Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for a Hearty Meal

Ella
Ella
Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by...
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If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, this easy cheeseburger soup is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine all the best parts of a juicy cheeseburger—savory beef, melted cheese, and tender potatoes—blended into a warm, satisfying bowl of soup. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Keep reading to discover just how simple and delicious it is!

This hearty soup recipe captures the cozy flavors of a classic American cheeseburger in one easy-to-make bowl.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 1 plate

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 cups russet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 green onions sliced for garnish

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle

Instructions

  1. Start with aromatics: Heat olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft. This is your flavor base, so take your time here.
  2. Stir in the garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. It cooks quickly, so keep it moving to avoid burning. Nothing ruins a dish like burnt garlic.
  3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Let it cook until fully browned. If there’s a bit of grease, carefully spoon it off or blot with a paper towel pressed against the side of the pan.
  4. Add the hearty veggies: Toss in the diced potatoes and carrots. Pour in the chicken broth and add salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness that really brings the cheeseburger flavor to life.
  5. Simmer the soup: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. Your veggies should be fork-tender. This step makes the kitchen smell amazing, by the way.
  6. Thicken it up: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup, then add the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The soup will start to thicken into that dreamy creamy texture.
  7. Add the cheese: Lower the heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar. Add it a handful at a time, letting it melt before tossing in the next. This patience pays off with velvety smooth results.
  8. Add final flavor boosters: Stir in the ketchup and mustard. Yes, ketchup and mustard. It might sound odd in soup, but trust me, these boost that unmistakable cheeseburger taste in all the right ways.
  9. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with sliced green onions. For added crunch, throw on some crumbled bacon or homemade croutons. Then call in the family — dinner is served.

Nutrition per serving

Calories 320
Protein 25g
Carbohydrates 3g
Fat 22g
Sugar 0g
Fiber 0g
Sodium 580mg

Description

Creamy, rich, and loaded with the savory flavors of your favorite backyard burger, this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is like comfort food in a bowl. Imagine everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger — tender ground beef, sharp cheddar, and hearty potatoes — all simmered together in a velvety soup with the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy. Each spoonful wraps you in warmth, like slipping into your favorite hoodie on a cool fall afternoon.

The aroma alone will have your family floating toward the kitchen. Hints of garlic and sautéed onion mix with melted cheese, creating a heavenly scent that turns dinner into an event. It is the kind of meal that sparks conversation, gathers everyone around the table, and makes you forget about your phone for a while. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just cozying up on your couch, this soup delivers the same satisfaction as a classic cheeseburger — but with a comforting, spoonable twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is made with everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. It is simple to prepare on a busy weeknight yet satisfying enough to serve at a casual weekend gathering. The one-pot approach also means fewer dishes to clean afterward, making it every home cook’s dream.

What sets this recipe apart is its flexibility. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a health boost. The base is hearty enough to stand on its own but also forgiving, so there is plenty of room to make it your own. Plus, kids and adults alike adore it, making it a family favorite you will come back to again and again.

Serving and Storage Tips

Cheeseburger soup is best served hot, with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and a few croutons or cooked bacon bits on top for added texture. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

This soup also freezes well. Let it cool completely and pour into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best texture, stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating frozen portions.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Soup, American, cheeseburger soup, ground beef soup, easy dinner, comfort food

Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer all ingredients except the cheese, milk, and cream into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Stir in cheese, milk, and cream at the end, allowing time for the soup to thicken before serving.

Is this soup spicy?

Not at all. The flavor is savory and comforting. If you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

In a pinch, yes. Try full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened almond milk with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly and may not be as rich and creamy as the traditional version.

We hope you enjoyed this article about Easy Cheeseburger Soup! If you did, we’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and let us know what you think. And if you found it helpful or inspiring, please take a moment to pin the article or any image from it on Pinterest, and don’t forget to like the pin. It means a lot to us and helps more people discover our content — so we can keep creating even better recipes and ideas for you!

Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Creamy, rich, and loaded with the savory flavors of your favorite backyard burger, this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is comfort food in a bowl. Tender ground beef, sharp cheddar, and hearty potatoes simmer together in a velvety, cheesy soup your whole family will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 486 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 cups russet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 green onions sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  • Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  • Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, then add salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are fork tender.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup, then add the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes to thicken.
  • Reduce heat to low and gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding more.
  • Stir in the ketchup and Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 32gSodium: 710mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
Keyword cheeseburger soup, ground beef soup, easy dinner, comfort food, American soup
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Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by home, travel, and the joy of simple ingredients. From cozy comfort food to bold global flavors, YummyHorizon is your place to explore, taste, and create. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, I'm here to guide you through flavorful journeys- one delicious recipe at a time. Welcome to my kitchen, where every meal opens a new horizon.