Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cheeseburgers are one of those comfort foods that never get old. They’re juicy, cheesy, and just downright delicious. But what if you could enjoy all of those flavors in a warm, creamy soup form? Enter Creamy Cheeseburger Soup. It’s a rich, hearty dish that blends the savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the smooth texture of a creamy, comforting soup.

This recipe brings the best of both worlds into one bowl-sizzling beef, melted cheese, and the familiar toppings you’d expect in a cheeseburger. Plus, it’s perfect for cold days when you’re craving something filling and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a cozy snack, this soup is sure to hit the spot!

Let’s dive into the details so you can make this savory soup in no time!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6-8 people

This soup combines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger, the smoothness of cream, and a savory broth. It’s a blend of crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy cheese-together in one delicious pot.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to create the ultimate creamy cheeseburger soup:

Ground Beef (1 lb) – The star of the show! This provides the savory, meaty base for your soup. You can use lean beef or even turkey if you’re looking to lighten things up.
Bacon (4-6 slices) – Bacon adds a crisp, smoky flavor and a bit of texture contrast to the creamy soup.
Yellow Onion (1 medium) – Diced onions provide a mild sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic (2 cloves) – Fresh garlic cloves bring that aromatic, savory note that’s essential in any good soup.
Carrots (2 medium) – Diced carrots add a subtle sweetness and color, balancing out the richness of the meat.
Celery (2 stalks) – Celery offers a slight crunch and an herbal freshness that complements the heavier ingredients.
Potatoes (2 medium) – Potatoes help thicken the soup, providing a creamy, starchy base that gives you that comfort-food vibe.
Beef Broth (3 cups) – This forms the savory liquid base of the soup. Chicken broth can be used as a substitute if preferred.
Heavy Cream (1 cup) – The cream gives the soup its velvety texture and richness.
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – This is where the ’cheeseburger’ flavor really shines. Shredded cheddar is the best choice for melting into that creamy, gooey goodness.
Salt and Pepper – To taste, of course! Seasonings make all the difference in achieving the perfect balance of flavor.
Dried Oregano (½ tsp) – Adds a hint of earthiness that ties the ingredients together.
Dried Thyme (½ tsp) – Complements the beef and vegetables beautifully with its herby undertone.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring this soup to life. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious, cheesy masterpiece:

Cook The Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Once done, remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside. Leave a bit of bacon grease in the pot to sauté your veggies.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and the onions are translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown The Beef
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef to the center. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Broth & Seasonings
- Pour in the beef broth, and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add Potatoes & Simmer
- Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Finish With Cream & Cheese
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Once it’s fully incorporated, add the shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
Final Touches
- Stir in the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with extra salt and pepper.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, crispy bacon, or fresh herbs for garnish if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this creamy cheeseburger soup plays a specific role in building flavor and texture:

Ground Beef: The beef is the soul of a cheeseburger, so it brings a rich, savory element to the soup. You can go for lean beef for a healthier version, but a bit of fat in the beef will make the soup richer.
Bacon: Bacon isn’t just for flavor-it provides a crispy, salty contrast to the smooth, creamy soup. That bite of bacon in every spoonful is like hitting the jackpot.
Cheddar Cheese: While other cheeses can work, cheddar is a classic choice. It melts beautifully and delivers that perfect cheeseburger flavor.
Potatoes: Potatoes add more substance and texture, thickening the soup and making it feel more like a meal than a broth-based soup.

Expert Tips

Use a high-fat beef: For a richer, more flavorful soup, go for ground beef that’s at least 80% lean. The extra fat will contribute to the creaminess and flavor.
Cook the vegetables until tender: Don’t rush the sautéing process. Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery long enough allows them to soften and release their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall taste.
Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a silky, creamy texture in the soup.
For a thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot with a potato masher after they’ve cooked, or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.
Add fresh toppings: Garnish your soup with fresh chives, diced pickles, or even a small dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe Variations

This creamy cheeseburger soup is highly customizable! Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe based on your preferences:

Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or even try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian take.
Add Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. These can complement the beef without overpowering it.
Spicy Twist: For some heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or jalapeños to the soup.
Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp blue cheese for a twist on the classic.

Final Words

This creamy cheeseburger soup is truly a meal in a bowl. It brings together all the best parts of a cheeseburger-beef, cheese, bacon, and all the fixings-in a way that’s cozy and comforting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, feed the family, or just indulge in some cheesy goodness, this soup has you covered.

Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe