Why Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate weeknight hug

If you love the cozy, familiar flavors of a cheeseburger but want something spoonable and shareable, recipe cheeseburger soup is your new go-to. It delivers everything you crave from a burger — seasoned beef, melty cheese, tender potatoes, and a hint of pickle tang — all in one pot. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual parties, game-day crowds, or a fun family cooking night where everyone can add their favorite toppings. The result is crowd-pleasing, simple to make, and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and comforting, yet surprisingly quick to make on a weeknight.
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
• Easy to scale for a crowd or to freeze for meal prep.
• Fun to customize with bacon, pickles, or a drizzle of mustard for authentic burger vibes.

how to make recipe cheeseburger soup

Short version: brown the beef and veggies, simmer potatoes in broth, stir in a cheese sauce, finish with sour cream or cream for silkiness, then serve with fun burger-style toppings. Below you will find full details, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound lean ground beef, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
• 1 medium onion, diced, for savory depth.
• 2 carrots, shredded or diced, adds subtle sweetness and color.
• 2 stalks celery, diced, for classic soup base flavor.
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced, russet or Yukon Gold work well.
• 4 to 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, adjust for desired thickness.
• 3 tablespoons butter plus 2 tablespoons flour to make a simple roux for thickening.
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, or a blend for extra melt.
• 1 cup milk or half and half, more for creamier soup.
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess.
• 2 tablespoons mustard or 1 tablespoon pickle brine for that subtle cheeseburger twang.
• Salt and pepper to taste, and optional parsley or green onions for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a large pot over medium heat until crumbly and cooked through, then drain excess fat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pot, then sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter, whisk in the flour to make a roux, and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Gradually whisk in milk to the roux until smooth, then add this mixture to the soup to thicken and create a creamy base.
6. Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, sour cream, and mustard or pickle brine until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with chopped pickles, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture, not pre-shredded, which can be coated with anti-caking agents.
• If the soup is grainy, warm it gently and stir slowly until smooth; high heat can make cheese separate.
• For extra burger flavor, cook and crumble 3 slices of bacon and stir in at the end.
• Make a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water to thicken quickly without a roux.
• Taste and add a splash of pickle brine or a teaspoon of mustard at the end to cut through the richness.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

• Cheese clumping or grainy texture: avoid boiling after adding cheese, and use low heat to melt it in slowly.
• Thin soup: either simmer longer to reduce or whisk in a roux or cornstarch slurry.
• Bland flavor: add a pinch of mustard powder, pickle brine, or extra salt in small increments.
• Overcooked potatoes that fall apart: cut potatoes into even pieces and simmer just until fork-tender.

Variations to Try

• Gluten-free: use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening.
• Vegetarian: replace beef with crumbled tempeh or seasoned plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth.
• Bacon cheeseburger soup: add crisp bacon and top with pickle slices.
• Spicy: stir in a diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Slider bowls: serve in toasted burger buns hollowed slightly for a playful presentation.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

• Refrigerator: cool to room temperature, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: cool fully, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, stirring to reincorporate any separated fat or cheese.
• Make-ahead: cook through step 3 (before cheese) and cool. Store the base, then finish with cheese and sour cream when reheating for freshest texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use Velveeta instead of cheddar?
A: Yes, Velveeta melts very smoothly and yields a silky texture common in many classic cheeseburger soup recipes.

Q: How do I prevent the soup from becoming grainy?
A: Melt cheese off heat with gentle stirring and avoid boiling after cheese addition.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, freeze before adding dairy if possible, or accept slight texture changes and reheat slowly.

Nutrition or Dietary Adaptations

• Lower-calorie: use lean ground turkey, low-fat milk, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Vegan: use plant-based ground meat, plant milk, dairy-free cheese, and a thickener like potato starch.
• Nut-free: this recipe normally does not include nuts; check processed foods like cheese for cross-contamination warnings.

Equipment Recommendations

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
• Sharp knife and cutting board.
• Box grater for cheese.
• Whisk for the roux and to smooth dairy additions.
• Ladle and storage containers for leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve recipe cheeseburger soup with toasted sesame rolls, kettle chips on the side, or a side salad for brightness. For a party, set up a toppings bar with pickles, extra cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped onions, and mustard. This also makes a fun giftable dish when chilled and packed in jars for neighbors or potlucks.

Conclusion

Recipe cheeseburger soup is pure comfort food: simple, flexible, and sure to please picky and adventurous eaters alike. Give it a try for your next cozy dinner, and share a photo or comment below to tell me what toppings you loved. Happy cooking and enjoy every spoonful!