When chilly afternoons call for something comforting and filling, this Hearty Creamy Cheeseburger Soup steps in like a warm hug in a bowl. Every spoonful brings together the rich savoriness of tender ground beef and the cozy creaminess of melted cheddar, all balanced by fresh, diced veggies that add a pleasant bite. Warm up with a bowl of this rich and comforting cheeseburger soup that’s perfect for chilly days! With its mingling aromas and satisfying textures, it’s like enjoying your all-time favorite cheeseburger—minus the bun—so you get pure flavor in every spoonful.
This recipe is a breeze for kitchen newcomers and seasoned home cooks alike, sitting at a beginner difficulty level and designed to be on the table in under an hour. In just 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and a short 5-minute rest, you’ve got six hearty servings at around 450 calories each. Whether you’re whipping this up for a casual lunch or tucking into it as a cozy dinner, you’ll find that every component plays a role in building that signature creamy, dreamy base. So grab your ladle and let’s dive into the delicious world of cheeseburger soup!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HEARTY CREAMY CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Every ingredient in this soup pulls its weight, layering flavors and textures that turn a simple bowl into a memorable meal. From the savory meatiness of the beef to the fresh crunch of vegetables, these components work together to create a balanced, satisfying dish.
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty foundation and rich umami flavor that makes this soup feel like the ultimate comfort food.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté the veggies, while adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- Onion: Contributes sweet, aromatic depth once softened, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Garlic: Brings a punchy, aromatic bite that layers perfectly with the beef and onions.
- Carrots: Offer a slight sweetness and tender bite, balancing the savory elements.
- Celery: Adds a mild, herbal crunch that brightens each spoonful.
- Chicken broth: Forms the light, savory liquid base, carrying flavors throughout the pot.
- Potatoes: Give the soup bulk and creaminess once simmered, helping to thicken the broth naturally.
- Dried basil: Infuses gentle herbal notes reminiscent of summer gardens.
- Dried parsley: Lends a fresh, green aroma and subtle earthiness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent when whisked into milk, creating that luscious, creamy texture.
- Milk: Enriches the soup with creaminess and smooth mouthfeel.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, tangy richness, making each spoonful feel indulgent.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy satin finish, rounding out the cheesy flavor.
- Optional cooked and crumbled bacon: Offers an extra layer of smoky crunch if you’re in the mood for decadence.
- Optional chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkles a burst of fresh color and mild herbaceous flavor on top.
HOW TO MAKE HEARTY CREAMY CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Let’s walk through the steps that transform simple pantry staples into a soul-warming, creamy soup. Follow each stage carefully to build depth of flavor and a luxuriously thick texture.
1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until thoroughly browned on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving any rendered fat behind for extra flavor.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and the onions become translucent, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the diced potatoes, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 10–15 minutes.
4. While the soup simmers, whisk together the all-purpose flour and milk in a separate bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
5. Slowly pour the milk-and-flour mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution. Maintain a low simmer for several minutes until the broth thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, allowing them to melt and incorporate fully, creating a velvety, creamy texture.
7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with optional crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley for a delightful finishing touch.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HEARTY CREAMY CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Once your soup is bubbling with cheesy goodness, it’s time to think about the best ways to serve and present it. Whether you’re dishing it up for a casual weeknight or sharing it at a cozy gathering, these ideas will help elevate each bowl.
- Crusty bread dip: Serve alongside thick slices of freshly baked baguette or sourdough. Tear off a warm piece, dip it into the creamy broth, and let that crisp exterior soak up all the cheesy juices.
- Melty cheese topper: Grate extra sharp cheddar over the hot soup just before serving. Watch it melt into a gooey layer that adds an indulgent finish.
- Pickled toppings: Offer a side of quick-pickled onions or jalapeños to brighten the richness with tang and acidity—perfect for those who love a flavor contrast.
- Crispy greens garnish: Fry a handful of kale or spinach until crispy and sprinkle on top for a crunchy, nutritious twist that cuts through the creaminess.
HOW TO STORE HEARTY CREAMY CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Saving leftovers properly ensures you can relive that cozy, comforting feeling days after you first made it. Here are some storage tips to keep the soup tasting fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring you reheat gently over low heat to preserve the creamy consistency.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe, airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave a little headspace for expansion and label with the date. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the texture seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Portion control: Divide the soup into single– or double–serving containers before freezing or refrigerating. This makes reheating quick and prevents repeated heating and cooling, which can affect texture.
CONCLUSION
This Hearty Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is a wonderful celebration of cozy comfort food, blending ground beef, fresh veggies, and melted cheddar into a luscious bowl that satisfies cravings and warms the soul. From the very first step of browning the beef to the final swirl of sour cream, each technique contributes to an unforgettable flavor journey. Whether you’re a beginner cook or you’ve been mastering soups for years, this recipe’s straightforward steps and approachable ingredients ensure you’ll achieve incredible results every time. Don’t forget that you can print this article and save it for later, so the next time a chilly day strikes, you’ll have the perfect plan ready to go. You can also scroll down to find a FAQ below to troubleshoot common questions and get helpful tips.
I’d love to hear how your soup turns out—did you add extra cheese or try those pickled toppings? If you have any comments, questions, or feedback, please share them below. Maybe you discovered a new twist or have a family story tied to this creamy creation. Whatever your experience, I’m here to help and cheer you on as you dive into this heartwarming, flavor-packed soup. Enjoy every spoonful!
Hearty Creamy Cheeseburger Soup
Description
This Hearty Creamy Cheeseburger Soup boasts tender ground beef, fresh veggies, and creamy cheddar that meld together for a satisfying meal in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside, draining any excess fat.
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In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Add the chicken broth, potatoes, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth.
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Slowly add the milk and flour mixture to the pot, stirring continuously. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the soup thickens.
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Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and thoroughly combined.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serve hot, optionally garnished with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley.
Note
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add more flour.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
- For an extra cheesy flavor, consider adding additional cheese or a different blend.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
