Easy Cheeseburger Soup
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Cheeseburger Soup is like a hug in a bowl, and honestly, it’s one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheddar, and tender potatoes—basically, all the best parts of a cheeseburger but even cozier. I love how it comes together with simple ingredients but still feels like something special. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you just want to curl up with something hearty and satisfying. Plus, the smoky paprika and thyme make the flavor so next-level!
Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Soup
- Comfort in a Bowl: This soup has all the cozy, hearty flavors you crave when you want something truly satisfying.
- Loaded with Favorites: With ground beef, cheddar, bacon, and potatoes, it’s packed with classic cheeseburger goodness.
- Great for Family Meals: It’s a crowd-pleaser that feeds a group, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The heavy cream and melted cheese make every bite smooth, velvety, and indulgent.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and everyday ingredients mean you can whip this up without a hassle.
Ingredients Needed To Make Cheeseburger Soup
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Ground beef (or preferred protein)
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion, diced
- Beef or vegetable stock
- Potatoes, cubed
- Celery, diced
- Carrots, diced
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Heavy cream
- Ground mustard
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Thyme leaves
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Bacon, diced
- Pickles
- Optional: cornstarch and water for thickening
How To Make Cheeseburger Soup
- Prepare and chop all the ingredients.
- Cook the bacon until crispy and set it aside.
- Brown the ground beef with onions in the same pot.
- Add the vegetables and seasonings, cooking briefly to combine.
- Pour in the stock and tomatoes, then simmer with the potatoes until tender.
- Stir in the cream, cheese, and some bacon, letting it heat through.
- Optionally thicken the soup, then serve garnished with reserved bacon.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this soup?
Absolutely! Ground venison, pork, turkey, or chicken all work wonderfully and bring their own unique flavor to the soup.
How should I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of stock if it thickens too much.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup reheats beautifully and can even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Do I have to use the optional thickener?
Not at all. The soup is creamy and hearty on its own, but the thickener is there if you want it extra rich.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s possible, but the texture of the cream and potatoes may change slightly. If freezing, consider adding the cream fresh when reheating.
What should I serve with this soup?
A crusty loaf of bread or a fresh green salad pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of this cheeseburger soup.
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or substitute: ground venison, elk, pork, chicken, or turkey
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 large onion diced
- 32 oz beef stock or vegetable stock
- 3 cups potatoes cubed (½” cubes, peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 lb bacon diced
- 1/2 cup pickles
- Optional thickener: 1 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup water
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
- Cube the potatoes (peel optional), dice carrots, celery, and onion. Dice bacon into small pieces.
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and drain half of the rendered fat from the pot.
Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced celery and carrots. Cook for 2 minutes.
Season and Deglaze:
- Add all seasonings (ground mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and garlic powder).
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef stock. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
Simmer the Soup:
- Add the potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, pickles, and half of the cooked bacon. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Optional Thickening:
- If desired, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add to the soup, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Serve:
- Top with the reserved bacon for garnish and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition
This Cheeseburger Soup is hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor from every ingredient. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or reheating leftovers, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this soup is bound to be a favorite you’ll make on repeat.
