Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup combines the best parts of a cheeseburger—savory beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon—into a creamy, satisfying soup. It’s easy to make, filling, and full of flavor, making it the ideal comfort food. The soup is perfect for colder weather but can be enjoyed any time you’re craving a cozy meal. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite burger toppings, so you can make it your own!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: additional shredded cheese, diced pickles, chives

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion in a little bit of oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, cover, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot and stir to combine. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and additional shredded cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to make this soup dairy-free.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique flavor.
Add Bacon: For extra bacon flavor, use bacon crumbles in the soup and as a topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little extra broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that the dairy (milk and cheese) may change the texture a bit after freezing. Reheat gently to avoid separation.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef, and it will still work well in this recipe.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative or use heavy cream for an even richer texture.

Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits can be used to save time. Just be sure to crumble it up before adding it to the soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, to make it in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and onions first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you want the soup thicker, add more flour when cooking the onions and garlic, or mash some of the potatoes in the soup to naturally thicken it.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses can add different textures and flavors.

How do I make this soup spicy?

For extra heat, you can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl, bringing together all the best flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, savory soup. Easy to make, filling, and customizable, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a comforting treat on a chilly evening. Whether you’re a fan of extra cheese, crispy bacon, or a bit of spice, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.