Warm up with a bowl of this incredibly satisfying Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe! This comforting dish takes all the classic flavors of a beloved cheeseburger and transforms them into a hearty, savory soup. Packed with tender vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of gooey cheddar cheese, it’s a wholesome and simple meal the whole family will adore. Get ready for a new favorite weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup
You will quickly fall in love with this comforting Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for many great reasons.
- It’s quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
- This soup offers ultimate comfort, ideal for any time of year.
- Customize it easily to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
- It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Every spoonful is packed with incredibly delicious, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite weeknight meal:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, butter or coconut oil will also work
- 2 onions, diced
- 5 stalks celery, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 carrots, diced
- 4 large potatoes, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds ground beef, browned
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- Several grindings fresh black pepper to taste
Notes & Substitutions
For your potatoes, red or gold varieties hold their shape well, while russets create a creamier soup. Feel free to use chicken, beef, or even vegetable broth depending on your preference. To lighten the meal, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a kick, or American for extra creaminess. You can also use fresh parsley instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to create this delicious homemade cheeseburger soup.
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Large skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Instant Pot (optional, for homemade broth)
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your comforting Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
First, if you are making homemade broth, prepare that in your Instant Pot according to its instructions. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery to the pot. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute or two, being careful not to let it burn.
Now, add the diced carrots and chopped potatoes to the pot. Pour the broth into the pot; strain homemade broth first, or simply add store-bought broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until both the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
While the vegetables simmer, brown the ground beef in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Break up the beef into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the browned, drained beef to the simmering soup pot. For safety and best flavor, it’s important to understand safe cooking practices for ground beef.
Sprinkle the dried parsley into the soup. Season the savory cheeseburger broth with salt and fresh black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the hot soup and stir gently until the cheese completely melts and becomes incorporated. Serve your delicious Easy Cheeseburger Soup hot with your favorite toppings.
Slow Cooker Method
For a hands-off approach, you can make this satisfying beef and cheese soup in your slow cooker. Add all ingredients except for the shredded cheddar cheese and the browned ground beef to the slow cooker insert. Cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat. Stir the cooked beef and the shredded cheese into the slow cooker. Allow the cheese to melt fully before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best flavor by browning your ground beef thoroughly, creating a deep, rich base for the soup. Dice your vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly and become tender at the same time. If your soup seems too thick, simply add a splash more broth until it reaches your desired consistency. For a quick cool-down, or if you enjoy extra veggies, stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking. Always taste and adjust your seasonings right before serving; a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile soup is wonderful on its own or paired with simple sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hearty cheeseburger soup with warm, crusty bread, breadsticks, or garlic bread for dipping. Classic sides like homemade French fries also make a fantastic accompaniment. Offer a variety of toppings at the table: crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, sliced pickles, avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Storage Instructions
To ensure the best quality and safety of your leftovers, general food storage guidelines from the USDA recommend proper refrigeration. Store any leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. We do not recommend freezing this soup, as the potatoes can become mealy or grainy in texture after thawing.
Variations
Easily change up this delicious soup recipe! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground for different meats. Explore alternative cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend. Boost the veggie content with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. For extra richness, stir in a touch of heavy cream at the very end. If you like heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information for one serving of this comforting cheeseburger soup is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 654 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 50 g |
| Protein Content | 34 g |
| Fat Content | 35 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 16 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 119 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1895 mg |
| Fiber Content | 7 g |
| Sugar Content | 6 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 14 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you freeze cheeseburger soup?
Freezing this soup is not recommended because potatoes can change texture and become mushy or mealy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
What is a good side for cheeseburger soup?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, or simple breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. A fresh green salad also makes a great light complement.
Is cheeseburger soup healthy?
This soup can be a wholesome meal, especially if you use leaner ground meat and plenty of vegetables. You can also reduce the cheese or opt for a lower-fat version to make it even healthier.
Which potatoes are best for soup?
Waxy potatoes like red or gold potatoes hold their shape well in soup. Russet potatoes work too, offering a creamier texture as they break down slightly during simmering.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe truly brings together hearty comfort and incredible flavor in one simple pot. It’s a wonderful, versatile dish that satisfies everyone, from busy parents to beginners in the kitchen. Don’t wait to whip up this cheesy, savory meal; it’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your home! Enjoy every delicious, warming spoonful.
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using homemade broth, prepare it first in an Instant Pot.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil, butter, or coconut oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and celery to the pot and sauté until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn.
- Add the diced carrots and chopped potatoes to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a separate skillet, breaking it into bite-sized pieces; drain any fat, then add the cooked beef to the soup pot.
- Stir in the dried parsley, salt, and fresh black pepper into the simmering soup to taste.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Serve the cheeseburger soup hot with your favorite toppings.