If you’re craving the cozy embrace of a classic American cheeseburger but want something spoonable, look no further than Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl. This hearty, creamy soup brings together all the flavors you love—juicy beef, melty cheddar, tender potatoes, and savory aromatics—into a single, soul-warming dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a chilly night or looking for a fun twist on comfort food, this soup promises to deliver warmth, smiles, and plenty of second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a starring role. Nothing fancy—just real, wholesome components that blend together for maximum flavor and that classic, craveable cheeseburger taste.
- Ground beef: The heart of the soup, bringing rich, savory flavor and that unmistakable cheeseburger vibe.
- Unsalted butter (divided): Adds creaminess and helps sauté the vegetables for depth and silkiness.
- Onion (chopped): Sweet and aromatic, it’s the flavor base that rounds out the soup.
- Carrots (diced): A touch of natural sweetness and color that brightens every bite.
- Celery stalks (diced): For subtle crunch and a traditional soup foundation.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a punch of savory aroma that ties the dish together.
- Potatoes (peeled and diced): Hearty and filling, they give the soup its comforting, chunky texture.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory, flavorful base that carries all the other ingredients.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup into a rich, creamy treat.
- Whole milk: For a luscious, velvety texture that’s truly indulgent.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in for that gooey, cheesy goodness you expect from a cheeseburger.
- Dried basil: Adds a subtle herbal note that enhances the overall flavor.
- Dried parsley: Brightens the soup and brings a fresh pop of color.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all those delicious flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
- Paprika: For smokiness and a hint of warmth.
- Sour cream: Swirled in at the end for tanginess and extra creaminess.
- Chopped green onions and extra cheese (optional): Perfect for a fresh, flavorful finish.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This step infuses every spoonful with classic cheeseburger flavor. Once browned, drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside—you’ll add it back in later to keep things hearty.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, letting them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to really wake up those savory aromas.
Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika to the pot. Give everything a good stir, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender, soaking up all the wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Make a Creamy Roux
Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened—this will give Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl its signature creamy base.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the creamy milk mixture into the soup pot, then return the cooked beef to the party. Reduce the heat to low and slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly so it melts smoothly into the soup. Remove the pot from the heat and finish by stirring in the sour cream for that extra tang and silkiness.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Ladle the steaming Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl into bowls, topping each with chopped green onions and a little extra cheese if you like. Serve it piping hot and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar and a handful of bright green onions take Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl from delicious to downright irresistible. For a fun twist, add crispy crumbled bacon or even a few diced pickles for that full cheeseburger experience.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re feeling extra, serve it with warm, crusty bread or classic dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette also makes a refreshing counterpoint. And if you want to lean into the comfort food vibe, a side of oven-baked fries is always a hit!
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable presentation, serve Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl in bread bowls or small mason jars for cozy gatherings. Hosting a party? Set up a “soup bar” with bowls of toppings—bacon, pickles, jalapeños, and more—so everyone can customize their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first bowl.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a busy weeknight, this soup is freezer-friendly! Just let it cool, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, leave out the sour cream and add it after reheating to keep the texture velvety smooth.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. If you froze your soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and stir in fresh sour cream just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lighter option and still delivers that comforting, hearty taste. Just season generously to keep all the flavors bright and robust.
What’s the best cheese for Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl?
Sharp cheddar is a classic and delivers that bold, cheesy flavor, but you can also use a blend or even Velveeta for extra creaminess. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken. Just be sure to check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How spicy is this soup?
Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl is mild and kid-friendly as written, but if you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños when sautéing the veggies.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats like a dream and the flavors get even better after a day or two in the fridge. Just store in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a smile to every face at the table, Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl is the answer. It’s fun, filling, and absolutely packed with flavor. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Cheeseburger Soup That’s Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and comforting bowl of creamy goodness packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. This American classic brings the flavors of a cheeseburger into soup form, perfect for cozy dinners and satisfying appetites with its rich and cheesy texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the peeled and diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Prepare the Roux and Milk Mixture: In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine and Cheesy Finish: Pour the milk and roux mixture into the soup pot, then stir in the cooked ground beef. Lower the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Final Touch: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the sour cream to add creaminess. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions and extra shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top your soup with crumbled bacon or pickles.
- This soup reheats well—store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitute Velveeta cheese instead of cheddar for a creamier texture.
- Make sure to cook the flour in butter sufficiently to avoid a raw flour taste in the soup.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
