½ cup diced pickles for garnish
- optional crumbled bacon for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve hot.
- Garnish each bowl with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and crumbled bacon if desired.
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