BEST CHEESEBURGER SOUP EVER

That craving for a juicy cheeseburger hitting hard, but it’s a chilly night and you want something cozy? Imagine diving into a bowl of creamy, cheesy, savory goodness that tastes *exactly* like your favorite burger, but in comforting soup form – loaded with ground beef, cheddar, and all the fixings. This Cheeseburger Soup recipe delivers all that and more, and I promise it’ll become a new family favorite!

The Dream Team: What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Cooked and crumbled bacon
• Chopped green onions
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Pickles, chopped
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Brown the Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Building the Flavor: Broth & Tomatoes

1. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Creating the Creamy Base: Roux & Dairy

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, creating a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken our soup!
2. Gradually whisk in the milk until the roux is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

The Grand Finale: Cheese & Creaminess

1. Reduce the heat to low under the pot with the beef and broth.
2. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is smooth.
3. Gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring until it is melted and the soup is creamy and cheesy.
4. Pour the milk mixture into the pot with the beef and cheese mixture. Stir well to combine.

Serve & Enjoy!

1. Ladle the Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as cooked bacon, chopped green onions, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and sour cream.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips: My Best Friend in the Kitchen Advice

Soup Too Thick?

If your soup is too thick, simply add a little more beef broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well to combine.

Soup Not Thick Enough?

If your soup isn’t thick enough, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the soup and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

Cheese Not Melting Smoothly?

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the soup. Also, add the cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping. Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded can also help it melt more smoothly.

Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra heat.

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Cook and crumble bacon and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add a smoky and savory flavor to the soup. Don’t forget to save some for topping!

Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup

Use plant-based ground beef substitute and vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add extra vegetables like corn or bell peppers.

Making Ahead & Storage: Plan Like a Pro

Make Ahead

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You might need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it up.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little broth or milk when reheating.

Freezing

While you *can* freeze Cheeseburger Soup, the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content. If you choose to freeze it, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the texture may be a little grainy after thawing.

More Soup Inspiration: Because One Soup is Never Enough

If you’re in the mood for more hearty and satisfying soups, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes! For an Italian twist, try Lasagna Soup. Craving something with a little spice? Our Sausage Soup is sure to please. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic Beef Chili! Or if you want even MORE chili options, check out this Beef Chili or this Beef Chili and even this seriously good Beef Chili.

Why This Recipe Works: My Secret Ingredient (It’s Love!)

What truly sets this Cheeseburger Soup apart is the careful balance of flavors and the emphasis on creating a creamy, comforting texture. The combination of ground beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, cheesy broth creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly mimics the taste of a classic cheeseburger. The use of a roux as a thickening agent ensures that the soup is thick and creamy without being overly heavy. And of course, the generous amount of cheddar cheese adds a delicious, melty goodness that will have you coming back for more. But really, the secret ingredient is always love – taking the time to cook something delicious for yourself and your loved ones makes all the difference!