Delicious Cheeseburger Soup with bacon and cheese toppings, ready to eat.

Quick and Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Name: Quick and Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups beef broth; 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese

Sara

Writer & Blogger

Dinner
April 8, 2025

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Quick and Easy Cheeseburger Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Cheesy Goodness 🍔🧀🥣🔥

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of juicy beef and melted cheese – except when it’s transformed into a warm, comforting bowl of soup! This Quick and Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe captures all the delicious flavors of your favorite burger in a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for chilly evenings, this cheeseburger soup delivers on both taste and convenience.

What makes this cheeseburger soup recipe truly special is its incredible versatility. Just like building your perfect burger, you can customize it with all your favorite toppings – crispy bacon bits, tangy pickles, or even a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for that authentic burger experience. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food that both kids and adults will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ground beef from other meals!

2. Ingredients

To make this delicious cheeseburger soup, you’ll need these simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best for flavor)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available)
3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended for better control of flavor)
2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (this secret ingredient adds depth of flavor)
1/2 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky note)
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, pickle slices, or a dollop of sour cream

For more delicious soup recipes to try, check out our collection!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef & Onions

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s nicely browned (about 5-7 minutes). As the beef cooks, you’ll notice delicious brown bits forming on the bottom of the pot – these are flavor gold! Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. If there’s excess grease, you can drain it off, but leaving a little adds great flavor.

Ground beef and onions cooking in a pot for Cheeseburger Soup.

Step 2: Add Potatoes & Broth

Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes and beef broth. The potatoes should be cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This is a good time to prepare any toppings you want to serve with your soup.

Adding potatoes and beef broth to the pot for Cheeseburger Soup.

Step 3: Melt in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low – this is important to prevent the dairy from separating or curdling. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Once all the cheese is incorporated and the soup is smooth and creamy, add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you love cheese as much as we do, you might want to check out our cheesy baked recipes too!

Shredded cheddar cheese melting into Cheeseburger Soup.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle the hot cheeseburger soup into bowls and let everyone customize their own with fun toppings. Some great options include crispy bacon bits (because everything’s better with bacon!), extra shredded cheese, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or even pickle slices for that authentic burger flavor. Serve immediately with some crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Ladling hot Cheeseburger Soup into a bowl.

4. Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the creamiest texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup slightly grainy.
For extra flavor depth, consider adding a splash of pickle juice (about 1 tablespoon) or 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard when melting the cheese – it really enhances that “burger” flavor!
Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños, or a few shakes of hot sauce if you like some heat.
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Thickening options: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup before adding the cheese.

5. Variations

One of the best things about this cheeseburger soup recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs:

Turkey Cheeseburger Soup: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey for a lighter version. You might want to add an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground “meat” and vegetable broth. Add some mushrooms for extra umami flavor.

Extra Cheesy:

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Low-Carb/Keto: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets and use full-fat dairy products.

For more recipe inspiration, take a look at our chicken recipes or dessert ideas to complete your meal!

6. Serving Suggestions

While this cheeseburger soup is delicious on its own, here are some great ways to serve it for a complete meal:

With bread: Crusty artisan bread, garlic toast, or soft pretzel rolls are perfect for dipping.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Pickles: Serve with a side of dill pickles or pickle spears for that authentic burger experience.
Beverages: Pair with an ice-cold beer, sparkling water with lemon, or for kids, a frosty milkshake!
Toppings bar: Set up a toppings bar with all the classic burger fixings so everyone can customize their bowl.

7. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (recipe makes about 6 servings):

Calories: 380
Protein: 22g (great for muscle building and satiety)
Carbohydrates: 15g (mostly from the potatoes)
Fat: 26g (includes healthy fats from the beef and cheese)
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 20% DV (from the cheese)
Iron: 15% DV (from the beef)

For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef (90/10), reduce the cheese to 3/4 cup, and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. This would reduce the calories to about 300 per serving and the fat to about 18g.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?

While it’s possible to freeze this soup, the dairy components (cheese and cream) may separate slightly upon thawing and reheating. The texture might become slightly grainy, though the flavor will still be good. For best results, we recommend enjoying it fresh or storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a little extra broth or milk to bring it back to the right consistency.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Here’s how to adapt this cheeseburger soup recipe for your slow cooker:

Brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic in a skillet, then transfer to your slow cooker.
Add the potatoes and beef broth (you might want to reduce the broth to 2.5 cups since less liquid evaporates in a slow cooker).
Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese, cream, and seasonings.
Let everything melt together and heat through before serving.

What other cheeses can I use?

While cheddar is classic for that cheeseburger flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses too:

American cheese for that authentic fast-food burger taste
Pepper jack for a spicy kick
Colby jack for a milder flavor
Gouda or Swiss for a more sophisticated twist

For more cooking tips and techniques, visit our external cheeseburger soup resource for additional inspiration!

9. Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is truly the best of both worlds – all the comforting, familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger transformed into a warm, satisfying soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a game day crowd-pleaser, or just a delicious way to warm up on a chilly evening, this cheeseburger soup delivers every time.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, with all the possible variations and toppings, you can make it different every time! We’d love to hear about your cheeseburger soup creations – tag us on social media or get in touch to share your experience.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our about page to learn more about our cooking philosophy and discover more delicious recipes to try. Happy cooking, and enjoy your cheeseburger soup adventure! 🍔🧀🔥