Creamy cheeseburger soup is a rich, hearty, and satisfying dish that blends the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting warmth of a homemade soup. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy broth, this soup delivers all the taste of a cheeseburger in a spoonful. It’s a popular comfort food, especially during the colder months, and is loved for its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing nature.

Originally rooted in Midwestern cuisine, this soup has become a family favorite across the United States. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or making a big batch for a potluck, creamy cheeseburger soup is versatile and can be tailored to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and savory beef base make it a hit with both kids and adults. This soup brings the best of two comfort foods into one delicious bowl.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make a flavorful creamy cheeseburger soup, you’ll need a handful of staple ingredients commonly found in most kitchens. Here’s a breakdown of the core components:

Base Ingredients:

• Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and less grease.

• Onion and garlic: Essential for a savory flavor base.

• Carrots and celery: Adds texture and subtle sweetness.

• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best for a creamy consistency.

• Chicken or beef broth: Enhances the soup’s depth.

• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is the most flavorful choice.

Creamy Elements:

• Milk or heavy cream: Adds richness to the soup.

• Butter and flour: Used to create a roux for thickening.

Optional Add-ins:

• Bacon: Adds smokiness and crunch.

• Sour cream: Boosts creaminess and tang.

• Diced tomatoes or pickles: For a more “cheeseburger” experience.

Substitutions:

• Ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.

• Gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour.

• Dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives for lactose intolerance.

These ingredients combine to create a hearty, flavorful soup that mimics the essence of a cheeseburger.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a perfect pot of creamy cheeseburger soup:

1. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

2. Brown the beef: Push vegetables to the side and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Add potatoes and broth: Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the chicken or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Make the roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until golden, then slowly whisk in milk or cream until smooth.

5. Combine and thicken: Stir the roux mixture into the soup pot. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until thickened.

6. Add cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add sour cream or additional cream, if desired.

7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or mustard powder.

8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings like bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese.

This method ensures a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned cheeseburger soup every time.

Cooking Methods: Stove, Crockpot & Instant Pot

There are several ways to prepare creamy cheeseburger soup, depending on your schedule and kitchen tools:

Stovetop Method:
This is the traditional and most hands-on method. It allows for easy sautéing, simmering, and precise control over texture and flavor. It takes about 45–60 minutes from start to finish.

Crockpot Method:
Perfect for busy days, this slow-cooker method allows you to prepare the ingredients in the morning and return to a ready meal. Sauté the beef, onions, and vegetables beforehand, then transfer to the crockpot. Add broth and potatoes and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Add the cheese and cream in the final 30 minutes to prevent curdling.

Instant Pot Method:
Ideal for a quick and efficient version. Use the sauté function to cook the beef and vegetables. Add potatoes and broth, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Release pressure, then stir in the roux, cheese, and cream using the sauté mode for final thickening.

Each method delivers delicious results, but the choice depends on convenience and equipment.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

A standard serving of creamy cheeseburger soup (about 1 ½ cups) contains approximately 350–450 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It typically provides:

• Protein: 20–25 grams

• Carbohydrates: 20–30 grams

• Fat: 20–30 grams (depending on cheese and cream content)

To make it lighter, consider using lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and milk instead of cream. You can also replace potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb option. This soup is rich and filling, so a single bowl is often enough for a satisfying meal. Pairing it with a light salad can create a balanced dinner.

Toppings and Variations

Toppings enhance both the flavor and presentation of creamy cheeseburger soup. Popular toppings include:

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Crumbled bacon

• Chopped green onions

• Sour cream

• Dill pickles or pickle relish for a tangy twist

For variations, try adding:

• Jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy version

• Cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb/keto option

• Ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian version

• Diced tomatoes or ketchup for a classic cheeseburger flavor

Cheeseburger Soup Origins & Popularity in America 

Cheeseburger soup is a relatively modern invention, believed to have emerged from the Midwest, where hearty, comfort-food-style dishes are staples of home cooking. The idea behind cheeseburger soup is simple: combine the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, and classic toppings—into a warm, creamy soup that’s perfect for cold weather. Its popularity began to rise in the 1980s and 1990s, as home cooks and restaurant chefs started experimenting with innovative ways to recreate favorite fast-food flavors in homemade meals.

The soup’s appeal lies in its nostalgic, crowd-pleasing profile. It captures the essence of a cheeseburger in spoonable form, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. As recipes were shared in community cookbooks, food blogs, and eventually on Pinterest and social media, cheeseburger soup gained a loyal following. Today, it’s a staple in many family kitchens, praised for its versatility, richness, and comforting taste.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing creamy cheeseburger soup properly ensures it maintains its flavor and texture for several days. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup—however, dairy-based soups may separate upon thawing. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

When reheating, avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil, as this can cause the cheese and cream to curdle. Instead, gently warm it over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to reach the desired consistency. In the microwave, reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Proper reheating helps maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor of the original dish.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Soup

Creamy cheeseburger soup is hearty enough to be a main dish, but pairing it with complementary sides can round out the meal. A few popular options include:

Bread-based sides: Crusty garlic bread, dinner rolls, or buttery biscuits are ideal for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.

Salads: A light, fresh side salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad, coleslaw, or even a tangy tomato cucumber salad.

Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts offer a nutritious contrast.

Pickles: Dill pickles or pickle spears serve as a fun nod to the cheeseburger theme and cut through the creaminess with their acidity.

Drinks: Serve with iced tea, soda, or a light beer to keep the meal casual and family-friendly.

These pairings enhance the overall dining experience and help turn the soup into a complete and satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Even with a straightforward recipe, a few common mistakes can affect the quality of your cheeseburger soup. Here’s how to identify and fix them:

1. Soup is too thin: This often happens if the roux wasn’t cooked long enough or if not enough thickener was used. Add a slurry of cornstarch and water or simmer the soup uncovered to reduce and thicken it.

2. Cheese is clumpy or grainy: This can result from adding cheese too quickly or over high heat. To avoid this, remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheese, allowing it to melt slowly and evenly.

3. Potatoes are undercooked or mushy: Be sure to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces. Simmer just until fork-tender—overcooking turns them to mush, while undercooking leaves them hard.

4. Soup is bland: Don’t forget to season at every stage—sautéing the aromatics, after browning the beef, and before serving. Add depth with a touch of mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, or smoked paprika.

5. Curdled texture after reheating: Reheat slowly over medium-low heat, and stir often to maintain a creamy consistency.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures a rich, flavorful, and velvety soup every time.

FAQs Section

Can I freeze creamy cheeseburger soup?
Yes, you can freeze cheeseburger soup, but note that the dairy content may separate upon thawing. To minimize this, freeze before adding the cheese and cream, then stir those in after reheating. If freezing after it’s fully prepared, reheat gently and stir well.

What kind of cheese is best for cheeseburger soup?
Sharp cheddar is the most popular choice because of its bold flavor and smooth meltability. You can also use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or American for added creaminess. Always shred your own cheese for better texture—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

How do I make cheeseburger soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace the flour in the roux with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your broth and seasonings are labeled gluten-free as well.

Is cheeseburger soup keto-friendly?
Traditional cheeseburger soup is not keto-friendly due to the potatoes and flour. However, you can make a low-carb version by replacing potatoes with cauliflower and omitting or substituting the thickening agent.

Can I make it in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely. Cheeseburger soup stores well in the fridge for several days. Prepare the soup as directed, let it cool, and portion it into containers. For best results, reheat gently and stir well before serving.

Final Thoughts & Recipe Card Preview

Creamy cheeseburger soup is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that transforms a classic American favorite into a warm, satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you make it on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or with an Instant Pot, the result is a rich and creamy bowl perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Below is a printable recipe card to keep in your kitchen for quick reference. Feel free to customize ingredients and toppings to suit your family’s preferences, and enjoy this cozy twist on a cheeseburger all season long.

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