If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the hassle of flipping patties, this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days when you want a cozy bowl that’s rich, cheesy, and filled with hearty potatoes and bacon goodness. Every spoonful brings together the juicy satisfaction of burger flavors with the silky texture you only get from a lovingly crafted soup, making it a family favorite that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup comes together with straightforward ingredients that you probably have on hand, each playing a crucial role in building its savory depth and creamy texture. From crispy bacon pieces adding crunch and smoky notes to sharp cheddar bringing that irresistible cheesiness, these essentials are exactly what make the magic happen.
- Bacon: Crisp it up for a smoky, savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
- Ground beef: Brown it to infuse the broth with rich, meaty flavor reminiscent of a cheeseburger patty.
- Chicken broth: This keeps the soup flavorful and adds the perfect light base to balance the richness.
- Heavy cream: For that velvety smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Use a good quality sharp cheddar for melty, tangy cheesiness.
- Yukon potatoes: They’re tender but hold their shape well, adding heartiness and a subtle earthiness.
- Diced onion, celery, and garlic: These aromatics build the soup’s flavor foundation with sweetness and depth.
- Seasonings (salt & pepper): Simply essential to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in your soup pot until it’s crispy and golden. This adds a wonderful smoky flavor that starts the soup off right. Once cooked, remove the bacon and keep it aside to crumble later, so you keep all that delicious bacon fat in the pot for the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon fat and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step creates that signature burger taste and you’ll want to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Celery
Add diced onion and celery to the beef and cook them in melted butter if desired, stirring occasionally until softened. These veggies add subtle sweetness and complement the savory beef beautifully, making every bite layered with flavor.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in minced garlic and sprinkle flour over the mixture, cooking for about 2 minutes. The flour helps thicken the soup, while the garlic brings a gentle bite that enhances the savory base without overpowering it.
Step 5: Stir in Chicken Broth
Slowly whisk chicken broth into the pot until smooth. This gradual addition avoids lumps and ensures your soup has the perfect creamy consistency, setting the stage for all the ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
Step 6: Add Cream, Worcestershire Sauce, Potatoes, and Beef
Pour in heavy cream and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that authentic burger tang. Then add diced Yukon potatoes and your browned beef back into the pot, combining everything for a hearty, flavorful base.
Step 7: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. This step is crucial to get the perfect bite and texture in your soup.
Step 8: Stir in Cheese and Season
Finally, take the pot off the heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste, then crumble the reserved bacon on top for that final touch of crunch and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this soup from a cozy meal to a truly special treat. Try sprinkling extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for vibrant colors and textures that make every spoonful exciting.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairing it with simple, fresh side dishes takes your meal over the top. Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even classic potato chips provide balance and crunch to complement the creamy richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls or skillet crockery to keep it warm while adding rustic charm. You could also sprinkle the soup with pickled jalapeños for a hint of spice that cuts through the creamy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage by placing it in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the potatoes may soften more after freezing, but the soup will still be delicious. It’s perfect for prepping meals ahead of busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to redistribute the cheese and cream evenly. Adding a splash of broth or cream can restore the perfect consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for cheeseburger soup, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for a unique twist. Just choose one that melts well to maintain that creamy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can make this soup vegetarian by swapping ground beef and bacon for plant-based alternatives or simply omitting them and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware it may not be quite as rich or creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works well and adds a subtle sweetness.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the meat and cook the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and add broth, cream, potatoes, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until potatoes are tender.
How thick should the soup be?
The ideal consistency is creamy and slightly thick, so it coats your spoon but isn’t too heavy. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, and if it’s too thick, thin with a little broth or cream.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe truly captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger in a bowl, making it a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it offers cozy flavors and satisfying textures in every spoonful. Go ahead, grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a little bowl of happiness—you won’t regret it!
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 is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender Yukon potatoes in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days, this savory soup delivers all the classic taste of a cheeseburger in a warm, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 5 pieces of bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes, diced
- Diced onion, about 1 cup
- Diced celery, about 1 cup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large soup pot, cook the 5 pieces of bacon over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Brown Ground Beef: Using the bacon fat left in the pot, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat once cooked.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot if needed, then sauté diced onions and celery until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and to slightly thicken the base.
- Whisk in Broth: Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Then add diced Yukon potatoes and the cooked ground beef back into the pot.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Final Seasoning: Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the cooked bacon and mix some in or use as a topping before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can add an additional tablespoon of flour during step 4.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
- Feel free to garnish with chopped green onions or extra shredded cheese.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- To make the soup lower in fat, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean ground beef.
