Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has become a total game changer for cozy weeknights and casual gatherings alike. I love it because it’s like all the best parts of a cheeseburger melted into a comforting, creamy soup that’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s packed with veggies and hearty potatoes, so it feels both indulgent and satisfying without being overly heavy.

When I first tried this, I didn’t expect my family to go crazy for it, but they couldn’t get enough! It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You’ll find that making Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is not just about the flavor; it’s about how simple ingredients come together to feel special every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe come together to balance richness, texture, and that classic cheeseburger taste you crave. I recommend fresh veggies and sharp cheddar for the best flavor — it really makes a difference.

• Lean ground beef: Look for 90% lean to keep the soup hearty without too much grease.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage and building flavor.
• Olive oil: Adds a nice subtle flavor and helps soften the vegetables.
• Sweet onion: Diced finely to create a gentle sweetness that balances the savory beef.
• Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add natural sweetness and texture.
• Celery: Adds an aromatic crunch and depth to the soup.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings that classic savory zing.
• Dried oregano: A sprinkle adds a hint of earthiness that complements the beef.
• Petite gold potatoes: Quartered for quick cooking and creamy bites in the soup.
• Chicken stock: Choose low sodium so you can control the saltiness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Used to make the roux that thickens the soup beautifully.
• Flour: Combined with butter to create the thickening base.
• Milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness — whole or 2% milk works best.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated for melting smoothly and packing bold flavor.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for tanginess and silky texture.
• Freshly chopped chives: Used as garnish for a fresh, oniony pop.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to add or swap ingredients to suit your taste and lifestyle.

• Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I add corn or diced bell peppers for an extra layer of sweetness and color.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne gives the soup a gentle heat that my family totally digs.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets to lighten this up but still keep it hearty.
• Cheese Swap: Feel free to use a different melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a twist on flavor.

How to Make Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef to Perfection

Start by seasoning your ground beef well with salt and pepper — this step builds your base flavor. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add the beef. Use a wooden spoon or meat chopper to break the beef into small, even crumbles. Brown it thoroughly but don’t overcook; you want just enough caramelization for flavor without drying it out. Once browned, scoop the beef out with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies Until Tender

In the same pot, add olive oil and the diced onion, grated carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Season with a big pinch of salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften and become fragrant — about 5 to 6 minutes. This step brings a beautiful, savory aroma that gets you pumped for what’s next.

Step 3: Simmer Potatoes and Beef Together

Add quartered potatoes and pour in about 4 cups of chicken stock. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir to combine. Bring everything to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. Let this cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This simmering melds the flavors so wonderfully — I love how the broth tastes like a rich cheeseburger base at this point.

Step 4: Whisk Your Roux for Creamy Thickness

While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Keep whisking and cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns golden and gives off a nutty aroma. This step is crucial because it thickens your soup and adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 5: Combine Roux and Milk into Soup

Carefully scrape the roux into your soup pot. Bring the soup back up to a gentle boil for 1 to 2 minutes to activate the thickening power. Then, add the milk and stir for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the soup to develop that luscious, creamy texture you’re craving.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Finish with Sour Cream

Turn the heat down to low and slowly stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. At this point, you can add an extra cup of chicken stock if you prefer a thinner soup — I often do this if I’m packing leftovers. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Finally, stir in the sour cream until melted and silky. Your soup is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with freshly chopped chives because they add a bright, subtle onion flavor that cuts through all the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra sharp cheddar or even crumbled bacon if I’m feeling fancy. Crunchy potato chips on the side (or even inside the bowl!) give a fun texture contrast that everyone enjoys.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to keep things balanced. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also a hit and perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. If you want to keep the cheeseburger theme going, crispy fries on the side won’t disappoint!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls — it adds charm and extra flavor. You can also put together a toppings bar with shredded cheese, pickles, diced onions, and jalapeños so guests can customize their bowls. It turns soup night into a fun, interactive meal that everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where the soup stays fresh for up to 3 days. Before refrigerating, I sometimes add a bit of extra chicken stock to keep it from becoming too thick and gluey. Just give it a stir before reheating and it’s good as new.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this soup in portion-sized containers. The texture holds up well if you thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight. Just remember that the potatoes might soften a bit more after freezing, but it’s still incredibly tasty and perfect for quick meals later on.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. This helps the cheese stay smooth and prevents sticking. If the soup feels too thick, adding a splash of milk or chicken stock while reheating gets the texture just right again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Our Favorite Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels both indulgent and nourishing. It’s simple enough to whip up with pantry staples, yet rich and satisfying enough to impress. I hope you’ll give it a try and see how easily it becomes a family favorite for you too — there’s something just so comforting about a bowl full of cheeseburger goodness on a chilly day!

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