Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup is one of those cozy, comforting meals that feels familiar the moment you take a spoonful. It brings together the savory flavor of seasoned beef, creamy broth, and melty cheese in a way that’s filling without being fussy. People love it because it tastes indulgent but fits easily into real life, especially on busy evenings or cold nights when everyone wants something warm and satisfying. This is the kind of soup that works for family dinners, leftovers the next day, or casual get-togethers. I usually start browning the beef while chopping vegetables, knowing the pot will slowly turn into something comforting and crowd-pleasing.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about comfort without complication. The flavors are rich and familiar, making it easy to please both kids and adults at the same table. It’s weeknight-friendly, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that don’t require hovering over the stove. The soup reheats well, so leftovers feel just as cozy the next day, which helps stretch your grocery budget. It’s flexible enough to adjust based on what you have on hand, and it freezes nicely for future meals. If you enjoy saving recipes that feel hearty, reliable, and comforting, cheeseburger soup fits right in. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up, fills you up, and quietly becomes a repeat request once it shows up on the table.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor without excess grease.

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbly. The aroma should be savory, not greasy. Drain excess fat, then add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and lightly fragrant.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add butter to the pot and let it melt around the beef mixture. Stir in flour and cook briefly until it smells slightly nutty. Slowly pour in broth, stirring until the soup looks smooth and lightly thickened.

See also  taco soup recipe

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add diced potatoes and milk, stirring gently. The soup should look creamy but loose. Bring it to a gentle simmer, watching as the potatoes soften and the surface turns slightly glossy.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. The soup should feel rich and creamy. Simmer briefly, then season with salt and pepper, tasting until the flavor feels balanced and comforting.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup is forgiving and easy to make ahead, which is why it works so well for busy schedules. You can cook it earlier in the day, reheat it when needed, and still serve something warm and homemade. It stores well, stretches into multiple meals, and feels just as comforting later, which makes it ideal for Pinterest users planning meals in advance.

Tips & Tricks

  • Brown the beef well before adding liquids. Rushing this step can lead to flat flavor. Letting the meat cook until lightly caramelized adds depth and keeps the soup from tasting bland once everything is combined.
  • Cut potatoes into even pieces. Uneven sizes can lead to some chunks turning mushy while others stay firm. Consistent pieces cook at the same pace and give the soup a better overall texture.
  • Add cheese off the heat or on very low heat. High heat can cause it to separate and turn grainy. Gentle melting keeps the soup smooth and creamy.
  • Taste before adding extra salt. Cheese and broth already contain salt, so adjusting at the end helps prevent the soup from becoming too salty.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked bacon crumbles or a small amount of ground sausage along with the beef for extra richness. Keep the added meat balanced so it doesn’t overpower the soup. This variation works well for hearty appetites and colder evenings.

Vegetarian Option
Skip the beef and use finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based crumbles instead. Vegetable broth replaces chicken broth easily. The result is still creamy and filling, with a comforting texture that works well for meat-free meals.

See also  Lasagna Soup

Ingredient Swap
Swap cheddar cheese for a mix of Colby or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. You can also replace milk with half-and-half for a richer texture, keeping the soup creamy without changing the basic method.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried parsley to warm up the flavor. These small additions don’t overpower the soup but give it a little extra depth that feels cozy and familiar.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Crusty Bread
    Serve bowls alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping. The creamy soup and chewy bread pair naturally, making it feel like a complete, comforting meal with minimal effort.
  • Simple Side Salad
    A light green salad with a mild dressing balances the richness of cheeseburger soup. It adds freshness and makes the meal feel a bit more rounded without complicating dinner.
  • Family-Style Toppings
    Set out small bowls of extra cheese, chopped onions, or cooked bacon. Let everyone customize their bowl, which makes dinner feel casual and fun, especially for family meals.
  • Cozy Dinner Night
    Serve the soup in deep bowls with warm napkins and a simple table setup. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary evening into something that feels relaxed and comforting.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavor often deepens slightly overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable.
  • Reheating
    Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth.
  • Freezing
    Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Dairy-based soups may change texture slightly, but gentle reheating and stirring usually bring it back together well.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Prepare the soup a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat slowly before serving. Making it ahead saves time and makes busy evenings feel more manageable.
See also  Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not applicable
  • Total Time: About 45 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 350–420 per serving
Protein: 18–25 grams per serving
This soup also provides calcium from the cheese and potassium from the potatoes. Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used and portion size.

FAQs

Yes, it stores well and reheats gently.

Adding cheese over high heat.

Yes, cauliflower works as a swap.

Add a little milk or broth.

In an airtight container in the fridge.

Conclusion

This recipe is the kind you’ll want to keep tucked away for nights when comfort matters most. It’s easy to adjust, easy to reheat, and easy to love, which makes it perfect for everyday cooking. Whether you tweak the ingredients or keep it simple, cheeseburger soup fits into busy schedules without feeling rushed or boring. Save it for later, make it your own, and enjoy knowing there’s a warm, familiar meal waiting whenever you need something cozy and satisfying at the end of the day.

Cheeseburger Soup Save
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Cheeseburger Soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups chicken broth

  • 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 2 cups milk

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Stir in butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
  • In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
  • Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring to keep the soup smooth. Add potatoes and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook until potatoes are tender. Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

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